Tuesday, April 26, 2016

The Straw that Broke This Camel's Back


After my lovely day out an about on Saturday, the fun weekend came to a screeching halt sometime during the night. I attempted to get out of bed in the yet dark hours of Sunday morning when pain went coursing through my whole body. I generally have a sore back, made worse when I have arthritis flareups in my knee as I tend to get an odd gate. This was beyond even the bad back ache days. No amount of ice, rest, and ibuprofen was helping. I puttered online a bit, but no significant work could be done because sitting in a chair was excruciating. My brain hurt from panic that I would never feel relief. I had visions of all the day trips I wouldn't be able to take. I was saying goodbye to vacation hikes in Europe, and playing on the ground with future grandchildren. I have a flare for dramatic in my own head. 

Having eaten my body weight in ibuprofen, DH was able to help get me to the doctor and some much needed adjustments, and heavier duty meds. Today, I am sore, but functioning. I'm taking just OTC tablets again, and will bring a couple ice packs with me, to rotate through the day at work. I haven't taken a sick day since my surgery in December of 2014, and now will have the dreaded catch up. I'll play it by ear, and if the pain comes back, I'll head home. Fortunately, my car has one of those lumbar adjusting seats and is quite comfortable. I also have a great chair at work, and a standing desk options to break up the day sitting. I won't baby my back, but will take precautions.

Too many straws, and being forced to slow down, despite the dreaded feeling of being behind, was sobering. While I didn't cause the root of my health issues, I did a poor job of paying attention to my body and relieving the side effects. Let this be a lesson to me, that I only get one body. Best take better care of it.

10 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear that. I have just started on the arthritis walk. Not pleasant.
    Sending healing wishes your way!
    Xo Jazzy Jack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Much appreciated. Word of advice; take the physical therapy exercises if prescribed. I think the back issues of late have been brought on by letting my core exercises go by the wayside.

      Delete
  2. Ooh poor you how horrid. There are two schools of thought aren't there? keep moving or rest I think a bit of both just don't over do it. I do know how you feel though so I'm sending positive thoughts out to you to get better soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Wendy. I am resting, icing, and moving. I am starting the weaning off the ibuprofen-smaller doses, and perhaps will not need them tomorrow.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. I am. I had my ice pack behind my back all day, and got up for frequent walks, per doc's orders. Sore, but not excruciating any longer.

      Delete
  4. Yikes! I hope you feel better soon!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've had back issues since I was 14 and fell off a trampoline so I can empathize with what you're going through. I take an aspirin every morning with my coffee. It really helps but probably isn't doing my stomach any good. Sigh. I hate those "catch up" times at work too but if your back doesn't improve I recommend more rest!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As I cannot have aspirin, and ibuprofen gets rough on my stomach, I try to hold off as long as possible, but this time, waited too long. I can't imagine being a teen with a bad back-so sorry for your accident.

      Delete

Join the conversation. Your comments are welcome. Dissenting and different opinions are welcome as makes for good conversation. I moderate comments to be sure I read them all and stay ahead of the spam. Advertising products or services without permission will be deleted, as will anything that may be harmful to others-read promotion of debunked "experts" and conspiracies. If you're a blogger, feel free to include your blog URL.