I couldn't decide whether to start a new blog or continue this one. I decided to stay here where all my memories are.
I sold my trailer lock stock and barrel. Why have a trailer when I couldn't walk? I tried a few times with friends and wound up frustrated with pain and not being able to get from point A to point B. I don't believe in miracles, but this is as close as one gets. After trying everything, finally...I CAN WALK. Maybe not as far as I once could, but I'll take what I can get.
I went to a pain clinic and they discovered that it was NOT my back causing my pain but my S.I. joints. That's why the pain never went away after surgery. In all my research beforehand and second opinions, I never saw a word about them. Now, they say that a large percentage of back surgery fails because they miss the joint diagnosis. I still would have had to have had back surgery some time down the road so I'm glad it's behind me. Those of you who have back pain, look up SI joint pain on YouTube.
A doctor my daughter works with and highly recommends did a couple of ablations; the third worked. That was in June. Other than arthritic pain, I've been pain free since. You have no idea how wonderful it is to walk even ten feet without pain. I have waited 6 months for it to start again...I expected it with every step I took. I did two rounds of aquatic therapy and now exercise three to four times (two hour sessions) per week in a pool at our community Jewish Center. I believe the combination of the ablation, the water exercise, and weight loss did the trick.
Seems when I'm pushing through sadness, it's travel that helps me push. So, I bought a new trailer. I'll take possession after the first of the year and head west in the spring. As a matter of fact, I just made reservations to stay two weeks at Ft. Stevens State Park in Oregon. I will meet a few of my camping friends out there for 3-4 days. It felt good because I made a commitment. I'm busy looking into places where I'll be able to continue my aquatic therapy. I think between YMCAs, churches, community centers, motels, etc., I'll be able to do it.
I haven't been very good about keeping up with my favorite blogs, but I've been busy walking (never thought I'd say that, again). :) So, there it is in a snap shot. I'll leave in the spring. When? When I'm packed.
I don't think I'll be blogging until then...I've almost forgotten how and it feels odd not to be posting a picture of you know who.
Love hearing from you and we miss him too. Looking forward to life on the road.
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ReplyDeleteI have missed your comments and your posts. SO happy to hear that your life is so improved and that you will be able to travel again. Don't stay away so long.
ReplyDeleteNancy, thank you for giving us this update on your life. Speaking from my own experiences, I understand what a long and difficult journey it is to find some sort of equilibrium in your life after experiencing the losses of your loved ones. So good to sense some positive things beginning to happen to you. Recovery from that constant debilitating back pain is a huge positive. Walking is wonderful. Making plans for the future is a great sign of recovery. So glad to hear that you're making such good forward progress. We will pray for your continued healing in all areas. Great to hear from you on this blog again.
ReplyDeleteOH Nancy, that's the best news ever!! I'll be in AZ if you want to meet up, let me know!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you are doing much better. I'm glad that you didn't give up. There is so much beauty in life to explore whether solo or with someone.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading of your New Beginnings in the New Year.
Be Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Well, this is a surprise. I doubted anyone checked in here any more. Thank you all for your comments. Thanks to Jim and Sandie's guidance I feel as though I've got a very safe rig. Sherry, I have just been terrible about getting on the computer. Russ, how nice of you to comment. I hope Donna, Jewel and Ollie are doing well. I'll be in Oregon. I hope we can meet in person. Have any park recommendations that are near you? Janis, you know me. I fly by the seat of my pants. I still don't know when I take possession because I ordered some special items on the trailer. Rick and Kathy, I've missed you and your encouraging words. This is a nice "pick me up, today". Again, thank you, all.
ReplyDeleteCome to Eugene, and stay in Armitage Park. On the river, close to most things you might need, even a Camping World not far away. We would love to meet you Nancy. Let us know when you're coming this way. We know a great place for pizza.
ReplyDeleteNancy, if you stay at Armitage, be sure and make a reservation. They can get busy in the summer. They have full hook-ups so it is nice. Here's my email if you have any questions about Eugene or Oregon in general grandma_kr@yahoo.com Hope we get to connect this coming summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you Russ and Donna. I've been in Eugene before. Isn't the 1st Nike store there? Russ, the rainiest day in Oregon is better than the sunniest day in Georgia (my opinion). ð I do hope we get to meet!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to check into that S.I. joint stuff. Maybe that's why I'm struggling to walk as well.
ReplyDeleteIt would not surprise me. It's an unbearable pain. Mostly on one side, but I had it on both. The only way they can diagnose it is to shoot lidocaine into the joint. If you get relief, that's where your problem is and no back surgery! Sometimes the shots are the only thing someone needs. Other times, it's ablation. Like a miracle, I tell you. Keep me posted. Hope you feel better.
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