Hi Gnu. I recently rejoined the living after six months of constant pain. An MRI shows pretty severe arthritis in my neck and a fractured vertebrae with a missing corner piece. Two vertebrae are sliding baCK aND FORTH OVER EACH OTHER. THE KNEES ARE BAD AS WELL. Damn capslock - some things never change. I shoveled snow and broke up ice during the first blizzard in January setting in motion what Jacqui calls a perfect storm.
It has had its lighter moments - stuck in the ladies and unable to get up. Dragged out of my seat at the movie theater by a maintenance man.
The worst is over. The pain has subsided. I am left with carpal tunnel in both hands and the need to be careful. I don't usually need pain killers or even aspirin. But I do get handicapped parking.
So how does one break ones back and not know it? Happened sometime in my 20s judging by the healing.
The lowest point? When multiple doctors starting talking Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (SP?), both catch-alls for we don't know what is wrong with you and maybe it is all in your head.
I am lucky to have health insurance and good friends as well as a caring family. My company has bent over backwards to accommodate my "issues".
Not surprising, Jacqui and Kendall have been there with words of support, daily check ins, doctors' appointments, and humor - sorely lacking these last few months.
so I don't need a bed but cannot haul bedpans. Can I play check in nurse?
SINS