THE INSECT THAT COULD

Approximately six months ago, I injured my back from moving heavy furniture.  You would think I'd know better since, on a good day, I have some pain in my back and have had several instances over the past 20 years that required a lot of therapy and at least six months of recovery each time.  You'd also think that I'd realize a 67-year-old woman with back problems would ask for help before lifting or moving heavy objects.  Maybe I've learned my lesson because this time was the worst.  I could not walk for thirty days without tremendous pain, particularly upon standing.

I saw an Orthopedic Surgeon after the first month, based on the fact that three years ago, a Physiatrist (Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist) told me that my back was a 'mess' and that sooner or later, I would require surgery.  A Rehab doctor doesn't have a pony in the race.  They don't perform surgery. After a few weeks of therapy three years ago, I improved to the point that I was able to walk several miles a day.  I even hiked mountains once per week last year despite back soreness during and following the hike.  The Orthopedic Surgeon did an x-ray, ordered a myelogram, and told me I would need surgery within the next week.  If I didn't, he said that I would not be able to walk at all. It felt a bit like I was being railroaded into having surgery, but, after all, I was seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon!

I googled myelograms and discovered that not only would I have to be completely still on a steel table for an hour or so, but I'd also have to be immobile for 8 hours after the procedure.  And...many people experienced severe headaches after the procedure.  Uh, no.  I decided this wasn't for me.

My next stop was to a Pain Management Clinic where I was given a steroid shot in my back and one in the area where my thigh and pelvis meet.  My right leg was troublesome because the source of pain was primarily from this area, and there was lots of discomfort in the lower back.

After a friend had great results with a therapist trained in the Feldenkrais method (movement training), I went through 5 weeks and $1000 for this. I went to Physical Therapy for an hour twice a week for a month. I did exercises in the pool almost daily, including working with weights while suspended and doing laps for 30 minutes. Improvement has been gradual and has been aided by losing 35 pounds.

For months, my sleep at night has been interrupted several times due to pain in my right leg.  Finally, I saw a local PA who told me she thought my pelvis was not aligned.  She whispered that she saw a female Chiropractor in the nearby town.  

When I thought I was on the road to recovery, I attended a reception this past Friday.  I stood with low heels for two hours.  The back pain became so severe toward the end of the evening that I started feeling dizzy and nauseous.  When the Chiropractor learned of this experience, she advised me to not wear heels.  No kidding! I'm now seeing that Chiropractor for the next two weeks and am hopeful that the pain will continue to lessen.

Today, I had the pleasure of taking a walk in the hills near my home.  It's only the third time in the last several weeks that I've been able to take a long trek since the injury.

During my walk, I noticed a little bug pushing a much more giant ball filled with rocks and dirt up the hill.  I kept watching it and feeling a certain kinship.  Both of us got up the hill, the bug with the ball of rock and me with my slightly aching back.  We were rewarded by a beautiful view of Lake LBJ, a lighthouse standing at attention in the distance, and the slight change in color of the many trees between us and the lake.  I had a Zen moment.  I have been pushing on...through a great deal of pain and doing everything I could to heal my back.  I'm getting close to cresting the hill.  I can almost feel how beautiful life will be once the pain is gone.  Despite the struggles with my back the past few months, I'm at a better place psychologically than I've been in years...or maybe ever!  I'm doing exactly what I want to do...seeing my grandbabies frequently, writing, and being politically active.  It's a good life.  

If the bug can do it, I can, too!


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