Tag: back pain

Pain

by Ashley filed under Life

San Clemente Family Photographer-60It’s funny how life throws you a curve ball just when you convinced yourself that you might make it to the league’s home run derby. The last few weeks had been so productive; so much checked off our to-do list… both bathroom renovations complete, closet doors and front door renovations too, along with piles donated and listed for sale (the biggest being the sale of our 68′ Jeep Wagoneer which was bitter sweet but more sweet), furniture moved around, closets cleaned out… what I’m saying is that you’d think it were spring around here.

And then it hit me like an old ex that shows up unexpected at your front door. I’m talking about pain. In my neck, to be exact.

It’s been an on and off part of my life since my back surgery, though more recently stemming from a car accident I was involved in in March that resulted in three cars all being completely totaled on the freeway.

I’ve had a few hiccups here and there, with most weeks built around physical therapy appointments… but the pain I’m experiencing this week is less like a hiccup and more like a tidal wave; meaning that I have been unable to do anything. And when you’re unable to do anything, you’re suddenly reminded of everything you’d like to be doing and, dammit, need to be doing.

Fantasies of adventures with the boys over their break from school have been haunting my thoughts. As have the completion of what’s left on that ever-lengthy to-do-around-the-home list. I have nothing but time, with only one photo session scheduled before the New Year as well as one shift left in the hospital, but am by no means able to turn this time I have into anything productive. It’s frustrating to say the least.

And yet each time I’m in one of these dire states, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to be healthy… I spend my time in bed trying to relax with a household below me that sounds as if it’s about to unravel at the seams without me. A baby kicking away in my belly, making me thankful that I have time to heal before the physicality of an impending natural birth that causes me to giggle at my current state of pain and discomfort.

With all the heartache that has taken place as of late – both in Paris and San Bernardino – my piddly pain in my neck is simply a drop of water in the ocean. Nevertheless perhaps it’s the reminder I needed – and maybe we all need – that the holidays ought not to be about gift giving but instead about counting the many blessings already present in our lives.

Wishing everyone a festive week, filled with laughter and happiness, and thanks.

26 Weeks

by Ashley filed under Ashley, Pregnancy

 

I’m officially on leave from work, which came more abruptly than planned. I’ve been having so much low back pain that the back-up OB and myself decided taking off now would be safest. I planned on feeling that rush of excitement similar to the feeling when you walk out of school on the last day before summer break, but I don’t feel that way at all. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing.
In other 26 week news, I’ve been having some braxton hicks. They actually started a while ago and if I remember correctly I think I suspected the first one as early as 13 weeks. There is no denying them now and it’s comforting to know my uterine muscles are getting their workout on before the big day. I’m trying to keep hydrated in an effort to keep em’ spread out and so far it’s worked, as they come only every now and again. I can also palpate little parts. I feel what seems to be miniature elbows or knees and can clearly feel when his back is pushed up against my abdominal wall. The kicks are getting stronger so I know all that protein I’ve been consuming is doing it’s job. I’m sleeping somewhat better. If it weren’t for the back pain, I’d sleep like a baby. Luckily, Hooper is such a good sleeper that he gives me a good 11 hours to get whatever kind of shut eye I can in and with the exception of a rare day here and there I feel quite well rested.
As a complete side note, how does the house get dirty so fast? I swear it’s been my goal to keep this place clean now that I’m not working, but I’m learning it’s an everyday job and things pile up faster than they can be put away. I’m sure ya’ll feel me on that one. In any case, I have some spring cleaning to catch up on.