Sunday, January 24, 2016

Sometimes doing what's right hurts!

Yep! Sometimes doing the right thing hurts a lot. And I'm talking literally. After only 3.5 years of waiting, I finally got a call for physiotherapy for my back. (Government medicare physiotherapy.) So, I jumped at the chance. I've been unable to exercise for almost 5 years, and I'd love to be able to at least do yoga again. 

I've tried many different things to try to deal with the pain; but the only thing that's worked has been massage therapy which I pay for myself.  If I'm careful and don't shovel snow or rake leaves or tend to my garden etc, etc, my monthly maintenance makes it tolerable. Well, and let's not forget my many heating pads at home and at work.

Of course, you start any first visit to a new health practitioner with an assessment. "Does this hurt? What about here?  This may make things flare up!", she said. Oh dear! And flare up they have; I've been in such discomfort and pain ever since.

One of the things I did like about my visit was the acupuncture. I've always wanted to try it, but with the monthly expense for massage, I haven't fit it into my budget. I had a number of needles inserted into my lower back (it didn't hurt) and was then told to "lie there and rest for 15 minutes".

15 minutes of reclining on my lunch break! 
Everyone should be doing this on a regular basis!

"What do the needles do?" I asked her. Apparently they stimulate production of endorphins and open up the chi. Well, all afternoon at work, I felt liked I'd drunk a whole pot of coffee without the jitters or sleeplessness at night.

But I am in pain. And praying that this new cure doesn't take away the degree of comfort that I've gained. I've another 2 appointments this week, so let's see how they go. If nothing else, I'll have 2 more rest periods!









7 comments:

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

When no traditional medicine could helped me I turned to Eastern. Since a surgery I had two years ago I had severe pain in my neck. I've been going to massage therapy and acupuncture and it has worked wonders for me. At first the relief would be brief, but then I notice that each time it would last longer and longer. Now I go for preventative medicine. For the acupuncture the one thing I would stress is to make sure they are Licensed Certified Acupuncturist, NOT just a certificate, ie like a Chiroprature. Licensed and certified take boards, and there is a huge difference between them.

Jeannie B. said...

I h ope it works. Pain is a BAD thing! Enjoy reading your blog. I think you are so funny!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Back pain is the worst. I do hope that you get some relief.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I've had a lot of back woes over the years and understand what you are saying. I do hope your treatments soon make the pain go away. Not good that you have to have more of it in order to get better.

Linda said...

Yikes....back pain..the worst. Here's praying that something works for you and soon.

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

Thank you everyone for your wishes and prayers. Thank you Cathy for the good advice.

Bonnie said...

I do hope you find relief soon. Hugs!

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