Life has a way of slowing us down sometimes.
We've had lots of time to cuddle and receive help from friends and neighbors.
My back pulled badly when I jumped over a bush while racing the Firstborn home from the bus. ("Let's race, Mom!") It wasn't very painful at first. And, since I've pulled and healed that area I the past, I didn't think much of it. The next day, I bought and assembled a 9' Costco Christmas tree. (Our 5yo, $70 Lowe's tree looked depressing with 4/5th of the light bulbs burned out.)
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| In my defense, it's a great tree! Plugs are in the trunk! |
Still, I didn't feel horrible until the weekend. (Jump happened Tuesday. A ciprofloxacin prescription might have irritated my joints and back as well.) By Saturday, it was hard to walk. I reached out to my PCP and an in-network chiropractor, both of whom were closed.
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| I'm really glad we invested in quality recliners with lumbar support. They've been life-savers. |
We watched Mass on EWTN while DH went to church. It's not my favorite way to celebrate the liturgy.
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| The biggest bummer for me was missing Christmas Mass. |
On Tuesday, we discovered that I would need an MRI in order to know what was causing the pain. The insurance didn't allow authorization from my chiro; so, my PCP sent in an order. I let the chiro manipulate my back, which I'm 90% certain made things worse. I felt bruised all along my spine afterward. The next morning, my left hip popped and immediately sent severe pinching sensations on both sides of my lumbar spine. I had to stop all movements to find a comfortable position. It took a few days and more pain to discover that I needed this painkiller.
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| Aspirin works better for me than ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Caffeine helps my body absorb the medicine faster. |
To add to the excitement, my kids picked up what seems like the flu and passed it on to me. Whatever it is, almost everyone we know has it.
I'm using it as an excuse to eat phó.
I'm supposed to get up and walk around every half hour so my back doesn't worsen. On one walk, I returned to this:
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| I love my sweet kids! |
On Tuesday, two weeks after the initial pull, my PCP had the MRI results in my inbox. I was so relieved to know what I had and, hence, have a plan to heal. Her note:
We were kind enough to pass the flu along to DH, who has a stellar immune system, but who was attacked from 13 different fronts over the course of a week and a half. At least we are all home enjoying each other.
And our weather is finally cold -- 14 degrees this morning!
Although it's been a pretty challenging year, we are so grateful for overall health and happiness. Family is the biggest blessing. I'm so grateful for mine!
