Do What You Can, While You Can

I'm nearly immobilized today. It's tremendously frustrating. 13 months ago, I had radio frequency ablation on my lower back. I have a hodgepodge of issues - bulging discs, severe arthritis, annular tears in 2 discs, degenerative disc disease. It is a chronic issue that has gotten worse over the past few years. With my diabetes there are things I can do. Diet, exercise, medications as prescribed. But this back! Ugh! It will be stiff and sore nearly every day, and then once in a while, I'm renderered helpless. I can't get out of bed without Herculean effort. Bending over is a tear inducing struggle. It comes seemingly out of nowhere. Heating pad. Muscle relaxer. And today, the dreaded T-3, my last resort. My neurosurgeon told me when I was first diagnosed with my back problems that extra weight is causing back issues usually seen in an 80 year old to be seen in 20 year olds. That coupled with sedentary lifestyle leads to degenerative back problems. I got that advice the same time I was diagnosed with diabetes. So I lost the 30lbs I needed to lose, and began to exercise. I wish I would have started exercising when I was younger. That's neither here nor there now. For me. For you, my readers, know that the choices you make today with your health affect your health today...and tomorrow. Small changes made today lead to bigger changes tomorrow. Today I'm in sorry shape. I can still eat healthy - and I am. And my blood sugars are stable. When I get better, Lord willing, I am going to start adding yoga to my repertoire. I'm hoping that will help my back. I am already using chiropractic and acupuncture to help with my back. I do not want surgery!! I also don't want to go the "pain control" route, which is a road of medications and invasive injections. I want to live a long and healthy life. A life that is active. Today reminds me how fleeting it can be. Every choice matters. I'm living with some poor choices made long before this episode flared up. Time for a epsom salt soak. e b e r