Progress Report: Week 35

Well, things have been harder the past couple of weeks. I think since I have been feeling so good, I think I am well, then do things that remind me that I'm not.

Work has been incredibly stressful, and I think that means more time chained to a desk and not up and walking around. I swear that makes a difference (a bad one).

Also, been swimming. Still only logging in maybe once a week. Not walking as much. I can tell! I am having pain and sciatica.

Swam 1,000 yards last weekend -- about half a mile. I felt great. Then I could feel it the next day. I think that plus the not walking and sitting at a desk pulled a number on me. I have been feeling the crazy weird nerve zaps and quick pains, burning and methodical throbbing again, usually underneath my foot. Felt those a lot when I was first healing. Thought they were gone. Well, like Britney, they're back, bitch. (Or is that "it's Britney, bitch?" Think of it as "It's Your Herniated Disc, Bitch!" then.)

BUT, it is not every day. But it was totally gone and now it's back, sometimes. That is disconcerting.

Then, I did a stupid thing. Someone at work put a "free scanner" in the hallway. This is a several-hundred-dollar professional scanner. I HAD to get it. I did my best using my legs, but after I took it to my cubicle, I knew I'd messed up. Let's just say the ice packs are back in use.

However I am pretty sure that I didn't reherniate, just maybe pulled something. But then the thoughts come flooding into your head, especially when you can't sleep because your back hurts (and because SoCal is in a 100+ temp heat wave, and you have no a/c) and you just think again and again about how dumb you were to pick it up and don't you know better?

But I feel better today, or at least right now. It is just one hell of a process.

Another thing that is freaky is that this week is coming up on my year anniversary on how my back just died. I tried to drive to work one day and couldn't. (Debilitating sciatica.) Then a couple of days later, I couldn't walk for about a day or so. I will never forget having to claw at the wall to try to get to the bathroom. Quite humbling and life-changing stuff.

But again overall I know I am doing great, and better than so many others, and for that I am grateful. It's just a strange thing, this back stuff.

Progress Report: Week 33

Well, my 9 month surgery anniversary just passed this week and I didn't even think of it until now. That is probably a good sign.

Things are going well. Not too different than before really. Overall feeling pretty good. Started having some mild sciatica behind my knee, and some lower back pain, this week but nothing too bad. Taken advil a few times. It seems to be getting better. I might be less numb in my little toe. It's hard to tell.

Continuing to walk and swim a few times a week. I know I keep saying this, but I can't get over how much swimming seems to help. Plus, it's fun too. Hope I can continue through the winter!