In August, I was put on a modified bedrest, not the best for a realtor but necessary. I needed to give my body a chance to rest and heal. At the same time, I also needed to learn what positions, movements and activities caused me the most pain. Thankfully, I was able to do my other job from the comfort of my recliner.
This was my time to stop a movement and say, no, that’s not happening, figure out another way. Towards the end of the month I had tried to sit at my desk to work. After sitting there for 20 minutes, I ended up with a softball size lump of swelling in my lower back. Walking the dogs was a challenge, I had to let them out in the yard in the afternoons instead of our walks.
The end of the month we helped our friend move. Knowing that I couldn’t lift anything, I said to our friend, just put me in a room and have me unpack that room. That seemed to work well. The next day we were off to Porchfest, knowing I wouldn’t be able to do all the walking, our friends father was kind enough to let me borrow his scooter for the day.
September, my husband and I were supposed to go to Stowe, VT for a long weekend. I was beginning to realize, this trip was going to be a challenge. If I couldn’t walk the dogs, how were we going to go on a trip that would involve a lot of walking. We cancelled that trip and instead, remodeled our family room to bring our washer and dryer up from the basement.
After my first round of Prolotherapy, I began to have more confidence. My back pain had decreased tremendously. The hip pain, depends on the day. Some days I was feeling good, other times, I would be standing at the refrigerator and go to turn and was quickly reminded I have a torn ligament in my hip. There were days with little to no pain. Feeling confident with no pain, I was trying some physically demanding tasks, I was quickly reminded I’m not ready yet or I need to figure out another way to complete the task.
Friends invited us to the local haunted hay ride and trail. I have done the trail before and knew that this could be a challenge. We have opted to go on the hay ride and finish at the bonfire while the rest of the group complete the trail. I still want to get out there and participate in fun activities, I just need to understand my limitations.
Yesterday, I had my second round of Prolotherapy injections. This time, I needed a second round in my hip and one in my jaw. I was surprised that I wasn’t feeling the way I did after the first round. I was better, there wasn’t pain with walking. Then I yawned, I was quickly reminded that I just got an injection in my jaw. I started to think, is this how wide those without EDS can open their mouth? My jaw is so loose that it often dislocates with eating, talking, resting my head in my hands or tilting my head to the side. Friends invited us out to a local restaurant that night. I had said it would be a game day decision based on how I felt after the first injections two weeks ago. Our daughter also needed me to be a model for her salon so that she could learn a certain cut. I was concerned sitting in the chair for a long time would be a challenge. I left the haircut feeling good and went on to the restaurant. My biggest challenge of the night wasn’t sitting on the barstool for a few hours, it was eating. Who knew French fries would hurt? Did that stop me? HA, no, they’re French fries. I did slow down though.
This morning I woke up with a list of plans for the day. I also woke up feeling paralyzed. I took my time with getting up and starting my day. As I sit and type, the injection in my jaw keeps reminding me it happened. The injections in my hip are making sure I am mindful of my movements for the day.
The saying goes, if it hurts, don’t do it. I have always pushed through the pain. I am now learning that I must respect and listen to the pain. Things may not get done as planned or when I planned, but I know it will all happen, even if it means asking for help or saying no. It’s okay to say no or not right now.
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