Why I have fallen off the exercise wagon and what I'm going to do about it and other stuff!

My team members may have noticed that I haven't been racking up the exercise minutes lately. Many of you know that I have had 3 back surgeries over the years and occasionally whined about recurring low back pain. My orthopedic surgeon felt that further surgeries are not indicated. After many episodes of physical therapy, medications, epidural injections, weight loss, I finally gave in and saw a pain management specialist.

After another failed epidural injection, trials of pain medications, he gave me my choice of continued declining ability to perform even the most basic movements with continuing increased pain, pain medications of the opioid variety at increasing levels or a spinal cord stimulator which is his treatment of choice in my case. This is an interesting device. It does not cure the condition but blocks the pain from reaching the brain. Fortunately, a trial is done to see if it will help before implanting the permanent device. I have had the trial with a 70% decrease in pain. I will be having the permanent scs on Tuesday. There is a six week recovery period with restrictions on movement to allow the device to attach securely.

By spring, I should be able to go back to exercising, gardening, camping and enjoy all the activities I have been either avoiding or finding painful. Modern medicine is a wonderful thing and I feel very fortunate to have doctors who take into consideration my needs!

I am also fortunate to have wonderful children. My son and his wife from Wisconsin will be with me for the surgery and for a few days afterwards, then my daughter from Minneapolis will stay a few days longer. My son who lives nearby will also be with me the day of the surgery and will be available for anything I may need afterwards.

My twin great grandbabies are growing and thriving, my grown children and grandchildren are well and happy. Daisy dog is still loving and active and keeps me endlessly entertained.

Life is good!