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Borrego Springs, CA

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

32 comments:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. glad to hear you are feeling better!..take it easy though!!

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

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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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  24. Good to hear that you're getting better. Take it easy out there.

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  25. 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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  26. Waiting the hear you are so good as new.

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  27. 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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  28. 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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  29. 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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  30. 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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  31. 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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