I have a confession to make. I’ve been reworking old blog posts lately. I haven’t been cooking, baking, decorating, sewing, and photographing all of those fun adventures. Instead, I’ve been sitting in my recliner chair, snuggling in my electric blanket, and spending time thumbing through magazines and looking at blogs.
See this picture:
It’s a picture from my MRI. Right in the center of the picture, there is a little gray thing that looks like it’s about the size of a pea. Well, that little thing is not supposed to be there. It’s been causing me serious problems since last Spring. I started going to the doctor last April, telling them that I had some very intense pain that didn’t feel muscular, but felt deeper. They thought I had everything from muscular pain to heart problems. After being tested for anything and everything, they finally did an MRI and decided I had a herniated disc in my neck. They wanted to do surgery at the beginning of September. I’m pretty sure I either laughed at that or stared at them blankly. Ummm. Hello… I teach kindergarten!
So, after several months of agonizing pain combined with cheerful singing in kindergarten, I finally had surgery a few weeks ago. I didn’t want to post anything because (true confession time) I have a fear of some crazy-pants-lunatic reading my blog (because I’m sure lots of crazies enjoy reading homelife blogs in their spare time) and breaking in to steal my pain meds. I had to wait to share this until I was better and out of meds so the crazies would stay away. You understand, right? Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks this way!
Surgery went well, although pain really sucks. I was supposed to rest and not do ANYTHING. As a matter of fact, rule #1 on my post op directions said, “Don’t use this time at home to complete projects.” So, I sat. I rested. I napped through Thanksgiving. I napped every single day, as a matter of fact. I’m two weeks out from surgery now, and I still can’t wake up. The doctor says it’s just a side effect of anesthesia and I just need a little more time to shake it off. I still have pain. Have I mentioned that pain sucks?
During the surgery, they shaved off part of my bone and pulled out the herniated part of the disc. This is supposed to relieve the pressure on the nerve and reduce the pain, numbness, and pressure I feel in my neck, arm, back, and chest. It’s amazing that something so small can cause so much pain.
Looking on the bright side, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being home with my kids. My daughter says she wishes I could break my arm or something so I would need to stay home again. Hmmm. I’m not sure I like that plan. I’m not exactly sure I remember the past two weeks because of the anesthetic and the meds, but I’m sure I enjoyed the time at home.
I took this picture of my daughter because it sums up her life perfectly. Her hair is unbrushed. Her snack bag is on the chair. She has a combination of basketball uniform and jammie pants for her outfit of choice. Her soccer blanket is close by because she loves to be warm, and she’s happily doing puzzles in the entry way. I wish I would have taken the picture just a few minutes earlier because the ipad was set up and she was finishing a movie, while calling a friend to see if she wanted to come do puzzles together.
While I had my camera out, I asked my son if he would let me take a few pictures. I wanted to see if I could get the ball spinning on his finger in a blur, while he was in focus. It took me a few tries, but I got it. It was then that I really appreciated being home with my kids. It was Thanksgiving break, so I would have been home with my kids anyway, but it just felt more restful. (Possibly because I had been resting for days upon days.)
So, that’s my story. I’m doing better, but I wish I could say I’m 100%. I will be back to my regular blogging and teaching soon! Until then… Happy Resting!
The Comments
Courtney@Golden Boys and Me
I hope you are back to 100% soon, Becca. I am glad you at least have been enjoying your time at home. That last pictures is really cool! Take care.
homeiswheremystorybegins@gmail.com
> Courtney@Golden Boys and MeThank you Courtney! I'm on the mend! When I mentioned that I've been reading blogs, yours was one of them. I went through all of your old Christmas posts to get some inspiration for projects I want to do when I feel better!
Tammy
Ooooh, you have some adorable kiddos!!! Hope you're feeling 100% soon!! Pain sucks!!
homeiswheremystorybegins@gmail.com
> TammyI'm getting there! Thanks Tammy!
Linda
Back pain and surgery has to be the worst 🙁 I know what you mean, I had some pain pills after my surgery and never used them, but I keep them hidden just in case……(many years ago I had back problems and the only way I was able to get out of bed was with my friends pain pills)….and yes, then I went to the dr to take care of it. Love the photos of your kiddos, esp the real life one of your daughter. Feel better soon!!!
The Mayo Family
Oh, I am glad to hear that you are a couple weeks out now, sorry to learn your in pain and we will remember to pray that you recover and start feeling better each day! Nice you can spend the time with the children and they are beautiful children and you try to enjoy the time (once pain is better you will) 😉 Have a blessed holiday and get better soon!
Blessings~ Lori
P.S. This means no vintage sheet fabric I'm guessing (sniff)