April 18, 2008 | about me
I’ve done in my back, which is both immensely painful and immensely annoying. As it’s my upper back, I suspect a lot of it is my own fault due to sloppy posture, which makes it even more annoying.
Anyway, it makes it difficult to take care of the Fecklet–particularly because my husband is off on tour so I’m mostly alone with him. Fortunately he’s walking now so I don’t have to carry him around the house so much, but there’s still the lifting in and out of cot, high chair, bath, and pushing the pushchair is very painful.
It also makes it difficult to write, though I’ve adjusted my chair and this is somewhat better. This is frustrating because I’m very near the home stretch, where things are coming to a climax and if I could, I’d be writing it 12 hours a day. Oh, and I’m on deadline, of course.
The one bright spot in all of this is that Deep Heat smells great! Like Wint-O-Green Life Savers. Though I’ve developed a theory that it doesn’t actually make you feel better; it’s like the TENS machine you use when in labour, which creates a very odd and quasi-painful sensation itself that distracts you from the real pain underneath.
Hopefully I’ll see a doctor today and he can do something to help.
Currently reading: Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife by Michelle Styles (it’s not out till June, but it’s a birthday present, hurrah!)
Jan Jones says:
Oh, Julie, do take care. Ask the doc if he can recommend you for physio. You need to get on the waiting list, but they generally do an assessment straight away which gives you nice gentle exercises to be going on with. Don’t get fobbed off, whatever!
(((gentle hugs)))
Jessica Raymond says:
God, yes, the TENS machine was rubbish! ((Hugs)) on the bad back. I pulled mine a couple of weeks ago and I think it’s because Frog is still (just) in his carrier car seat and every time I pick him up it feels like my arm is about to rip out of its socket.
I hope all goes well with the doctor and failing that, if you find somewhere that does sports massage they can really work out your knots. I know somebody who’s a sports physio and whenever my back gets all cranked up (usually when I’ve been working a lot) I go and see them and they work out all the knots. I feel REALLY tender for a couple of days afterwards but my back doesn’t feel all stuffed up and instead it feels like there’s just air between all my bones and muscles. I recommend it!!
Jess x
Julie says:
Thanks Jan and Jess. I went to the doctor today and he says I haven’t been in pain long enough to see a physio, so I should just rest and take painkillers. I actually think I’ve done myself an injury (I had a really bad cough last week), but I plan to book a massage once I’m feeling better.
Donna Alward says:
Rest and painkillers?
Painkillers, well ok. But I hope by rest he means take it easy but not flat on your back. Massage is great. Either way gentle hugs to you.
And I’m reading VWUW too!
Julie says:
Considering I’m all alone with Fecklet and am on deadline too, flat on my back isn’t an option.
Michelle’s book is great, isn’t it Donna? I loved the battle with the wolf!
carol says:
Sorry to hear about the back, very difficult to when you have a toddler. When I pulled my back quite badly some time ago I was recommended ice packs rather than the usual heat everyone suggests. It helps cool down any inflamation. For me it worked like a dream.
Tammy says:
You have posted so many pictures of David Tennant that I first read “see a doctor today” as “see The Doctor today.” Then I wondered where you were going to see David Tennant.
I hope you feel better soon. Back pain is the worst thing, especially when you have a lot to do.
Kate Johnson says:
Youch, back pain is horrible. I’d like to say I do yoga to prevent it, but the truth is I only remember when it already hurts too much.
If it’s muscular pain, try ibuprofen as it’s an anti-inflammatory. If you can manage (or get someone else to do it) rub in some lavender oil. I swear by it (and sometimes at it).
amanda ashby says:
I second what Kate J says about ibuprofen. I totally did my back in from too many years of lifting kids in and out of carseats and ibuprofen really helped (as did the fact that my kids finally got old enough to do it themselves!)
Julie says:
Ice? *shudder* The only pain-free moments I get are with the heating pad. I can’t imagine curling up with an ice pack. Though I can see the logic.
Tammy, I WISH I were going to see David Tennant!!!!!!!
Kate and Amanda, I am living on ibuprofen, occasionally topped up by paracetamol. Oh, and dark chocolate.