Sunday, November 03, 2013
Back Atcha!
My back has been really fouled up for nearly three weeks. It's getting old. I had more deeply terrifying moments with cancer, but mostly unrelenting physical pain takes me to much longer lasting dark moods that are more difficult to pull myself out of. My family finds me ever so charming as well. I did make it to a very gentle yoga workshop on Friday night and that was really lovely. It was good to be back, even if not fully.
I've decided to try acupuncture for the back issues. If I understand it correctly it works on the qi, or energy flow, of the body to make sure it's all unimpeded or something. So if there is pain you go ask someone to put 65 needles in your body, leave them there, and tell you to relax because functioning as your own full-sized voodoo doll makes you think, "Bloody hell, there's a handful of pins in me. If I need to scratch my nose or sneeze or something I could have a real problem....wow, I haven't even noticed that my back hurts. This shit is amazing!" Joking aside, when it was over and I had to put my shoes on it was the first time in weeks it didn't hurt to tie my shoes.
Back pain (and realizing I felt better after sleeping on a friend's couch than in my own bed, for crying out loud) has also provided the impetus for purchasing a new mattress. I am hoping that sleeping on a mattress which is flat as opposed to concave will have a positive effect on the state of my lumbar spine and supporting musculature. It's maybe a little weird how excited I am about a new mattress. I'd say it's the little things in life that make me happy but given that the mattress is king-sized I don't think it quite qualifies as little. We'll see how tomorrow morning goes.
In other news I go back to Fox Chase tomorrow for my three month check up. It's going to be 4 hours in the car, which is the worst thing for my back but I am trusting it will be a good report and I am hoping for some nice weather so I can make some pit stops to get out of the car and stretch and enjoy a little walking around.
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11 comments:
I have this image of sneezing during acupuncture and impaling the acupuncturist, shooting quills like a porcupine.
good luck tomorrow.
I have heard about the wonders of acupuncture.
I know someone who swears that acupressure (similar to acupuncture, but no needles) has cured her of allergies and all sorts of pain issues. Hope you are on the road of healing.
My grandmother had terrible back pain and she tried everything for relief, but nothing worked until she tried acupuncture.
... I felt better after sleeping on a friend's couch than in my own bed
Working third shift when I come home I unwind by plopping on the couch and watching some television. It's weird but I often fall asleep for an hour or two before finally going to bed. However, once I go to bed I can't get comfortable which makes sleep difficult.
I'm glad to know acupuncture makes a difference; I'm totally ready to believe in it, should I ever need to, and your story helps shore up my someday-faith.
May the new mattress make all the difference. We caved last summer and did what I consider: we got a Sleep Number bed since I like soft and Byron likes hard. For the first few weeks, I thought, "Huh. No biggie." But now I sleep well and hard and deeply--and my shoulders and hips don't hurt anymore!
All the best to you with this check-up.
Mention every pain, in excruciating detail. Get some good mind-diverting meds. Take a mental vacation :-)
Sheesh, if your poor back didn't hurt already, a 4-hour car ride could be enough to cause a problem in itself. You should try hanging by your wrists overnight like Gene Wilder in Stir Crazy. That'll probably fix ya right up.
LOL @ coopernicus. . .
Hope your back starts co-operating, and sooner than later. . .
Belatedly, Happy Birthday!
I hope the follow-up visit is quick and uneventful and the acupuncture does the trick
Ugh. Sounds like you are really going through it lately.
Sending prayers and good thought your way on your 3 month check up and also that your back pain goes away. Hopefully that new mattress will help!
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