Five weeks.
That’s how long it has taken me to start feeling normal.
I injured my back, and it’s been real.
I haven’t been immobile, but I have had to make a lot of lifestyle changes during the past four weeks.
No prolonged sitting.
That’s bananas! I work at my desk all day. Since this injury, I am now working standing up most of the day. This new dynamic now messes with my back in a new and exciting way.
Opiates Help
I have always been averse to taking drugs, including taking Tylenol for a headache. I just figured that the less meds I put into my body, the less I’d have to deal with any side effects or weird stuff. Plus, I’m a coffee/energy person. I like to be sharp and alert and productive.
Then there’s the type of pain that is just unbearable. Mind you, I’ve gone through child birth, so I clearly understand a pain level of 10 versus a 5. I was at a consistent 9/10 and couldn’t even climb onto the exam table for my doctor. I never saw anyone write a prescription so damned fast. The poor guy had “sympathy” clearly written across his face.
I heart him.
Opiates Hinder
So while I finally caved and took the prescribed medicine, I hated feeling mentally fuzzy. I braved a few client calls and had such a hard time forming words, that I decided to just communicate via email and chat. At least that would allow me the time to look up words like “participate” which I had previously struggled with during a very important phone call.
I took myself off after a week and a half because I just couldn’t take it any more. What am I without my mind?
Also, they made my toes swell.
Stay Active
Even though it was brutal, and with my doctor’s blessing, I still ran my 5 miles most days. There were a few days where I just couldn’t bring myself to move, but I did it. And I am using the word “ran” quite loosely. Most days it was a mix of a pathetic hobble/walk. But I did it.
And I’m sure it made a difference.
Attitude Is Everything
I kept swinging back and forth between feeling sorry for myself and resolving to beat the crap out of life’s curve balls. Â It sucks not to be able to do all the things you want to do, especially when you have the resolve.
My days were definitely less productive with the pain and medicated haze under which I was operating. But I kept my resolve to push forward and not just lay in bed all day being miserable.
Work Ethic
If I told you how many meetings, events and travel plans I had to cancel, you would probably faint.
It’s OK, I’m aware that I am a workaholic. I also apply the same ridiculous “too much-ness” to being an involved parent, etc. You get the gist.
However, I am truly grateful for my immigrant work ethic. I know it has helped me many times in the past and it will serve me again now as I try to play catch-up.
I grew up watching my parents and other immigrant families around me “just do”. There was never complaining or anything, it was just getting it done and dealing with it as best you could.
Now I’m not going to compare my situation to that one, because I own a business and live a very blessed live. My parents were poor, fleeing communism and trying desperately to get by in a foreign place with a foreign language. Their toughness, resolve and willingness to work hard no matter what, always remind me that hard work for me is not even remotely close to what it was for them.
It really puts things into perspective for me.
A Light At The End
Today I had my first seven mile run. I’m finally starting to feel better. It was the first day in over a month that I felt like I could conquer the world.
I still had to take it easy with my sitting and not doing anything physically stupid like heavy lifting. But it was such a morale booster that I just had to go for the two extra miles.
Get ready world. Once I’m back at 100%, there will be some conquering to be had.
Is that even grammatically correct? I believe it is.
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62 Responses
Oh goodness poor you! That must really not be fun having to stand at your desk. Glad you are back to running and progress is being made.
Thanks Natalie, it’s great to be feeling on the upside of normal!
I feel you! While I have not been suffering the pain that you have I can totally relate to the workaholic Type A personality thing! I have had the cold – turn to flu – back to cold virus for WEEKS and I am SICK of it I am also like you in the aspect that I hate taking meds, pills make me out of my head – even basic pills let alone opioids! I feel for you and yes when you are back to 100% LOOK OUT WORLD! 🙂
Ouch, I hate when that happens. I hope you’re all better now or at least recovering!
Just keep believing. Nothing is impossible if we will trust ourselves! Go girl!
Thanks Chei 🙂
So glad you are feeling better. It’s frustrating when our bodies won’t cooperate and our minds want us to keep being active, isn’t it!
Yes it is!
I’m really glad that you were back, I’m also a work aholic and sometimes I thought that I’m really blessed.
I think it’s a blessing as well Karlyn.
So sorry you had to go through this but certainly impressed with your drive. I can’t believe you ran five miles a day while injured. I don’t even run one mile a day and I’m totally fine ;). I always joke when people ask if I run with this answer, “Not unless someone dangerous is chasing me!” But. I’m hoping you’ve inspired me to get off my butt and appreciate my healthy body. Thank you for sharing.
Hah! That’s a great line. Take your phone and turn on a podcast. You’ll forget you’re actually working out and enjoy a show or two.
Good to hear that you’re back to your normal state. It sounds like you had a pretty tough 4 weeks, I love your attitude though. You never gave up and you were determined to get back in shape.
That’s horrible – I can’t relate but so important and affects even your posture. I know it’s hard but keeping moving can often help most injuries x
I feel your pain! I injured my back at work about 5 years ago and it hasn’t been the same since. I work at a desk all day, but I can’t stay sitting down all day. I still have to get up and move around a bit every 30 min or so. I hope that yours heals better than mine and you get back to 100% soon.
Thanks Renee. Have you tried a standing desk? Sometimes all that sitting just kills your back too. There are desks that convert where you can bring them up & down so you can alternate.
I don’t think I could love this more!! Congratulations on your run! That is a huge accomplishment.
Thank you Taty 🙂
Being in pain is one of the hardest things to deal with. It is also one of the hardest things to recover from. I have had to overcome and recover from pain a couple of times now.
I hate taking medicine. I have always been the type to try to tough it out until I absolutely had to so I can totally relate there. I have a condition now that makes me have to take medicine that makes me perma-fuzzy lol. It’s so annoying.
Have fun with the conquering 🙂
My mom injured her back a few years ago and it definitely left unable to do too much. It’s inspiring to hear that you still pushed through. I’m sure getting out for a “run” was a big deal.
Good to hear you’re feeling more like yourself again. I know how hard it is when you’re not feeling good but it sounds like you have a great attitude. Smiling through the pain is important if you can do it.
Your resolve is admirable. Good for you!
It sounds like you have had your share of troubles. My son has had some knee issues and they are so painful. Thank goodness you had the drive to push through it. Wishing you all the best!
Danay! That sounds so miserable! I’m so sorry! I hope you feel better soon and that you heal completely from your injury! #Getthatworkdone #getthosemilesin
Thanks Carmen, I’m on it 😉
Congrats on your run, and pushing through injuring your back. Just take it easy, and don’t over do it.
Congratulations on your seven-mile run! Any injury can make it harder to do things, but I think back injuries are one of the worst. You use your back in everything you do. I have some medical issues (joint problems and a back problem), and I agree with you about the pain meds. I refuse to take prescription pain meds. Having a “fuzzy” head is not good in my line of work. I have found that exercise makes a big difference.
Glad you are getting back to normal. Hope you feel 100% soon.
Thanks Ashley, me too 🙂
Back issues are the worst! My husband’s back goes out every so often, it’s so unpredictable and so awful when it does. I can’t believe you still ran in the midst of all that!
It was really more of a hobble Claudia 🙂 But it was far better than being laid out and miserable.
I’m right there with you when it comes to pain medication. I hate putting anything extra in my body unless it’s absolutely necessary. While going through kidney stones I refused to have any opiates prescribed to me, so I just stuck with prescription strength tylenol, which was effective enough for the most part. I hope you get to feeling 100% better soon!
xo, Helene
Im going to forward this post to my brother, he hurt his back a few years ago in the gym and he’s had trouble with pain ever since. He’s been to a chiropractor and had an epidural injection and he’s said they help but don’t really get rid of the pain. I feel bad sometimes because I don’t know what I can do to help him.
Back issues are the worst! My Dad had a terrible one at work a few years ago and it still bothers him. Good for you for staying active!
Oh man, that must have been so hard. Glad you are finally starting to feel better.
Wow! I can’t believe you still managed your 5 miles every day while in so much pain. It makes my excuses for not exercising seem pretty pitiful. I hope you continue to heal quickly!
I totally understand what you are going through I hurt my back and was paralyzed for a long time and attitude and natural remedies helped me get back on track. Having the outlook that you have is very important and once you hurt your back it is always there so you have to make sure you keep it strong. Good luck
Ughhh nothing worse than pain!!!! The few times I’ve had to take any type of opiate for pain ughh!!!!! I swear I was on a differt planet the whole time. So I try to stay away from things like that, but unfortunately pain sometimes is too much and that one little pull will make it go away lol….
This would be tough. I’m glad you are slowly getting better at least. Congrats on your first 7 mile run at least. I only do 2 miles a day and I’m not even injured. It’s just 2 miles is all my body wants to do, ha.
The fact you went running is crazy but impressive! I would definitely be the kind who stays in bed as long as possible!
Congrats on the run!!! I definitely think Attitude matters the MOST.
Good to hear that you are back to running…that actually helps..good luck
What stands out to me is that you were trying to work while injured and taking strong medication, until you forced yourself to take a break. I wonder why we all push ourselves that way. Work is certainly important, but recently I learned that health is a lot more important than work because without health, we have nothing. Let’s take the time to heal! Glad to know you’re feeling better after a few weeks of this.
So happy you are feeling better! You made it through!
I can surely relate to your injuries. You did great and healed so quickly. So happy for you. You are back running that is amazing. I could never run again “)
Being in Pain was so hard, But I’m so glad that you were and feel better soon and back to normal.
Back injuries are no joke! I’ve thankfully never had a severe back injury, but I swear even just a back muscle tweak can feel like death when you twist the wrong way. I’m super impressed you were able to regularly do 5 miles. That is awesome.
Wow! You are an inspiration to get up and move, girl! I can’t believe you didn’t take a break from running. Good luck with your 7-mile run. I’m rooting for you!
Thanks Nancy 🙂 After being in pain so long, now that it’s getting better every day, I feel like climbing a mountain lol.
You are a fighter and I admire your courage and determination. You are an inspiration to some of us.
Thank you Apolline. Your kudos is very much appreciated.
It’s so frustrating when you have a bad back – everything hurts! I’m really impressed you still ran (or hobbled) five miles everyday!
Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes 🙂
Debbie
It certainly is Debbie. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Oh no, I hear back pain is the worst to get over, because it can go on so long if you don’t heal well! Looks like you have a great plan! I hope you feel 100 % soon!
Gracias Marissa!
I’m glad you are feeling better, running and everything. That only shows one thing, you are a super strong woman and that’s something to be proud of. Congrats!
Thanks Alex! I’m just relieved to be getting back to normal 🙂
Oh you poor thing, back pain is horrible having to deal with daily. I am loving your attitude though, I can’t even get out for a walk on a good day!
You are a tough lady, and with high spirit. BTW, I just read online that those working standing up are becoming more productive that those who always sitting. 🙂
I know the struggle! like you said, attitude is everything! And a positive attitude can make all the difference!