Friday, August 6, 2010

Life goes on


I've been off work since Wednesday night to give my back an opportunity to heal and I'm trying hard to ignore the dust bunnies growing around the house. I think it's improving, though the therapeutic massage today was torture painful. My back is in spasm and none of the meds I'm taking seem to help. Of course, if I could get in to see a physical therapist, I think that might help, but they can't see me until Monday. By that time, I'll be two weeks post injury and time is a wastin'.

Tick, tick, tick.

Because this is a work related injury, I can't see anyone or do anything without the approval of occupational health and the worker's comp liaison. If I'd avoided occupational health and sought treatment the way I ordinarily do for back pain, I'd be better by now. Between massage and a chiropractor, I'd be cured and working my usual schedule. Instead, I've wasted an insane amount of time and been subjected to alternative work that made everything flare. Today I took a two hour spontaneous nap which seemed to help. I was awakened by the phone ringing and I had no idea where I was, what day it was, or the time. I must have needed it, but I worried my caller with my apparent confusion. The amazing thing is when I woke up, my back didn't hurt as badly as did this morning. Seems it pays to fight the higher ups for at least some therapeutic relief. I negotiated 3 massages and the first was today. We'll have another go on Monday afternoon. The MRI is tomorrow.

While I can't lift, clean or file, there have been no idle hands here. I have been knitting and I'm a few rows away from casting off on the lace sweater. I'll knit the sleeves, sew the seams and contemplate the ruffle. Since lace is a difficult project to carry around and really needs an attentive person at the other end of the needle end of things, I've been working on the ruffle border. This is a piece that can travel. It's knit separately, then sewn on and is kind of fiddly. I'm not loving it. I'm thinking of altering things and knitting a traditional ruffle just around the neck and instead of a ruffle on the sleeves, I'll do the picot border which would match the hem of the main body. The two ruffle swatches I've knit will work, but they will be different. The big advantage to knitting the ruffle I want will mean I pick up the stitches around the edge knit the ruffle and once it's done, it's done. No more sewing. Decisions, decisions.

I'll need one soon. What would you suggest?


Leo was sick yesterday and for the life of us, we couldn't figure out why. Today we got the answer for his bowel incontinence and vomiting. See the pedal on the trash can? He figured out how to step on the pedal and open the can to help himself.

Sigh.

This beastie boy is a lot of work.


12 comments:

Rose said...

No advice from me about lace, ruffles, picot, etc., as you're out of my league on this one. As for Leo, what a smart boy you have!! Mixed blessing, but still, so smart!!

SkippyMom said...

I can't help with the knitting suggestions either, but I do wish you well on the back recovery.

I am sorry you have to jump through so many hoops to get the help you need, but at least you do have a few days off to help heal [thank goodness]

Leo is a lil' beastie isn't he? We have friends that have to duct tape their garbage can to the wall to keep their dog out of it. Not to scare you, but no matter what their dog could get into it: pedal, in a cabinet, etc. Heck, Scooby managed to open our pantry and eat a pie. So I feel your pain [now I keep all yeast products on top of the fridge and baked goods like muffins and cake in the microwave :)] It is all for love.

Gail said...

A multi-talented boy, too!

Silliyak said...

"And if you want some fun, try obla di bla da"

Joanna said...

Clever boy Leo. You'll keep your ma on her toes. Hope you're better soon Rudee.

Devon said...

I definately would pick up the stitches, knit the ruffle and be done! I hate sewing after the fact. I usually don't like the picot edge as it tends to curl, but on a ruffle it would look great... good idea!

Leo is too smart for his own good!

A couple months ago I was in too much of a hurry, can we say dirty needle stick, experienced nurse, rookie mistake! Occupational health has made me realize government run healthcare will not work! Good luck, hope the MRI goes well.

Jane said...

He's not as daft as he looks, lol.
Look after yourself and get better as quickly as you can

Darci said...

Oh dear, your doggy is just too smart for his own good. Sure hope the pain clears up really soon. I had a spasming shoulder muscle after a massage and it the most painful thing I've ever experienced. So I can't imagine feeling like that for two weeks.

laurie said...

brilliant troublesome dog!

and man, your back--i am so sorry. so sorry! i know back pain and i know how awful it is when you just can't move. here's to faster healing.

Brenda said...

Hope you get some relief soon with your pain. At least you could still knit. Leo is too smart!

Ruth said...

Dogs are so clever - they work out what they want - that is why I am perched on the dge of my office chair with my dog at my back.
Hope you are recovering.

sandy said...

Darn you still have that bad back. I sure hope you get relief soon.

Too funny about Leo and the trashcan. He sounds like a hand full.