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Five Weeks To Normal

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.

Great day for a run #5miles #running #noexcuses

A photo posted by Danay Escanaverino (@danayescanaverino) on

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.  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.

 

 

My Random Musings

62 Responses

  1. 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! 🙂

  2. I’m really glad that you were back, I’m also a work aholic and sometimes I thought that I’m really blessed.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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 🙂

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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!

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  13. 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!

  14. 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

  15. 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.

  16. 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!

  17. 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

  18. 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….

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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!

  22. 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

  23. 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!

  24. 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!

  25. 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!

  26. 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. 🙂

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