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Flare - when will I ever learn???

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Posted 3/13/2013 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
I'm really struggling with this idea of pacing! After my difficult year, I am beginning to feel much better and itching to do things I haven't been able to do in so long. Problem is, my mind is willing but the body just isn't. So here I am in bed again, suffering a pretty bad flare, all because I overdid it on Monday and didn't listen to the signals my back was giving me yesterday. Can anyone else relate to this or am I just stupid??!!

The question is will things improve or is this it. I guess I don't know the answer to that and that's my problem. Oh well I'll live to fight another day I guess!!

Hope everyone is doing well and having some lower pain time.

Take care

Jane
Posted 3/13/2013 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jane, it's a so good to see you posting again. Yup... I can totally relate to this, I'm afraid my youth and inexperience generally overrides my body's signals until it is faaarr too late; and I seem to be getting worse at that cycle, not better lol. Worst part is that I just don't have the option most days, to lay down and get the rest that my body is begging for, it seems as though the older my son gets, the more direct supervision he needs, to keep him out of trouble, he seems to enjoy causing the most mischief possible.

I hope you're not down all day, but don't feel too bad if you do have to be, you've had so many things happening just recently, I think you could really use a break at times.

Thanks for keeping us posted, I hope you're able to get out of bed at some point today. Take care, and take it easy.
Posted 3/13/2013 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Oh yes,...this is something that I think everyone on the forum can understand! That is really the whole key to living with chronic pain is learning how to pace ourselves and we are always learning...LOL

I wrestle almost daily with what my mind wants to do and what my body is capable of.

I had a good sit down with my Neurosurgeon and PM and asked them flat out what things would actually "harm" me further or cause more damage, and then what just causes more pain. This way I am ok with pushing myself on certain days knowing there will be a spike in pain and then buffer in a few days to rest afterwards...but I can feel confident in that I'm not doing damage to my spine. It usually works out that the joy or even feeling of accomplishment that I get from the activity is worth the extra pain.

But this is where we all have different limits depending on our health issues and you are still recovering from a very tough year of surgeries. So, be patient with yourself....and just rest and give your body a break the next few days.
Posted 3/13/2013 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Jane!

…you are not the first to pull this stunt and won't be the last. I myself have done this several times thinking that I felt well enough for a heavier load…only to find myself down for several days and usually a trip to the Dr.

A fusion takes 12 to 18 months for a full fusion to take…so keep that in mind, and even then, you may have other issues later on down the road. I just would not chance added weight of any sort of load at this point.

So don't feel silly, many of us have made this mistake. I hope you continue down a road of healing and well being.

SE
Posted 3/13/2013 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Oh how I can relate to this. I even fo it while my wife is telling me "you're gonna pay for that tomorrow". Do I listen? Nope. Some day I may learn she knows me better than I do.

Take care,
Bill
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