Another Bump In The Road

Thursday, April 16, 2009

I got my MRI results yesterday. I have a couple of herniated disks in the upper center of my back. They are very small which is good news but still they are very painful. This would finally explain the pain and numbness in my arms and hands. What a relief that is! Up until now the doctors couldn't pinpoint what was causing the numbness and pain. They did all kinds of painful nerve tests and the results were always inconclusive. The nurse said that the herniations are too small to operate on and that the doctor will discuss treatment options with me in my next visit. At least I know now where part of the pain is coming from. Since my doctor is out of town (which always seems to happen in cases like mine :) ), her nurse read the report to me. I have a follow up visit when my doctor gets back from vacation on May 7th. Due to the location of the damaged disks, I may need another MRI of the cervical spine because the damage may affect another area (at C5,C6 and C7) which already has a problem. The not so great news is that the MRI I just had done does very little to explain the pain and swelling on the right side of my lumbar spine. This is new - I had 2 blocks on the left side in the fall of 2007 but I never had an issue, until now, on the right side. I have accepted the fact that it's all part of the degenerative disease. I'm not bummed or depressed, just anxious to begin treatment ASAP so the pain will stop and I can move more normally. Since the doctor hasn't read the MRI and made any recommendations, I have had no limits placed on my activity as yet. My past experience tells me that I will need to watch my body position when exercising and refrain from arching or hyper extending my back. I will also need to be careful not to lift over 15-20 pounds, which I'm careful with anyway. The good news is that I may be able to be treated with a series of spinal shots. My history with shots has been very good so if they can do this and it works, I will be very blessed. I will also ask the doctor if she will write me a prescription for a latex or TemperPedic bed. With a prescription, several of the bed stores will either sell you the beds without tax and/or help you file with insurance if your insurance covers speciality beds. I'm looking into getting a bed with an adjustable head and foot to help me get more comfortable when I'm in pain (which is most of the time).

As I think about the latest developments in my life, the future looks more promising than I originally thought. I have some viable options for treatment. I can make some changes to my environment to accommodate the changes in my body. Many people can live a semi normal life with the proper treatment if they are not working (I retired on disability in 2003) and they have a daily exercise program to keep their muscles toned to give the spine proper support. Thank goodness I got into the habit of working out a year ago! The tracking feature on SP Exercise Tracking is a very valuable tool for me. I can track exactly what I do so that, if I have a problem, I can monitor which moves are giving me problems and I can then eliminate them. It will also help me to put myself on a weight training cycle with light weights and make it easier for me to remember what I need to do and on which day. This is very important because my risk of injury increases substantially if I over train. I love my current gym and water aerobics classes but I have decided to look for a place that has deep water aerobics classes. It may cost a little more but the vibration/impact from exercising on the pool floor can aggravate your spine, knees, hips and feet. Goodness knows I don't need any more problems - the parts are wearing out as it is!!!

You may be wondering how I cope, stay positive and carry on with living when it seems like life keeps pitching me curve balls. It's simple. When I get up in the morning, I can decide to have a good day or a bad day. I choose to have a good day. Yes, some days are better than others. The point is, that I am making a conscious decision to be positive. For me, this is a learned behavior, even though I am a natural born optimist. Since joining Spark People in August 2008, I have worked very hard on being kind to myself and on developing positive self dialogue. My focus on the positive has rolled over into my overall outlook on life. Staying positive is an ongoing process for me and there are times when I really have to work at it.

Just remember two things. First, God never gives you more than you are strong enough to handle. Second, God never closes a door without opening a window.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

XHASTEDMOMOF2 4/17/2009 3:55PM

You go girl!!! Your cheerful and positive outlook on life makes all the difference!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUTHIEBEAR 4/17/2009 10:22AM

Boy can I relate to what you have written. My pain is in my lower back but Everyday, like you, I begin by choosing to focus on the positives that I CAN do, not on the pain. I, too, am glad I have bbegun to work out at the gym to try and ease the pain. Thank you for an inspirational blog. You give me the motivation to keep on keeping on. RUthie Report Inappropriate Comment

L*I*T*A* 4/16/2009 9:56PM

way to go.............great attitude...............here's hoping and praying that all will continue to improve for you...............staying positive is the key....................wishing you well.......blessings and hugs...............lita Report Inappropriate Comment

CINNIEMAY 4/16/2009 4:09PM

I fully agree with your outlook! I am glad that you are on your way to getting help that you need! Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDUCK2 4/16/2009 11:26AM

You are a person who looks for and finds silver linings in life! Sending a gentle hug your way and a day full of silver linings. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKLESSENCE 4/16/2009 7:38AM

I'm sorry to learn that your MRI revealed the herniated disks and degenerative disease in general, but I guess it's good to know exactly where the problems lie. You've got a wonderful positive attitude, BTW! You're so wise to be so aware of your form while exercising, and with the care and patience which you've displayed, I'm sure you'll reap the best results possible from the spinal shots and exercises, plus that new mattress. You're very, very well informed! Isn't the SP exercise tracker good? I use it, too, and have found that almost all of the physical therapy exercises I've done since 2000 are there. Here's to that positive attitude and our newfound appreciation of life :) - Sara Report Inappropriate Comment

It's All About The Choices

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

I'll have to admit that on Easter with all of that candy floating around, I made several poor choices. Since it was only one day, I'm not upset about it. Yesterday, it was all about what can make me the healthiest person I can be. Today, I'm again making that the focus of my attention. I think we all want to feel and look our best. It's all about the choices we make. So the next time we reach for that candy bar, those cookies or fries, let's ask ourselves, "Do I really want to put that in my body?"
Trust me, there will be occasional days when I feel rebellious and the answer will be yes! That's okay if it's only occasionally. The rest of the time, if I'm really concerned about my health, the answer should be no. I need to feed my body what it needs to operate at optimal performance. I need to put aside my childish struggle for what is strictly comfort food vs what is nourishing food. As I've begun to choose health over comfort, I've noticed that my tastes have changed. Fat laden foods taste very heavy and too rich. Unfortunately some sugary foods still taste too good for my own health but even that is changing. There are some things that are just too sweet and don't appeal to me any more. (Yea!) I'm being much more adventurous with trying new foods, spices and recipes. I'm beginning to look at this new lifestyle as an adventure that I can pursue for a lifetime. I have choices, I am in control - the food isn't - and I feel good about it! I'm putting a positive spin on my new habits and I'm excited about my life being an adventure! Let's explore this new adventure together! Won't you join me???

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

L*I*T*A* 4/14/2009 9:58PM

way to go.......................you are in control of you.............great lifestyle adventure.......wouldn't you say??? blessings and hugs................lita Report Inappropriate Comment

DMPRIDER 4/14/2009 5:11PM

Funny, I was just saying this to myself today too. Easter was not a good choice day in many respects, but that is past and now we go back to normal, non-holiday mode - making good choices. I really have to be mindful of it when it comes to food. I have had some changes in my tastes, but I think my sweet tooth will never be completely tamed. That is when choosing becomes so important. Have it or not? And if I have some, how much? I feel that keeping an eye on the goal, really makes it easier to make the right choices, being mindful of how each choice affects our progress toward the goal. I really like your idea that this is an adventure as well as a lifestyle. Cool. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKLESSENCE 4/14/2009 4:32PM

How encouraging it is to hear that richer, sweeter, fattier foods are becoming less and less appealing to you! Sounds like permanent change to me - terrific! - Sara Report Inappropriate Comment

CJROMB 4/14/2009 3:13PM

This is a great blog. You're right. It's all about choice. I always remind myself that every step, every choice makes a difference. If I make a non-optimal choice one time, I have a new opportunity to make a better choice next time. I don't do food deprivation AT ALL. Instead, like you, I've convinced myself that I actually WANT the better food, and don't really care anymore for the unhealthy food. Thanx for commenting on my blog. What are you doing to "buckle down" as you said this week? Report Inappropriate Comment

Today's Exercise

Monday, April 13, 2009

Today I did the whole water aerobics class. I tried my best not to bounce and when the class was bouncing up and down, I marched in place. I'm already a little stiff in my arms and thighs but I'm pleased that I am able to participate without pain in my heel. I will continue to monitor it daily to make sure that I don't hurt myself. The exercise was great and I got that exercise endorphin rush that I love.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

L*I*T*A* 4/13/2009 10:13PM

wonderful.............i do the water aerobics too..............i do the deep water classes and when there aren't any just the shallow water classes i do the same in the deep water..........that way there are no issues with any pressure on any limbs...that might be an idea for your heels?????just a thought................... < BR> Comment edited on: 4/13/2009 10:14:26 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

XHASTEDMOMOF2 4/13/2009 7:22PM

How awesome for you!!! Glad you are working around your heel pain!! You go girl!! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Whole Meaningful Easter Package

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Even though the kids are all grown and living on their own, an Easter tradition that hubby and I started several years ago is our yearly dying of Easter eggs. We always dyed Easter eggs when the kids lived at home and we stopped for a while when they moved out. Since I loved doing it, hubby initially decided to pick up where we left off just to humor me. Somewhere along the line, he started enjoying it right along with me. Last year I was recovering from a knee replacement so we missed doing it. I really felt off kilter having missed it. In fact, I also missed the sunrise community service at the park close to our house too. Last year was pretty much a blur for me. This year, I already have the eggs boiled and I'm ready. Hubby suggested that we do the eggs after dinner tonight. Egg dying is always a happy time at our house. We get outrageously creative and sometimes a lot silly. Giggles, comments and loud laughter can always be heard from our house during this fun process. I will probably watch The Passion of the Christ tonight after we're finished. That film never fails to remind me of what Jesus went through to save us. I am awed by his sacrifice. Tomorrow we will get up at 6 a.m., dress warmly and head out for the park and the Easter sunrise service. I always feel like I can just reach out and touch God when I'm at an outdoor service, but even more so at Easter. The sun is just coming up, it's quiet except for the birds singing and the world seems so peaceful. It's the spiritual part of Easter for me and is always meaningful. Later we will get together with friends to attend a regular church service. Afterwards we may go out to breakfast. I will still stay on my program even with eating out. I've planned an Easter egg hunt for some of our neighbor's kids and we'll have a BBQ afterwards. The combination of the fun and sharing along with the spiritual is the whole package for me. My cup runnith over.

Happy Easter to all of my friends here at Spark People!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LUCKYDUCK2 4/12/2009 7:14PM

your day sounds just perfect.... wishing you a Blessed Easter and it sounds like you have that with your family , friends and Faith. Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

L*I*T*A* 4/11/2009 9:56PM

sounds like a great time this Easter.....................wishing you and yours the blessings of Easter.........blessings and hugs.................lita Report Inappropriate Comment

CINNIEMAY 4/11/2009 7:19PM

I hope that you have a great time!!! We dyed eggs at mom's today. It is just fun!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

POLYANASUNSHINE 4/11/2009 6:32PM

Happy Easter to you as well. It sounds like a fun filled day with friends and family. Report Inappropriate Comment

Back to almost normal...

Friday, April 10, 2009

Today I decided to try to do as much of a regular water aerobics class as I could. I skipped some of the jumping around but I tried to stay on two feet for the whole class. So far so good. My ankle doesn't hurt at all and it isn't sore even when I squeeze it ,which is a very good sign. The best part? I feel so energized! I feel like my old self (only improved by the wisdom I've gained from this whole experience). I'm hoping that I don't start itching later from my skin condition. I took my cream with me and put it on my usual spots as soon as I got out of the shower. Maybe being proactive will help to prevent some of the skin problems later. I can hope can't I? I'm proud of myself for today's effort. I think I did very well!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SPARKLESSENCE 4/10/2009 7:48PM

Such encouraging news that you were able to do most of the water aerobics class! That's a terrific workout, and it spares your ankle, too. I hope your skin condition will fare well after you apply the cream. Good for you!! - Sara Report Inappropriate Comment

POLYANASUNSHINE 4/10/2009 6:46PM

Way to go girl. Proactive and small steps. That is what this journey is all about. Report Inappropriate Comment

L*I*T*A* 4/10/2009 4:16PM

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LUCKYDUCK2 4/10/2009 2:39PM

I am so glad you are "getting back on your feet". Have a Blessed Easter. Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment