A Better Morning

 The back is feeling slightly better today. After doing my PT exercises, swallowing too many pills for pain, and just trying to NOT aggravate the back, it is finally starting to return to normal. I might be walking normally by Christmas. And, I figured my BP counts would be higher than usual due to the pain factor, but yesterday was the lowest BP and Glucose count days I have ever had. Weird.

So, I mentioned I had finished up what I considered to be my portion of the Christmas shopping on Tuesday. With the back hurting, I have not gotten around to wrapping those things - so today will be that day. I verified with the Wife that we had tape, and where it was. She also delegated met o wrap another shopping bag of things. I hate wrapping. If I didn't refuse to give gifts at most holidays, I would invest in a gift bag company. Or better yet, maybe I should get gift cards from now on. 

The back is hurting enough that I am not able to do the Santa gig at the Wife's work this morning. So last night, she dug out her Mrs Clause outfit, and I guess she is going to fill in for Santa. I didn't ask, because I didn't want to know. It was not a paid event, as I do it for volunteer work only. I feel bad enough I am not able to walk well enough to do it, but now she is "covering" for me....<growl>.

I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. My football team plays tomorrow afternoon, and I am thinking about heading to the pub to watch it. The Wife will be working on gift wrapping most of the later part of the day (hopefully not through midnight). Sunday is Christmas, and I don't believe our family is getting together until closer to noon. I think the Daughter & family won't be up until probably 2'ish. I should check withe her and find out. Then that evening we will join RM & PT for dinner and gift exchange at their house to round out the evening.

I'm kinda sitting here, looking at the "pile" of gifts I need to wrap - the ones I bought - and O think about what RM has been saying the past few days. I mean in regards to her worries if someone likes the gift she gets them or not, and how it is 'the thought that counts" versus the gift. I know most of the gifts I bought were things I was told that had requested - maybe not quite the style, but still. Some were not even asked for, but I had thoughts behind them. Then there are the gift cards of course. I really don't care if they like it or not. Be happy they are getting something, is my thought. Personally, I have become to dislike receiving presents more and more as the years pass. I don't know if it is a 'guilt' because maybe in my opinion the gift I received has more value than what I gave, or if it is I have to like it because it was a gift. I'm not saying I get things I don't like (well, that happens to all of us) it just makes me feel uncomfortable.

The Wife should be finishing up getting ready for work. I wonder if she is wearing the outfit, or taking and changing. Either way, waiting for her to leave. I'm going to cheat on my food stuff and head up to Jack in the Box for a breakfast meal and a large soda. Been craving soda quite a bit the last few days. Maybe the Middle Son will remember and get me some Mtn Dews for Christmas.

PeacE

It's Back (Again)

 Tuesday, I woke the Youngest and we went out to "finish shopping" for Christmas. I grabbed a few last items I needed, and he picked out some things for his Mom. All in all, I thought it was a good thing, and add in that I was getting some more exercise than normal with the additional walking that we were doing. Well, that was not the right thing evidently. I woke yesterday with my back hurting. Seems the walking and who knows what else I might have done wrong, my disk has started to slip again. Several times I spent doing the exercises the PT had me do years ago, and which I do everytime this happens. Usually within a day or two, it starts adjusting back to where it needs to be, but today I ain't feeling like it is. I am suppposed to play Santa tomorrow at the facility where the Wife works, but I told her yesterday I may not be able to, since I can hardly walk. She had texted back that they could whell me around ina  wheelchair. I didn't respond - not knowing if she was serious or joking.

So today is day two of exercises and acetaminophen. Laying doen is fine, as long as I don't roll over, or twitch. Sitting ina  chair is fine, until I need to get up and walk around. I'll probably end up in my oiffice chair, watching shows through the day. Maybe a little Warcraft.

It's no fun feeling like this....

PeacE

A Little Bit of Quiet

 It's nice and quiet at 3:30 in the morning. Well, at least this morning it is. I have been sitting here at teh computer for the past three hours since I awoke and could not go back to sleep. I have caught up on my boook reviews I needed to complete. I've done a few searches for some possible ARCs to read/review. I've caught up on my emails (for now). Social media has been reviewed - atleast as much as I wanted to scroll through. The only options I kind ofhave left are play Warcraft, or watch some TV show/movie. Not sure which I will; chose once I post this....

Saturday was a good day. The practice Youngest had for band was cancelled, so we didn't have to rush anywhere and be somewhere at a certain time. The Wife and I ended going out shopping/running errands. I got quite a bit of walking in today - especially for me, and my legs were quite sore come evening. The walking is probably why I was in bed by 9pm as well, leading to the early hour wake-up.

Monday is my next doctor appointment, and I am a little (nervous? leery? apprehensive?) about going. Granted I just started going to the doctor again just around 6 months ago, and you know it may take a few trips to get medication dosages just right ... but I was just getting used to the new doc I was seeing. I liked him. Now he is gone and they assigned me to a new doctor - a female, but I told them it was no matter to me. I am sure the will be yet another dosage adjustment, and I am sure she will want new lab work done (test the cholesterol levels - see if that med is working). I am hoping she can switch me from Lis to Los on my BP meds, as the Lis has been giving me rashes. Then I hope she will just let me go for at least a year. With it being a new doc, I am sure I will get the regular speech about my drinking habits, my weight, my smoking, and who knows what else she will find to chastise me. Sigh. It is what it is. Shaming me doesn't encourage any change.

Later today we will be headed to Tucson for a concert. It is a group called Lo Bros, and this will be their final concert as a group together. We saw one of the shows last year, and it was nice. We bought four tickets and invited the SIL and Daughter to go. Part is early for her birthday this week. Then we will drive back home as I have the appointment, the Wife has work, and Youngest has school. Hoping to get a nap sometime this morning prior to driving this afternoon.

The back is not quite back to 100%, and it was bothering a bit more than usual after all the walking, which does not surprise me. I should be able to get through the shifts of sitting for 2-3 hours throughout the day with little discomfort.

I guess that leaves me without much else to say.

PeacE

I 'Quit' Work ...

 Tuesday morning was a tough one. I woke and realized that there was a problem. It hurt to sit up. It hurt to walk to the bathrrom. My lower back was definitely using my nerves to express displeasure for something... I can only figure I "slept int he wrong position" or similar, as to why it hurt so much. But I needed to get to work, so I took a couple ibuprofen (with the regular plethora of prescription pills) and sat down to the computer. For about five minutes. I didn't (couldn't) sit there long enough to log into the work system. I opted for email to the Project leaders, and explained I needed that day off due to medical issues, and that I should return the next day. I spent the rest of Tuesday, trying to relax on the bed, doing exercises from my PT after teh work comp injury years ago, and attempting to sit for longer perioods of time in the chair.

Wednesday I woke feeling better, but still not able to sit long enough to complete an 8-hour work day, even if I took several 30-minute breaks. Getting the discs in my back aligned correctly will take a few days. So again I emailed the Project Leaders, and removed myself from the current project. I also let them know I would contact HR when I was going to be available agin for other projects. Do I feel bad? Not really. I started this project being told it was only a week ling, and here we are a month and half later... add to that, this final stage was ending Friday or Monday, with Monday I needed off anyways.

Now it is Thursday, and yes, the back feels better. I'm still doing the exercises several times a day. No ibuprofen, and able to sit for more than hour now...so everything is slowly getting to where it needs to be. By Sunday, I hope it back to normal considering we are driving to Tucson, attending a concert, and driving back (about 8 hours probably in total of sitting).

The Daughter, our oldest child, will be celebrating her birthday next week. Hard to believe she is turning 31, especially considering the Youngest Son is only 16 and lives at home still. In some ways that makes me feel old, but I know that is only a mind-set. It's the body's aches and pains that make me feel old....lol!

PeacE

Let's Take It Easy - Ouch!

 As I drifted off to sleep last night, I had the thought that today would go pretty smooth. Then I did something, in my sleep I am thinking. Around 4am, I am not sure if it was my bladder that woke, or my back, as I went to roll over. That sharp little stab of pain in the lumbar region, that tells me I have moved in some fashion, in some unregular way, somehow, and started a disc slipping, or something. It repeatedly reminded me it was there, as I did shuffle off to get the bladder to shut up at least.

I returned to bed, and did a couple leg sifting exercises I was taught at the PT's for my work comp injury. It felt like it helped a little. Then I stretched out on my back and just tried to relax. It wasn't long before I was able to fall back to sleep, though most of the morning I would wake when shifting/rolling....so didn't get much of a "good sleep".

So sitting here, trying not to shift or twist in my desk chair, for the next several hours trying to work is going to be fun. I already started the acetaminophen, and at the expense of my liver, would love to just add some Jack Daniels throughout the day to 'numb the day'. But duty calls. I am sure if I get to where I need to log off and lay down, or whatever, the 'bosses' would understand. I just hate having to do that.

Guess I should get back to actually working, and off this break.

PeacE

Where Are All The Good Drugs?

 The past two weeks have been pure 'pain in my ass', as you would know if you read the past few posts I've put up. After the wasted (and expensive) trip to the ER, it seems like painful issue after painful issue has been happening to my body, with no relief seeming to be in sight. I have been trying to stay off my feet, to hopefully let this knee issue resolve itself. Because with the knee hurting, it has thrown off my gait, which has now messed with my back, complicating the previous work comp injury, so my spinal disc has started to slip, rubbing the nerve. I thought Friday I had rested up off the knee enough, but evidently was on it too much last night. Today was bad enough I was taking acetaminophen every four hours, with seemingly no results. Wish I had something stronger, or even some muscle relaxers like the Doc gave me when I had the injury. They helped at night to get to sleep.

Well, life has been pretty dull other than dealing with these pain issues. Heard from the Company mid-week, after I had emailed inquiring if there were any projects I could be assigned to. Supposedly, there were "several projects coming up at the end of the week" and I was "at the top of the list to get assigned" but of course, here it is early Sunday morning, and I have not heard a word since. Hoping to get that email early Monday morning (since the 'Assigners' are on East Coast time) that they have something. If not, another email will go out when I rise from bed.

Well, RM would be proud. With all the issues I been having, I have decreased my alcohol intake by quite a margin. Not drinking as much, or as often, which is nice on the pocketbook of course. I went near a week after the ER with no drinking at all, then eased back into it. I think I am still trying to be sure the original issue wasn't related to the drinking, and I truly don't believe it was.

The big 5-0 birthday is coming up soon... just over a week away. Looks like I may get all my kids together on Labor Day to have supper out to celebrate. Still waiting to hear from Oldest Son to confirm, but he had sent me his work schedule and he was off in the evening. Hope that don't change. Haven't thought much about any gift I would want from anyone. I'll have a night out at some of the pubs I hang at, and get some free drinks from those folks. I know RM had said she had something for me, and she knows how I am not big about gifts, so I am curious about it would be. I'm guessing the Wife will get me some snacks I like. If I can get all my kids together for dinner, I think that would be the best gift I want. Was able to do it last year, so hoping it will work out this year as well.

The Daughter is turning 30 late in the month as well. I have been looking for a good 'gag gift' to tease her, but haven't found the right thing yet. Need to soon or it won't have shipping time to get here. Hard to believe my oldest is nearing 30 already... the Youngest is 15. Sigh. Time marches on ....

Alright, enough ramblin' on this morning.

PeacE

'Round 'n 'Round it Goes, When Will it Stop....?

 Tuesday late afternoon, the knee was feeling a bit better. I decided to go hang out with some friends for a bit. We went to a pub I hadn't been to in a few days - not our regular place, but near it. We had only been there about an hour, when I figured out how I hurt the knee.

I had headed to the restroom (desire was string after 3 pitchers of water - yes, I was not drinking any alcohol) and pushed open the men's room door. At this locale, the restroom door is a hard open, and has what I call a stiff spring on the door, meaning the spring-action that shuts the door automatically, is too tight, and requires more force to open/close, and it shuts harder than average. Well, as I pushed it open, balanced as I was on my legs and cane, the door came swinging shut before I was fully through the door. By bumping my side, it threw me a little off balance, causing me to twist the right leg (at the knee) just a little. This time it twinged with pain, that I did a no-no. I recalled being at this pub the night before I noticed all this new knee pain. That evening, though I now knew to expect this when opening the door, it still happened twice more. I'm pretty sure this is how I hurt the knee. So, in a way, that is good to know.

Wednesday goes fine. Still resting and off the legs/feet as much as possible to help speed up the knee recovery. No side pains, or anything else to note. We decided to go to a local pizza place for dinner as 25% of all meals bought were being donated to the HS Band where the Youngest is attending (and is in the band). AS I went to get into my vehicle to leave, I felt like I had literally sat on my testicles. Quickly I jumped out of the seat, and kind of grabbed the 'boys' and was thinking to myself 'WTH?' I slowly lowered myself back into the seat, and still just felt the discomfort, as you guys know, of being knocked in the nards. It faded as we drove and had dinner. Though when we went to leave the pizza place, it flared again as I sat in my seat, though I was being cautious about how I lowered myself into the car.

Once we got home, I shifted out of my clothes into some gym shorts to go sit in front of the computer. As I lowered into the office chair, again that pain, though now I am also feeling some back pain near the spine on the left side. I go to bed, and certain movements shifting from side to side, getting into/out of bed, etc, caused these pains to flare. So like most morons, I google my symptoms. I read probably about twenty entries from cancer to clogged veins, but never had the same symptoms, until I get to the very bottom of one page. Lower back pain, and pain in the groin/lower abdomen - caused more than likely from the spinal nerve being pinched in the lumbar section. 

My work comp injury from about 4-5 years ago - slippage of the L4 or L5 disc, causing distress to the spinal nerve. My knee hurting and causing me to "change" my gait, causing muscles to work differently, thus causing my back pain. Great. Things just seem to multiply around me these past two weeks. My guess is if I can "heal" up the knee pain, stay off of it, etc, things should shift back into the normal range for me. Hopefully before my birthday coming up.

Sigh. Feels like a lot to wish for....

PeacE

The Fun of Self-Diagnosis

 Well, there really isn't any fun in it at all. Trying to guess why your toe hurts and how it is connected to the hair-loss you have on the back of your head, is somehow comical, but mostly it is weird ... and scary. But that is what I talked about with the Wife tonight. I brought up how my 'good' knee has been pretty painful the past few days, though being off of it has helped a little. I also mentioned the lower back pain that has been starting up, an actual flaring up of my work comp injury. I'm pretty sure it has to do with my knee. Having the knee hurt as mush, I've adjusted my step/gait, and I am confident that that is what is causing my back to flare from making muscle adjustments it is not used to, and it is shifting my spine a bit. Which is also close to where I am feeling some "pulling" when laying on my right side ... all could be muscle related. So what am I going to do about it? Rest. Stay off my feet for the next few days as much as possible. Do a few of the PT exercises for my back that were beneficial when I was injured. I figure that is about all I can do at this point.

I hate feeling like I have the past week plus. I'm used to "little" aches and pains, that go away after a few days. Not these things that make you want to cut the hurt out with a knife and stab it to death. I'm sure it is just age and the body falling apart on me, since I have not been the best caretaker of this flesh. I know, I know ... I sound like a whiny baby, and I am sure I am being one. Just so tired of this.

Speaking of tired, my sleep schedule is all messed up again. Trying to rest as much as possible has led to extra naps, so sleeping all night has been off the table for at least the last three nights. Today I was in bed before ten, now just after one I am up again. Hopefully in a couple hours I will be able to lay down and get a few more short hours in.

Right now my life is pretty boring, so don't be surprised if I don't write much.

PeacE

Whine Day

 I just feel like whining about stuff today. My back is bothering me. I twisted the wrong doing something Saturday night, as when I awoke Sunday, it was giving the needle-stab nudges that something in the lower part wasn't feeling good. I imagine I twisted at the wrong angle, probably when getting out of the car when I got home, and it just took some time to set in. Doing acetaminophen for "pain control" and trying to stay off my feet, but sitting or laying down for long periods is not good for it either. Trying to do some of the exercises when I had to PT a few years back for this issue, and it seems to help a little. Most of it is stretching exercises in different ways for the lumbar area.

I am hoping to hear something from the company this week that there is a new project to start up. If not, I think I may go back to looking for a regular job. Being stuck at home right now with no job is depressing. With the Wife not working it drives me even a little more nuts - not that she is constantly bugging me or anything, because she isn't. I just need to get back to a job - preferably one not far away, and not as physical as the last one I was at.

I am expecting a call from the eyeglass store though. Went about a week and a half ago to do a new vision screening, and picked out some frames. Yes, my vision did worsen a bit, as did the vision in my bifocals. I lucked out and found a set of frames that match my current ones well, and just ordered two sets of those. I always get two, so I have a back-up pair. It has proven useful many times over the past years due to scratches on one set, etc.

The temperature finally dropped under 100, ending the run for a record streak of days over 100 consecutively. I know the record was 143 days, and we were getting purty darn close to that number. I think we ended up around 138-139. 

Still need to get the Wife out to test drive some vehicles. She seems pretty stuck on a Traverse, but has looked at pics of some others. I would like to take an afternoon and test drive 4-5 different ones so she can "feel" how they handle. She has agreed to do that, we just haven't set a date/time. Maybe this week. Would like to get her vehicle bought by next weekend. That way I'll have at least the minivan she is driving now, for me to use until I find me a new car as well. The last two months has sucked not having a car of my own. Catching rides and Uber have been how I have been getting around when I do get the chance to leave the house.

Youngest Son is on school break this week, then they return to school with a hybrid program when they return. He will go to school on Tuesdays and Fridays, be online Mondays and Thursdays, and all students are online on Wednesdays. Hopefully after the winter break (at the latest) they will return to a 5-day at school week.

Christmas is approaching, as I know RM has mentioned several times in her blog, and shopping just ain't getting done. I have no idea what to get anyone - sons, daughter, granddaughter, mother, stepfather, wife - and that's all I need to buy for. Plus the Wife's bday in early December. It is never many things for the kids anymore. Most of the things they want, or have asked for, or that we feel they could use in their lives, are generally more expensive. When it comes to my parents, there is just nothing they really need or want (according to RM). I know gift cards are pretty much what I am thinking for the most part for everyone. Yeah. Not a lot of thought in the gift-giving, but they can use it for what they want. I know I have some Amazon sites marked for some items I am considering for the kids. Who knows?

PeacE

November Has Arrived

Halloween is over. Thanksgiving is coming up. Christmas after that. In two months the year will be over, and I think back over what has happened this year, and how it has changed things. New house. One (newer) car. Three accidents, two damaged vehicles. My back has decided to start getting worse. I was off Friday since I couldn't hardly walk when I woke up. That's been twice in the last month. Today it is a bit better, but still not back to normal. At least the exercises from the PT, from my work comp injury two years ago) helps get that disc slipped back into place. It just takes an unknown amount of days and exercises. Took three weeks last time.

I haven't heard officially, but suspect the Middle Son and the band will be going to State this year for competition. They were to do the Senior Walk last night, but he refused to do it. The Wife had even made up a poster for the walk. He's stubborn like his father.... and more traits that I wish weren't shared.

I talked to the Boss at work last month about trying to find me a different position to work. The current job is getting too much physically for me to accomplish. Especially the way it is wreaking havoc on my back. He was "going to see" what could happen, but of course, like everything else there, it hasn't happened yet. Not sure if it will. So, I am still looking for another job. Not having much luck there either.

I need to start looking for gifts for the family for Christmas. I hate shopping. I think Amazon may get quite a bit of my purchases this year. That is if I am able to find anything for anyone. I've never been much of a people person and figuring out gifts for them. Usually I get the ideas from The Wife, and I just buy them. But, The Wife has a bday coming up as well, and the kids never get her anything, so I have to triple search for things for her, as gifts from the boys and from me. Yee Haw. Fun stuff.

Guess I should spend some of this down-time doing some shopping online. Though, I get distracted by books and playing Warcraft.

PeacE

Slowly Getting Better

Yesterday I had my appointment with the physical therapist. For almost two hours he evaluated me. Worked up a good sweat. At the end he has me doing a handful of small exercises a few ties throughout the day, with a return visit for Wednesday and Friday. The impression I got was by Friday, I may not need to return to him at all. Which means that is a good chance I will be back to work soon. But just because the PT clears me, I don't know if that means I can return, or need to see my PCP again, as that won't be until the 28th.

Other than that situation, I am feeling better. The back, having to wait a week for the PCP, and then another for the PT, has slowly gotten better on its' own. Today I am sore in the buttocks and lower back, mostly due to the stretching of muscles the PT has me doing. It is supposed to help loosen, and strengthen the lower back muscles, etc, to help prevent future injury and to heal this one up better.

Sunday we had family get together to visit with and Aunt and Uncle that came to town. Everyone seemed to have a good time. They A&U are out of town again with PT & RM up north for a day or two.

Nothing much exciting is happening otherwise. Off to do my exercises...

PeacE

Working My Way Back To Being At Work

This past Monday I was finally able to get in to see my PCP for my back injury. I expected flak in regards to my smoking, drinking and weight, before even starting on how it has been 5 years since I saw him last. I was a bit surprised. Smoking and Drinking were never brought up, but he spent plenty of time harping on my weight. Aside from the fact it is a strong contributor to the arthritic discs in my back, and adds more strain to many joints/muscles, it also helps with my high blood pressure. In short, I got a new prescription for the high BP, a prescription for muscle relaxers (to help ease the back pain) and a referral to a PT that specializes in lower back. I can't get in there until Monday. Another week pissed away.

Since the weight is such an issue, and though over the past 5 years I have kept a good 50+ pounds from coming back, I haven't been able to lose more. Looking into a weight management place mike Medifast, is going to be happening soon.

But in the last three days, I have noted great improvement. I am able to get around without the cane now, though I still move slower than before. I am not waking at night from pain as often (almost none). Bending over to touch toes is still out, but I think today I may be able to get my socks on without too much problem.

It's good to being closer to getting back to work. I have been going stir crazy sitting at home. There is only so much Netflix I can watch, and video games to play.

The past few days we have had a mystery in our house. A strange smell, like rancid corpse in the Arizona sun. We have looked thinking a dead mouse behind furniture, or something, Nothing. Then thought maybe in the duct work or ceiling...nothing. Turns out our full -size freezer quit working, and pretty much defrosted, ruining all the food inside. Ugh! So now I guess we will be looking for a new one. The Wife is pretty upset about it, but I am not. Seemed we put more stuff in that freezer than ever took out. But it is something she wants....

Today I am taking the oldest Son to the MVD to renew his driving permit. He has had it a couple years now, but still is not ready for his driving test. His admission, not mine. I know we are looking for a decent used car for him, and he will need to get his license soon, in order to be able to transport himself to school this fall.

PeacE

Oh Joy, It's Doctor Time

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night. Most nights, once the head hits the pillow, I am out pretty fast. Last night it seemed I just had too much stuff on my mind to let it go to fall asleep. I am sure most of it has to do with today, as I finally get to do my follow-up with my PCP. Granted it has been over a week since my ER visit, at least I am able to get an appointment. I just am not sure what will happen. The Wife says that an MRI will not happen for a few more days once the Dr sees me, as they have to get all the info "in a row" before they will schedule it. I don't know how it works, I have never had one before.

I spoke to HR on Friday. Mostly to check that they had all the paperwork needed from me in order to get the work comp stuff rolling. They said yes. I would assume there would be some long claim number I needed to reference when seeing the doctor, but no. Just the Insurance company name, and my social as the claim. Sounds almost too easy.

Overall, I am doing a bit better. I haven't felt the pain bad enough for the Percosets since Thursday. I have been getting by with ibuprofen as needed, not around the clock. Since get pain spasms when I cough/sneeze, certain movements that cause back twisting, etc. I have not tried to pick up anything per se. It will be interesting to see what the Dr. says about a time frame to return to work. I know I need to call my boss after the appointment to update him on what the doc says and recommends.

Three hours to go to the appointment. Guess I need to find something to do to entertain myself until then.

PeacE

There was this bar ....

So I broke down last night. No, not my vehicle ... me. I went up to the pub. I had not left my house except for mandatory things (like my whiz quiz on Monday) so I needed to get out. It wasn't much different than me stumbling around my house. I couldn't drink enough to ease any pain, even the one I was having.

But it is Friday. And I am up early, waiting on that 9 o'clock hour so I can cal Human Resources. I just want to make sure my paperwork is all good for the work comp, and get info for billing so I can give to the hospital, and my pcp on Monday. Should I be so lucky? I don't know. Never been down this road before.

Afterwards, I am headed to the 99-cent store for food. I can't find anything easy to make here at home. Works fine when I work until 9pm, but no hot dogs?!? It will hurt, but for a good cause.

That's about all I got today.

PeacE

Been Taken Away

My boss came by the house yesterday. One would think he was doing it out of concern for my health, but it wasn't. Not really. They took my work truck, keys and gas card away from me. Then he sent my replacement driver on his way before really asking me how I was doing. I sound like I am making him out to be a bad person, but he isn't. One of the best bosses I think I have ever worked for in all the jobs I have been employed. We spent several minutes talking about how soon I can get to the doctor, and what we think the procedures might be. He has no contest about it being work comp, and is pushing everything through for me.

In the meantime, I am slowly going stir-crazy. I haven't been cooped up in the house for this long in ... I don't know how long. At least the boys aren't here fighting, and making me crazier. It sucks not being able to drive right now - due to meds, and the pain of trying to get in/out of the car. Besides, where would I go?

Since I don't have anything planned until Monday, I am sure the writing here will become few and far between again.

PeacE

Nothing Better To Do ...

Up early this morning. Pain was pretty bad waking me often through the night (again). Just waiting now for the doctor's office to open so I can call to get an appointment with him, and get this MRI done. I am hoping for both on the same day....

Overall, I felt fractionally better this morning, but still a long way from being fixed.

Okay, enough about me.

PeacE

Update: My PCP is not able to get me in until Monday (six days from now). I cannot schedule an MRI without seeing him. I cannot renew prescription for pain without seeing him. Pill rationing has gone into effect, just in case.

On the good side, my Boss has got my paperwork started for work comp. I went down to Concentra (urgent care for the company) and did a whiz quiz per company policy. They did not require I list any drugs I have had, meaning I am sure the morphine will show on the drug screen. Good thing I told the Boss they gave it to me.

Boss said he is coming by tonight to pick up my truck and keys as they have arranged another worker to get my deliveries done until I am able to work again. I wonder how long that will be....

Walk A Mile In My Shoes

My back has been bothering me again. I can't seem to grasp the idea, that something I have done so recently (ie. moved the wrong way, or "slept crooked", or lifted something wrong) is causing all this discomfort. Of course, since I have four hours of time to basically just "think", I believe I have figured out what is causing the pain.

My shoes.

About three to four weeks ago, the pair of shoes I used for work had worn/torn a hole in the side of them, basically making them unable to worn to work. Unable to get out immediately to replace them, I fell back on the pair of shoes I had used prior to the recent pair, as a temporary solution, until I got as chance to get to the store to get a new pair. The difference between the two pairs of shoes, was quite drastic, the newer pair having been a shoe more designed for those that are on their feet throughout the day. Basically, I believe my body adjusted to the added padding/support, which the earlier pair did not/does not have, thus, after a week of having to "readjust" to the old pair, my body has created this back pain.

Even the Wife thinks this may be the case, and she's a physical therapist, so it has got to be a leading cause. That first Saturday a couple weeks back, I had been wearing my sandals (it was a Saturday morning) and we all know they have no support, but I think it just brought out the aggravation my back was dealing with, in adjusting to returning to my old shoes. Obviously, I have not had a chance to get new ones yet, but will be doing that tomorrow. So now I need to get through today with a sore back. I have been lucky most of the week there has not been many heavy parts to be lifted.

I'm off to find something for breakfast.

PeacE

Lift, and Twist, and Ouch!

I don't know if that is what really happened, but I am sure it was something close to it. I spent most of the last two days in my chair, at the computer, because doing anything else hurt my back too much. Seems Saturday morning, while emptying the trash from my work truck, I tweaked my lower back. Things were fine until I got home, got down from the cab of the truck, and realized how bad it hurt. The two positions that did not seem to hurt it too bad were sitting, and lying down. So I spent most of Saturday at the computer in my office chair. As long as I didn't shift too much, I was okay. Getting up for a drink, or the bathroom were hell.

Managed to walk into Texas Roadhouse where the family went for dinner that night, and walked out on my own. Went to bed shortly after hoping that a good night's sleep would make me all better the next day. I did wake feeling a little better, though, walking itself still hurt a bit. Again I spent most of the day in front of the computer, playing away at World of Warcraft, especially since I had not played much of the new expansion since it came out.

This morning finds me even a little better. Still getting some twinge pains, but am able to walk, though somewhat slow still. I think I will be able to get to work, though may need to ask for some help if needing to lift some heavier things. The hardest part will be the first part of the day where I am on my feet more. This work week at least gives me a day off on Thursday, so maybe if I don't strain too hard, I can be back to feeling normal in my back next week.

PeacE