I went to my doctor last Thursday for ex-rays. She said there are definitely some bulging discs and has sent me to the Kenton D. Leatherman Spine Center. I have an appointment with them on the 26th, so in the meantime I guess I'll just move as carefully as I can and hope for more good days than bad. The ex-ray tech showed me one of the ex-rays of my spine curvature, and I was rather shocked at how much it had changed (for the worse) since I was a child. By the way, the surgeon for whom the spine center is named was my doctor back then.
My doc also gave me some Naproxen, and it has helped. Yesterday was a gloomy, dreary old day, and I decided that I would just stay in bed for most of it. I was afraid that lying down all day would actually make by back hurt more, because usually if I'm in bed too long that's what happens. But I guess I needed to rest it more than I thought in this case, because yesterday evening and today my back has felt better than it has in three weeks.
Thomas told me not to get carried away and overdo it just because the pain wasn't as bad as it had been. I am under orders from him to delegate as much household responsibility as I can to my newly graduated son and my more-than-capable daughter. Several friends have called to tell me to call on them if I need anything, and my Mom has threatened to send my sister Lois up here to help me out.
Do you know how hard it is for me to ask for or accept help? That is one area where I don't have enough humility, and I dread lest I should actually have to take someone up on an offer of help. I'm confessing one of my worst sins here. I don't like not being able to do things for myself -- one of those control things I guess.
Last Friday I took Eler Beth with me to get some groceries, even though I knew I should have waited for Thomas to get home. I was okay until I started to get out of the car. I had to have her bring a cart around for me to use to pull myself up out of the car. I could barely walk through the store, and Eler Beth offered to get me one of those motorized carts! No, I think I'll put that off until I absolutely have no other choice. I'm used to zipping through the stores or wherever I need to go, and I am actually appalled at the idea of having to use something to help me get around. Now isn't that a pitiful attitude to have?
But the Naproxen and the day's complete rest yesterday have taken away the numbness and the burning down my leg (or else it just went away on its own), and the pain in my hip and lumbar is much better if I don't forget and move too quickly. So I guess I'll be happy that right now I have a respite and hope that it lasts. And I guess I'll do what Thomas says and sit and direct the kids with a lot of the housework instead of doing it myself. And I will hope and pray that surgery won't be necessary.
There are so many others out there who are so much worse off than I am, but thank you for letting me complain a bit here. I need to catch up with J-land to see what's going on in everyone else's world. So ta-ta for now.
29 comments:
It does us good to share our problems with people who care. You don't often complain. Go ahead and tell us how you feel.
I hope they can help you. Back pain makes one feel bad all over.
I'm just now catching up with journals and I am so sorry to hear about your pain. Nobody understand unless they have had to endure it. I pray that you will well much better and find a way to get around better. Don't let pride stand in your way of using one of those motorized carts. I had to use one about 10 yrs ago when I was in my 40's. Ya know you can really fly in those things. ;-) Anne
glad you're feeling better. thomas is right! don't overdo...i know it's hard not to get up and do all the things you're used to doing, but you owe it to yourself to take care of you.
your son has graduated!! congratulations to him and the proud family. they sure grow up fast...do you have pictures to show us?
Hi!
I'll keep you in my prayers that surgery won't be necessary and that you feel better fast!
I've had to use the electric scooter- for my back and shoot pain into my leg a number of times in the past 2 years -- it's saved me - I'm a pro now lol - I've used it in vegas even scooting down vegas blvd- it's been a live saver- so use it if you need it - anything to avoid the pain and possible surgery!!!
You have a smart husband and very sweet kids!!!
Love,
Michelle
Will keep you in my prayers and that you continue to feel much better. Janie
Lori- as a fellow, former milwaukee brace wearer....i feel your pain! i hope you get some relief soon, and surgery is not necessary. but i have to say i agree with Thomas .....if doing housework makes it worse, let the kids do it; it is a relief for you....and a good lesson for them :)
~Cathy
good gravy! There are too many of us lately that need to be taken out back and put out of our misery!
I hope you start feeling even better!!!
~Amy
Many prayers to you!! Back pain is so terribly uncomfortable!! I'm relieved to hear you have a good doctor and hope that she is helpful!! So glad you have the kids there to help you out and me too have been leaning on my family during my health struggles lately. Much hugs and hope you feel better soon!
Lisa
I'm taking Lyrica for mine and can't see that is is doing much good. Bed rest probably would be good but I just can't do that unless I can't see what needs to be done. Good luck, Paula
Oh Lori. I totally sympathise with back pain. You have a great attitude towards things but don't let It make matters worse. Tuck away that pride In a drawer and get a little assistance until you are properly back on your feet. See? You don't need to ask.... we will all harass you Into It! lol. ;-) Love Pam xx
Hope you do have more good days than bad. Get the kids and hubby going on what needs done, and take extra special care of yourself.
Smiles, Leigh
I know your pain, I have 2 bulging discs and degeneration of my spine at C-6...the Naproxen made me so sick I couldn't take it. I can't (and don't) ask anyone for help...ever. I stopped going for treatment since my doc told me it was pointless since I won't listen anyway....so, listen to your doctor and take advantage of the good help you have. I hope the pain abates for you somewhat.
xx
Lisa
I hope you get to feeling better soon , I will keep you in my prayers
hugs
Sherry
Goodness! I hope it continues to improve. Have you ever gone to a chiropractor? I love mine!
Traci
I know how hard it is to really listen and really rest.
It is the best thing to rest, but my guess is you have forgotten what that means, "rest." You are a wife and a mother! You probably don't even have "rest mode" anymore! But, try, try, try, okay???
Take care!
jae
I'm catching up to you hon. First congratulations on your son's graduation. I'm so sorry to hear your in pain hon. I will keep you in my prayers on the smoke. I hope they are able to do something to help you soon. (Hugs) Indigo
Sorry to hear your still having back trouble and having a lot of pain..I know how that feels..and fingers crossed surgery won't be necessay, but all you can do is rest. It's difficult to accept hel , however sometimes you just need to do exactly that.
Take care
Yasmin
xx
Darn it Lori, use the damn cart, I do. You take the Rx right? So use everything you can to stay as completely in the world as you can, while you can. Unasked for advice I know, but experience yearns to yell. All your talent, your drive, your empathy - don't let pain rob you of your peace. Luv you, xoxo CATHY
Oh Lori I'm so sorry to hear what's going on!! I haven't been around for weeks and now come to hear this! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers!! Hope you feel better and please don't do anything you should be doing!
Hugs, Martha
I mean don't do anything you SHOULDN'T be doing!
You are in my prayers. Don't deny those that would help you the blessing of serving others! - BArbara
I'm glad you're feeling a bit better, but Thomas is right: don't overdo it.
I know exactly what you mean about asking for help, because I'm the same way. I'm not sure why, because I can remember my mom and her sisters all getting together to tackle a project, like when someone was moving into a new house. They'd start in the morning and clean the place top-to-bottom. It was just a given that they'd all help each other. I'm not sure why it's hard to ask for help--a sign of weakness? Not being capable enough? For me it's more of not wanting to impose on anyone.
Sounds like you're being forced into that position, like it or not. I'm sure it won't be easy, but accept the help for what it is: people who care about you and want to help.
Also, I hope you're not being affected by the flooding in central and southern Indiana. It sounds terrible.
Take care,
Beth
Take the help if you can get it. It's not your fault that you are hurting and that is what family and friends are for... (((HUGS))) -Missy http://journals.aol.com/ma24179/MISSYZSTUFF
i had a disc removed 14 years ago,as i had so much pain. did it help? unfortunately no as the nerve had been damaged due to my sheer stupidity in not doing what i was told by physio. so you be careful please. take care mort xx
Sorry you are struggling with backpain. I know others who find it just too hard to ask for help. You strike me as being the very independent sort without your saying so, but this time loks like you really need a helpng hand. The memory of you changing your mind and accepting my offer of a book I thought you would really apprecaite will always stay in my mind. It meant more to me when you confessed you found it hard to accept a proffered gift and did so. But I do think you have loving children who will be glad to help Mama out. Gerry
Oh my hubby has a bad back too. I hope you feel better soon. We'll be going to the doctors on the same day. XO
I understand what you mean about it being hard to let someone else help out but it sounds like you need to do just that for a little bit.
hey...there might be others out in jland worse than you...doesn't mean one thing if you are hurting...and I know you are...back pain is nothing new to this jlander....so get all the rest you can until you have your appt at the Center...and we will pray it is all good news that can be handled with exercise or therapy of sorts...keep in touch...and God Bless...hugs...Ora in KY oh and...PS....Happy Anniversary!!!!!
I am also struggling with humility in my life... and I think I always will!
I have missed you... for some reason I wasn't getting any alerts... when I double checked my alerts, your were off. So Sorry!! I will try to catch up on all you ahve been through in the last month...
I pray you are well and are leaning on the Lord for his SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH!! He is the ULTIMATE HEALER!! The GREAT PHYSICIAN!
Many blessings to you-
Amanda
Post a Comment