06/10/2024
When the Body Changes
For someone who has been active and physical in his work and life, it has been a challenging time when my body, this year, came to a screeching halt.
I never really thought of my body in any significant way since I have mostly been very healthy and never went to doctors. The last physical I had was at 13 years old! I hiked and walked and all my jobs have been physically demanding from restaurant work, to floral design to professional organizing. I had aches and pains from time to time that I was able to manage and work through.
Yet this year, some physical pain started low level (in my right leg) and kept increasing and I kept working through it with Salonpas patches (a God send) and pain reliever. Yet nerve pain (ie, sciatic pain) is far different than muscle pain. Eventually I had to surrender and stop all my work, and rest.
I started going to a new chiropractor who recommended Xray’s which showed all sorts of degeneration in my spine, compression, bone on bone, etc. It was a tad shocking, though certainly not out of the norm for someone my age. I still think I am at least 20 years younger than I actually am.
Needless to say, having to stop has been both challenging and upending and is causing me to pivot and rethink my life. The universe will do what it needs to get our attention and it surely got mine.
Now, with MRI scheduled and a return to the spine Doc, I will explore next options. Surgery, though not ideal, may be the most likely outcome, since the daily pain management and getting around is a challenge. Who knew accomplishing one task in a day—like grocery shopping—would be considered a success when I had been accustomed to multiple tasks daily.
I know people of all ages and walks of life are dealt far worse predicaments than mine and I am not unique when it comes to ailments of the body especially when aging. I am thankful I can still function and I am praying for a healthy outcome.
Will update with more info. I know physical issues are often rooted in deeper levels of emotional and mental thoughts that I’ve explored as well. I am grateful I have the current means to rest and not work and I am thankful for such a beautiful space to be in to rest and for friends and family members support.