I joked that between The Husband and I, we have about half a back total. This aging thing is no joke. I guess my back will be an ongoing issue as long as I live on this earth. The Husband was diagnosed with degenerative disc several years ago. So we both have back issues. I can always tell when The Husband is hurting by the way he leans when he walks. And he never complains.
Yesterday I was feeling ambitious (and feeling a bit pressured to get these things done). Laundry, which I'm learning to do from the counter and not the floor, vacuuming and then a trip to the grocery. Not enough "down" time - meaning sitting to compensate for the standing pain between tasks. By the time we were checking out at the grocery I was nearly in tears.
Came home and sat in the chair for a while, but even until time for bed I was so miserable and uncomfortable I was whiny and irritable. Chronic pain is not for sissies. I guess I'm a big sissy.
I try really hard to be quiet and not complain but this pain is unlike anything I've experienced before. Acetaminophen is little help, if any at all. Ibuprofen will help (hopefully) in a couple weeks when I can again take it. So basically I suffer. Ice can help, and icy-hot cream is an alternative - but it makes everything so potently fragrant. (I can always tell at church who has had to use some icy hot that morning for their own pain. 😊) I'm learning to sleep with a pillow between my knees, it does seem to help the night pain. Am considering a back brace to wear when vacuuming.
Anyway, the bottom line is it takes two of us these days. Two to grocery shop - one to reach and do the lifting (not me), two to vacuum - I can only do about half the main floor before I'm completely done in. The Husband is so gracious and willing to help with the rest of it. It takes two for the laundry - one to carry the laundry bin to the washer/dryer, while I sort and clean and hang. It's a good thing we like (and totally Love) each other. We're a team now more than ever before. I hope he can continue to be good-natured about being so "joined at the hip" and never alone. Though sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't be good for each of us to have some quiet private time.
Add in the "oldster" part of life and it just feels unfair. Read this article this morning: Friends Thought it was interesting but not always necessarily easy or comfortable. Somehow at my age I prefer comfort - loose clothes, warm enough house, people around me who are kind and not arrogant/braggy/perfect. I know getting out of my comfort zone is good for me in lots of ways. Still is hard.
We left this morning all bundled up for our stroll. Can hardly call it a walk anymore, the previous speed is not doable with this silly back. Got a few blocks up the road the wind had disappeared. Got a few blocks closer to home on the way back and were being blown again. This little spot is definitely in the wind zone.
Now that all the towels (Christmas gifts) are embroidered I'm trying to finish up a baby blanket I started quite some time ago so I can do a baby blanket for my nephew and his wife whose baby is due in March. Better get busy.
This is a busy week, outings and the Ward Christmas Party, the finance guys Christmas open house, Hale and I need to get a few things done for Christmas. But I had a sudden realization this morning. I will do what I can. If some things slide it won't be the end of the world. Hopefully people will be kind and understanding.
Today I'm grateful for acetaminophen to give me the illusion of relief from pain. For a pile of good books to read. For a willing and kind Husband, daughters and a few other loved ones who help and enable me to function. And for something to look forward to this week. Fingers crossed that my back will hold up.
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