Thursday, November 10, 2011

Tested the waters today

After spending the last week or so in excruciating pain, and confined to the rig, I decided to test the old back out and make a run to town today.  After all, I was in need of two essential items: dog food and toilet paper.  Can’t live without either right now.  Granted, I really didn’t run, but I have a stick shift car which means pushing the clutch in numerous times.  That can be tricky with a bad back. 

Well, I’m here to report that I lived through that journey, and I think my back may be a little better for having tried.  We’ll see how it goes when I try to sleep tonight.  Sleeping has been pretty illusive the last week.  I haven’t posted in several days because there has been nothing to report except my moaning and groaning. 

While I’ve been laid up, my friend Colin left and is now safely back in England.  Next week, he and his wife will be heading for a multiple week trip to Australia.  I’m jealous of that.  I’ve always wanted to visit Australia.

Tomorrow, two more volunteer rigs will be pulling in.  I’m slated to train two of the folks in the operation of the VIS this weekend.  I plan to be well enough to do that.  Stephanie, the volunteer coordinator, has been very understanding of my condition during all of this.  I have felt no pressure at all to return to work before I’m ready.  It’s no wonder I continue to return to this refuge.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

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32 comments:

  1. GypsyNovember 10, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    I'm glad you were able to make the trip into town, and hope you are on the way to a full recovery. Back pain can be almost unbearable.

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  2. Kenny And Angela's AdventureNovember 10, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Know how you feel,when I drove a truck over the road my back would go out and I could hardly get in or out of the truck..

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  3. Al BossenceNovember 10, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    A stick shift and a sore back are definitely not compatible.

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  4. SherryNovember 10, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Driving a stick shift and having had back problems I suggest Aleve since it is not only a pain killer but also an anti inflamatory. Take it at bed time it will help you sleep. Unless of course you have been given something stronger that's working.

    Really hoping you will be up and about and pain free very soon!!

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  5. Carole November 10, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    It's great that you have an understanding 'boss'. May you soon be pain-free and back at work. I know how much you love being 'out there'.

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  6. Muffy's MarksNovember 10, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    I've missed you, I am glad to hear you're feeling a little better. Prayers for a speedy recovery.

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  7. Dennis and DonnaNovember 10, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Missed your posts...I'm saying you are on the mend...just take it easy..Aleve worked for McGuyver...better living through science, eh?? A nice big wet doggy kiss from Emma wouldn't hurt either...

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  8. MerikayNovember 10, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    One morning you will wake up pain free. Look forward...

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  9. Alan and Marilyn McMillanNovember 10, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Back pain is the pits -- hopefully, you are on the mend!

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  10. Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009November 10, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    Glad you are up and about again. Please take it slow. You are very Blessed to have such an understanding boss. Enjoy the outdoors.

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  11. Paul and Marti DahlNovember 10, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    You should have seen me when I tore my right shoulder rotator cuff and drove myself to the hospital shifting with my left hand.

    I don't think I ran anybody off the road...

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  12. hobopalsNovember 10, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    I'm sorry your back is still bothering you, Judy. Have you been putting heat on it?

    I'm at my wits end with mine. PT isn't helping. Doc says he'll try shots next (maybe, maybe not because my xrays showed what was wrong and my symptoms are so classic), then surgery and have me recuperated by March. At least I get relief if I set or lie down.

    Sounds like you pulled a muscle which might respond to PT or massage and some muscle relaxers. I've had that pain, too, and it hurts all the time. I don't envy you. Keep us posted.

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  13. hobopalsNovember 10, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    "sit or lie down"

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  14. Janna and MikeNovember 10, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Missed you Judy and was worried, glad to see that hopefully you are on the road to recovery.

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  15. SunnyNovember 10, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    Glad you are doing better Judy, but take it slow. Glad they are so patient with your situation.

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  16. Gene and JudiNovember 10, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    Glad to hear you're on the mend. But be very careful; don't rush the healing process.

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  17. AnonymousNovember 10, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    The only thing that helped me when I sciatica was a trip to a chiropractor (the first time I had ever been to one.) He worked on 'pressure points' and I couldn't believe the positive difference it made. After a couple of sessions, it was so much better, and now I have no pain there at all. The sciatic nerve is a huge one (thumb width) and pain can be in your back or radiating down your legs. Have you considered this? Much better for me than taking medication with its side effects. Enjoy reading your blog and following your adventures...which you have had plenty of lately! Wishing you well.

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  18. Carol KNovember 10, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    I can see why you keep returning to Anahuac NWR. I'm glad to hear that the volunteer coordinator has been so understanding.

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  19. Sue and DougNovember 10, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    glad to hear you are feeling better!..take it easy though!!

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  20. CarlaNovember 10, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Sure hope you are on the mend. Take care of yourself

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  21. Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsNovember 10, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    Great-made it into town and back:) You do not want to be without dog food for too long, Emma might start looking at you differently.

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  22. Kevin ReadNovember 11, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Happy to hear that you are slowly improving. Sure hope you'll be back to normal soon. Take care and don't overdue things.

    Kevin and Ruth
    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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  23. Bob and JoNovember 11, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    You can do without toilet paper and even human food but not dog food :-)

    Bob and Jo
    http://bobandjotravelblog.blogspot.com/

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  24. MaureenNovember 11, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Judy, Sorry for your back problems and I hope the mend is on its way. Wayne and I are in the back woods of Florida and have a very slow connection so have not posted much. I thought I was the only one who knew that poem. My mother taught me that same poem but a slightly different version: Little birdie in the sky - Drop some whitewash in my eye - Me no weep and me no cry - Me just glad that cows don't fly!
    Would love to see a cattle drive out our rv window...maybe when we head out west in a couple of years. Maureen

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  25. ErinNovember 11, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Good to hear that you're getting better. Take it easy out there.

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  26. RickNovember 11, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Same as all the others have said - glad to see some progress with your back and hope it continues to improve.

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  27. PhyllisNovember 11, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Waiting the hear you are so good as new.

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  28. KathyNovember 11, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    So glad you're making progress but sooooooooooooo ready for you to be all healed up! Praying for you, I really am. K

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  29. KathyNovember 11, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    I am so glad for you that your back is feeling better!!
    I guess a volunteer coordinator HAS to be patient because all kinds of things can affect us volunteers.
    YAY for that!!

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  30. UnknownNovember 11, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Glad to hear the back is improving some. Backs are tricky and they just take time to heal, and it is hard to be patient(at least it is for me). I bet your volunteer coordinator knows what a valuable volunteer you are and just wants you healthy. Take it easy and I hope sleeping gets easier.

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  31. butterbeanNovember 11, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Howdy Judy & Emma,
    SHUX, I thought maybe you'd gone in swimming to 'test the waters'!!! I'm sure glad Emma didn't have to drive you to town; it's hard to teach a dog to push a clutch and shift gears at the same time. Charlie is strictly an automatic dog!
    DON'T LAFF IT'LL MAKE YOUR BACK HURT!!! I was in Anahuac once and darn near melted from all of the humididity.It must stay at 80%year-round

    So glad your back is easing up.. You need some
    enjoyment and I HOPE & PRAY you get it!!!

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  32. BarbNovember 13, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    It's always good to get out when you've been laid up for a while. Hope your back continues improving!

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