Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to climb onto the metal gurney so an x-ray could be taken. Sleepless night after sleepless night due to pain. Day after day of lying in bed when I needed to be doing so much more. Through it all, for some reason, I didn’t pray for healing. Instead, I was quiet, prayed for clarity, and for once just tried to Listen.
Listen
Over two weeks ago I worked in the garden for six hours straight. Twisting, turning, pulling, stretching and lifting. Later that night I felt every movement. I should have stopped then.
But I didn’t listen.
But I went out the next day and did it all over again. My body was really screaming that night.
But I didn’t listen.
The next day I swept, mopped, and vacuumed.
I began to consider this:
I could barely walk. My body now had my full attention.
A cat scan told the tale.
I had torn my left fascia tissue.
But there was something more.
They also found arthritis in my lower spine.
Certain activities can worsen the symptoms.
If I didn’t make some changes my future could look like this:
I have taken my good health for granted.
But it truly is a gift which I should be thankful for and cherish each and every day.
I’m listening now.
Laura
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” ~ 3 John 1:2
No wonder you were in so much pain. Hopefully with some rest and good physio you are feeling better soon. Glad they got you in so soon and looked for the cause of your discomfort so quickly.
Take care dear friend! Gentle {{{hug}}}
Hope you are feeling better! I have a bad back and sometimes the littlest thing can throw it off yet I can go for long periods of time where nothing does! Get some rest and listen to your body! Take care!
Shelley
I hope you have a quick recovery and then going forward get into a stretching and exercise routine. I find that stretching and monthly massages help me out tremendously.
I feel for you! I have so many lower back issues, have injections, use ice often and cannot stand/walk very long. We do take our health for granted until we have a problem. I hope you will rest and take care! Have you tried acupuncture? Awesome results! Medicare won't pay for it and I think that's so sad.
xo
Pat
Ow, ow, ow. It's hard to slow down. I've learned the hard way to listen to my body too. Praying for you to heal quickly. Hugs,
Cecilia
OUCH! Yes, we must take of these bodies – they're the only ones we'll have on this earth.
As someone with chronic back issues, I've learned the value of consistent exercise to strengthen abs and shoulders and how to manage my back. It's worth the attention it gets.
Sending you hugs and a gentle backrub.
So sorry to read of this painful episode. I hope you'll be able to give yourself permission to let up a little. Easy to say, harder to do, but you want to be at to bend, stretch and play for a very long time!
Oh, Laura I am so sorry you have been in pain. Thanks for explaining your injury. It's hard to stop working when there is so much to do! I've been exactly where you are.
A few years ago, I injured my back from lifting something too heavy. I took Advil and it was better and then I did the worse thing I could do and lifted something else that was heavy. It took six months, therapy and a shot to get over it. I learned my lesson.
Prayers for you.
I am so sorry you are in pain, Laura. Would you believe that I pulled a muscle in my back in the spring? I overdid it trying to get my beds ready for planting. The pain was awful. I won't go into detail about all my bone issues. After seeing a specialist and a bunch of x-rays later,I am now in physical therapy, for the first time in my life. I've made a personal commitment to continue to exercise and try to stay in better shape. It is no fun being down when you are so used to staying busy and going. My prayers are with you, Laura. I pray that this setback will soon be behind you, friend!
“The first wealth is health.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
Hope you heal quickly.
So sorry you're experiencing these health issues! Praying you are feeling better soon! Take care of yourself! ~Rhonda
Oh my word, this is awful. You always do more than most, so you really have to learn to slow down. Enough of a lecture, wish I was there to help you. You are always in my prayers.
I've learned my lesson too and since then I really coddle my back. No excessive lifting, twisting etc.
Hope you are feeling better!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
My dear Laura friend,
Prayers, prayers, prayers your way. So glad you are listening now.
Rest and comfort to you. Mend my dear.
*hugs* (gently, of course)
Kelley~
Oh, no!!! So sorry for you, Laura – how awful! Thank you for this reminder – like you, I tend to overdo it and then pay for it later. And let's face it, I'm not getting any younger….sigh. Rest up and feel better!
I'm so sorry for your pain. For me vacuuming and pulling weeds leave me in pain where mowing the lawn does not. I think it's the twisting rather then the full speed ahead of mowing that is the difference. Arthritis runs in my family so ugh and oye and owie. Praying the prayer for you too, dear one!
Laura. I am so very sorry! Take care of yourself and prayers for a fast recovery! Blessings, Pam @ Everyday Living
So sorry to read it's serious, Laura. Do listen to your body and take it easy for a while.
Just catching up from being out of town. I am so sorry to hear about your pain. I am one to “over do” and pay for it later. I am not as young as I'd like to think I am. We too are addressing our health around these parts as both of our girls have been diagnosed with Hashimotos. Let's face it, they get it honest. Wake up call for this mom to take better care of herself as well.
Hi Laura, I'm temporarily MIA this summer as I enjoy life in the land of limited internet. I won't be able to catch up with everything in comments but wanted to extend good wishes and hope you are healing a little more every day. Backs are killers, aren't they? Glad you are listening but I know how hard that is to do.
Loved your post on gypsy caravans and tin huts, too but I was having trouble commenting!
I'll check in when I can and am preposted so don't be a stranger!