Magic 8 Ball Says…
“All signs point to yes!”
This is what it said. I swear it. And its rarely wrong, right?
So…Just when I had FINALLY found my weight loss mojo, Life, God, Mother Nature, whoever you wanna beleive is in charge…Says to me “Not so fast kid…”
I found out Monday, via an appointment with a Neuro Surgeon, that I have to have back surgery…UGH…
I have suffered severe back pain for years. I KNEW something was wrong. But my family doctor drug her feet. And stupid me did not demand any more…She kept telling me it was “Muscular” and there is nothing that could be done…
Well, this year has been hell for me. I had a bad back blowout in March. One of the worst ever where I actually could not walk or stand. I did this one morning by merely getting in my car…I was laid up for days…And I havent ever really recovered…
So for most of the last three months I have delt with chronic pain. Poppin pain pills by the dozens. Not working out like I want because it hurts. I cant sleep at night because my nerves are now affected and my leg, butt cheek, foot and toes tingle all night long…
Its made me very very crabby and depressed…
So FINALLY, in late May, I begged my doctor for an MRI…And sure enough, I have a serverely herniated disc. Degenerative Disc Disease. And arthritis in my spine…
Really?? Hmmm…I thought it was just muscular?
It is no wonder I have felt like I am 80…Ugh…
Back pain sucks. Period. And affects everything else you do.
So surgery is the option given due to the large size and the severity of the herniation. I saw the films myself, and it was all pretty gross…
So immediately, my OCD kicks in…(Who me??)
I am going to die on the table.
I am going to end up paralyzed.
I am going to gain back every single pound I lost in the last four years.
Seriously, that is what I am worried about…
My brain…I tell ya…Sometimes I could shoot my brain…
But. She encouraged me to get moving as soon as I can. Walking. The more active I am the faster I will heal. I cant run, or hit the gym vigorously, but she does encourage me to get moving…
Sooo…I am bummed. Scared. Nervous. Worried about being off for so long. Gaining weight…Etc…
But. I am also excited to MAYBE be pain free for the first time in years…And maybe I will feel sooo good when done that I can really hit the gym hard.
So.
I asked my Magic 8 Ball if I would be okay…And of course, it stated the answer I started off with…All signs point to yes…
I love my Magic 8 Ball…
Well…magic 8 ball or no magic 8 ball..we’re here for you, sistah. you’re going through a lot right now…keep us posted, k?
Be sure to check out water aerobics. (It’s a great core builder) I had a severe bulging disk…. I know the feeling of not being able to get out of bed without having my husband help me sit up first…. taking steps no bigger than 2 inches, and being afraid of turning or reaching for fear of that electric shock of pain that makes you make a loud woofing sound that is embarrassing because you just can’t help it. I was doing PT 3 days a week and he suggested I try water exercise. That was 3 years ago and my doctor told me after I had been going to class for only 6 weeks, that I could stop PT if I kept up the water aerobics. When I started class I could barely get into the pool, even with steps and a hand rail. Now I can use the ladder or steps and don’t even give it a thought. I haven’t had so much as a twinge since then. I now walk (or wog) 3 days a week and do an hour of water aerobics 3 days a week. If there are any classes in your area you might want to give it a try. Ask your magic 8 ball.
ps one of my friends in the class just recently had back surgery and her doctor told her that water exercise is just what she needs to help with her recovery and to keep her back muscles strong. (she did have to wait 6 weeks after her surgery)
Will sure be praying for you. I agree with Sandy, the water exercises would be so good!
And I love your sense of humor… even in times of adversity, you shine.
Please keep us posted, K?
Huggggggggggs and prayers,
Shan
Sending you good thoughts and prayers!
Sorry to hear about this, I know it’s gotta be scary. My brother went through a very similar situation and it took awhile before he found a doctor that believed he had a serious problem. Lo and behold there was several different problems going on. A severely herniated disc that was causing problems in his sciatic nerve and I forget what else but there was another thing or two. Poor guy. So, even though I didn’t go through it myself, I can sympathize vicariously. Hang in there, focus on taking care of yourself and try to not let all the OCD negative thoughts get you down! Sending lots of prayers your way.
