Week 2- Feelin even Better!

Wow! What a difference a week can make. My muscles in my back are so much stronger this week than last. This was an easy week though...No school Monday, and I take Wed. morning off for physical therapy. It was really nice to have a three day weekend so I could rest up.
I'm still working on reaching my toes. Katie had to help me put on my tights the other day. I really do appreciate the little things everyone has done to help make my days a little easier.
There is a comfy futon in my classroom now. We decided to take the one from our spare room instead of buying a new one. I just lay down while I'm correcting papers or planning during prep time since I can only sit 20 minutes at a time. It works great!
I've been terrible about walking since I went back to work...if anyone still wants to walk later in the afternoon, like 4-5 pm, I'd be happy to meet you. It would be a good incentive if I knew I was accountable and had a buddy to stroll with...yes, it's still a pretty slow stroll.

One week down

This past week I was able to go back to work on more or less a trial basis. I survived! There were a few times that I had to take a vicodine to offset the muscle exhaustion, but I didn't have pain in the disc area. This weekend I am just taking it easy.
My physical therapist has re-evaluated my range of motion as far as bending forward, backward, and side to side. Bending forward is not part of my vocabulary right now! He also checked my hamstring elasticity; basically...there is no elasticity. With that in mind, he began stretching my hamstring last week. Is this what chinese torture felt like? Ok, it's not quite that bad, but it is quite uncomfortable! At home I do a similar stretch every night; it doesn't hurt at all. We'll see if it makes a difference. My next appointment is Tuesday. I'm sure I'll be in physical therapy for many months to come. I still walk pretty slow...not complaining though! At least I can walk. :)

Doing Well

Yeah! It's great to be back to work! Everyone has been so kind to offer help if I need anything, and the kids are just as helpful. Monday was a little tough. At about 1:45 I reall wanted to just go lay down, but school isn't out til 2:15. So, I waited and lay down as soon as I could after school. My table isn't very soft and neither is the floor (no padding). Paul and I are going to look for a futon to put in my classroom. The kids can sit on it and read, and I can lay down at recess and lunch. It did seem that Tuesday was easier. Just like when I first started walking, I have to build up my back muscles. I suspect that by next week things will be feeling like old times! Keep praying, the journey isn't over...yet:)

Guess What!

Yeah!!!! My doctor is going to allow me to go back to work on Monday! Did I say YEAH!!! I promised I will be very careful and I will lay down at recess and lunch and after school to center myself. I won't lift anything heavy or do anything that I think may hurt or bother my back...
I know that I will have lots of parent help and the kids can also help with anything I can't reach. I am so excited!
I do have to continue with physical therapy 2 times a week, one on Wed mornings, but that will only make me stronger and hopefully the disc will go in a bit more. I can still feel it.
Now, those of you who are worriers...don't waste your time. One day at a time, that's how I live; not bogged down with what I can't control. Keep praying that I get stronger and I do well next week. I'll keep you updated. :)

My First Back Class

I went to my first "back class" yesterday. I couldn't do all the excersises, but that's ok. It was pretty cool to see how people have recovered and were in the same place as I am. Of course today I am a little sore, but not nearly as much as last week! Don't they say "no pain, no gain"? It's just muscle soreness, nothing to worry about. :)
I am really looking forward to my doctor visit this afternoon at 4:00. She is the one in charge of my release. Let us all pray that she sees major improvement and agrees to release me in the near future.... I'll let you all know tonight.

Feeling Better

Life is a rollercoaster. Profound isn't it?
The good thing is that today I feel much better! A month ago my physical therapist said that I would have little "flair-ups" as I was coming off the morphine and getting more active. Of course my immediate reaction to that was "not me, I am determined to get well and nothing is going to stop that!" Well, I was wrong... I guess I am just like the rest of the world. Time is my friend. You who are reading are my friends. As I reflect back on my solitude these past months, I wonder if my life has been as influential as I would like. Did I spend my time wisely? Did I let those around me know how wonderful they are and how valuable each person is in the eyes of God? So, I just wanted to let you all know right now how much I appreciate you. Make a difference in someone's life TODAY.

A Little TOO Sore...

Well, yes I do like the feeling of sore muscles if it is productive... It seems that I over did it! I had to take the vicodine this weekend. Good news, it helps the pain and doesn't make me drowsy. Bad news, I hurt a bit more than I should at this time... This morning I called my physical therapist, and I am going in for traction to see if we can get things back on track. It has worked in the past. :)