I’m happy to report that my back is definitely doing better, and I had a positive dr’s appt today. I still have numbness on the outside of my left calf and occasionally in a couple toes, but he said that will gradually fade and could take a month or two to completely dissipate. I have a bit of pain—more of an ache, really—in my back/hip/leg sometimes, but I classed it as a “1”. How wonderful not to be in an ER saying it’s an “8” or “9”.

He said I didn’t need to spend the money on PT, and gave me stretches and simple exercises to do. He recommended yoga, and walking is fine, although a treadmill would be better than pavement/concrete. I’m going to check out a gym tomorrow (I’m kicking myself because I missed their recent membership sale, but oh well). I can drive as long as I’m not taking the painkillers or muscle relaxants. (I stopped taking Darvocet over a week ago, and only took the muscle relaxants Sunday and Tuesday nights when my foot was cramping up a bit. [My chiropractor worked on my foot this morning.] The anti-inflammatory shouldn’t affect driving or anything like that.)

EDIT: He also recommended Treat Your Own Back by Robin Mckenzie, which I have ordered.

I’m still taking it easy, of course, but I’m so glad I can start doing some constructive things. “Lying down” doesn’t feel constructive, even though I know it’s good for me. My muscles have been crying out for stretching this past week.

As for a cause, there’s no one moment that I can point to and say “that effed up my back.” I didn’t have an accident. My friend Elizabeth says her back went out once while she was picking up a laundry basket… The Getty trip in January may have been the start of it, and I know something started to hurt during Black Oak Lodge in March (although it started to hurt while I was standing still while Ken laced me into my Irish dress, so go figure). Additionally, I carry my weight in my middle (I am no body type known to fashion magazines), which I know puts a strain on my lower back. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been losing weight, but obviously it hasn’t gone fast enough!

I’m still being careful about my time at the computer, and still have to triage it: writing and work come first, along with paying bills. Making sure the event goes off this weekend comes right after that. Everything else, including personal e-mails, just can’t be a high priority right now.

But I want to say that you have all been wonderful. Thank you for the calls, the postal and e-cards, the e-mails, the concern, the healing energy and positive thoughts.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you.