Horizontal: Day 5
Well since I last wrote, things got worse with my back. I did my best to ignore the pain and just plug away at work. I had meetings out of town. I took 2 trains to Quebec City. I normally love to travel by train and I was looking forward to these meetings despite the huge amount of work that awaited me. Well 5 hours on a train did me in!
I ended up in the emergency room on Sunday morning, writhing in pain. A-G-O-N-Y! I have never experienced so much sharp and constant pain in my whole life. And yes, I’ve given birth! OWE They took X-rays to make sure no vertebraes were cracked. Potential herniated disc was not completely ruled out, but it didn’t seem to be the case. It was more like a contusion of the spine. Egads. So as you may have guessed, they gave me drugs and told me to go lay down for the rest of the week.
I managed to find a flight home (no way I was getting back on a train - I barely survived the 15 minute taxi ride to airport). Thank goodness, the last row on the small jet was empty. I was able to lay down along the 5 empty seats.
I was very happy to get home and went straight to bed. Only just today, Day 5 of bed rest, am I beginning to feel some improvement. I’m walking very slowly and beginning to sit up a bit. I can stand up for a little while and have been eating my meals in standing position. But I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel now. Thank goodness. I was beginning to go out of my mind.
You don’t realize how important a flexible spine is until it suddenly doesn’t work anymore! Brushing teeth? Washing face? etc etc .. All luxuries! So again, I learn to value my (usual) good health ! Take care of your body and it will take care of you! 
July 18, 2009 at 11:03 am
hi annemarie:sorry to hear about your back ,been there felt that never again is not too soon .its amazing how weak you feel ,mine went it put me in bed for three days .hey you might wanna try a "good"message therapist when your feeling a little better it worked for me .you cant will yourself through this ,its all about patience.
July 18, 2009 at 12:39 pm
this same thing happened to me the last time I flew– 5hours on a flight with a hurt lower back is HELL!…but nevermind that, trying to sit for 2 hours first because the plane was delayed was worse because of the uncomfortable chairs! Not fun…I kept changing positions to stop the constant "pinching" sensation I had….I sympathize with you…mine goes out from time to time if I lift too heavy…I have learned that good mornings help to loosen up the lower back if it starts to tense up after a workout, I just use a 30-40 lb barbell…
July 18, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Thank you -oman- and ArmdandFabulous ! I appreciate the comments. Makes me feel that I am not alone. It gives me hope that it will get better soon. I sure hope it will be sooner rather than later. I must say, today, I’m beginning to feel some improvement. Keeping fingers crossed! Cheers!