Saturday, October 14, 2006

Ouch!

Today I woke up feeling pretty good. So I dressed for around the house, and started trying to get things done. I started the sprinkler on the lawn, fed the dog, then came in and decided to pull the trash out of my trash compactor and toss it in the garbage bin.

Bad mistake. As I pulled, I suddenly both felt and heard a loud POP POP POP POP POP across the base of my back. OUCH! I leaned against the fridge until the pain diminished a little, then I very carefully stood upright. Whew - I managed it. Wasn't sure if I'd be able to. I staggered into the living room, found the number, and phoned my chiropractor.

Thank goodness! He was in, and could see me. I picked up my purse and keys, and hobbled directly to my car to drive to town. I did not stop to put in teeth, to put on bra, or even to brush my hair. I needed help one hell of a lot more than I needed to look decent.

Doctor Gerard adjusted my back, then gave me an ice pack treatment with electrical stimulation. He instructed me not to sit too long; to get up and walk around frequently. He told me not to do any heavy lifting - not a necessary admonition, as at this point I couldn't if I wanted to. And he told me to use ice packs at least 4 times a day, until I come back Monday. I've been following instructions, to the letter. I've never thrown my back out like this before - and I most certainly don't want to do it again.

But the trash still sits in the trash compactor... where I suspect it will stay for some while.

Saturday I plan to drive to Vacaville, meet some ladies from my ATC group, eat lunch with them, and then drive home again. Suddenly it seems like an incredibly ambitious project. Wish me luck.