Keeping Me Humble

There is nothing quite as good at making you aware of your frailty than having your back go out.  Understand that I've had more and more trouble with my back over the past two years--to the degree that my activities have been somewhat limited.  This time, however, I've been brought to my knees.  Not fun!

Two days ago, I woke up with severe pain in my lower back on the right side.  It only hurt when I moved.  Any movement that included bearing weight on my right leg was excruciating until I could rectify positions.  I could walk, slowly, if I hung onto things...furniture, doorknobs, counters, etc...but it was slow.  I felt like an invalid.  (Still do.)

I looked to painkillers.  The first day, I started out with two Extra Strength Tylenol, which helped a little.  When that began to wear off, I turned to Hydrocodone (Vicodin) that I had been prescribed a year or two ago for a toothache.  Am I immune to that stuff???  I've taken it twice in my life.  It didn't do anything for me, both times.  So much for that!

I was feeling very sorry for myself.  My Christmas tree was not up yet and some of the mess from when the family was here was still evident...but I couldn't move.  And then, out of nowhere, my yard guy/helper showed up without a call from me.  In short order, he had the tree put up, swept the kitchen floor, vacuumed the carpets, took out endless garbage bags, and ran a grocery errand for me.  Answer to prayer!

My helper also brought my rollater in from my car.  (A rollater is a walker on wheels with a seat on it.  Bought it a year ago from the Aldi's store up in my daughter's neck of the woods--on sale for $30.)  So far, it has been a godsend.  I don't use it often, but it sure is helping me now in my own house.

 Today, I have stayed medicated with the Tylenol.  It has helped, but I'm still moving very, very slowly.  This is not acceptable.  I have things to do!  Christmas is coming!  Not to worry about feeding myself.  There is plenty of food in the house, and I have been eating whatever I can get my hands on due to boredom.  Still, I would like to be a viable member of society rather than having to depend on others to get along!  Please God, let this back spasm go away.  What I dealt with before seemed bad enough.  This, however, is awful!

I am so thankful that I live in this little bungalow-on-a-slab.  No stairs.  Not sure how I would get along if I were struggling to get by with stairs in the mix.  You can feel pretty powerful when your body works as it used to...but when it doesn't, it's pretty humbling.  I am seeing life through new glasses.  All I want out of life right now is to find a way to walk unmedicated and without pain.  Prayers are gratefully accepted!