"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Time will tell...

Sorry if I've been quiet this past week or so, but things have been happening here - good and not so good...
First the not so good.

 Recently, I have been having constant back pain, together with pain down the outside of my leg and complete numbness on one side of my foot.

Finally consulting our new local GP in Swellendam after 4 weeks of discomfort the following was unearthed from the x-ray he requested...
Not so good...
After an MRI in Somerset West last Monday, it would appear that, due to my disc being sequestrated, the L5 / S1 vertebra has trapped the nerve.  The disc in the L4 / L5 position is in a similar condition and has affected the nerve there too. And, finally, the disc in the L2 / L3 area has a tear.  

We met the Orthopedic Surgeon, whom the GP consulted and whom he recommended, last Monday - a 3.5 - 4 hour round trip to Worcester - ah well, I guess that is a given when one moves to the country LOL

 He has said that if the pain got worse, I should immediately phone him.  We have agreed on a conservative approach - anti-inflammatory medication for another 2 weeks, then I will return to see him.  If there is no improvement, he will give me cortisone injections into the affected area's.  If they don't solve the problem, then an operation is the last resort.  Good - I'm glad he's not rushing with the op - I hate the idea of anyone messing with my spine. Realistically, though, I have to be sorted so that I can climb into my vegetable garden next summer...

 The injury is either due to my age, or trying to be too tomboy-ish in my life e.g. picking up something(s) that was too heavy during the move from the townhouse and then the subsequent move into our farmhouse, or through trying to "break the soil" here (LOL) - which, as I have mentioned before, is rock hard in summer.

Thankfully, he didn't ask me to go for an op immediately, because it is RMan's birthday today - nope, I'm not telling you how old he is, because my birthday is in 3 weeks time and that is all that separates us LOL  Suffice it so say - he can apparently, now, apply for a discount card at our local Spar...
Freshly made creamed mushroom and avocado sauce
A yummy fondue, with all the bells and whistles in on the cards for dinner.  I've just finished making a creamed mushroom, and an avocado sauce - later I'll add a sweet chilli, monkey gland and apple sauce to the offering.

 Finally, our daughter, Natasha, has written the first entry on her blog Our Adventures at Windfall Farm  Please, won't you pop over and give her a friendly welcome to blogland?
Posted by Dani at 11:26:00
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39 comments:

  1. Anonymous18 July 2013 at 11:35

    Please exercise caution and don't do anything foolish. Do the hardest thing of all and do nothing. Rest and relax. I wish you the very best recovery possible. the rat

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 15:54

      Rat - I'm trying, and trust me, I can (on occasion) be very trying LOL

      I hear you... Thanks.

      Delete
  2. FlowerLady Lorraine18 July 2013 at 12:07

    I pray that you will recover from this. Try to relax and not do anything heavy or hard. Easier said than done I know.

    Happy B'day to RMan

    FlowerLady

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 15:55

      Lorraine - Thanks for the prayers. Nope, I don't find it at all easy doing nothing...

      RMan says "Thanks" :)

      Delete
  3. Sue18 July 2013 at 12:21

    Happy Birthday to RMan
    And I will certainly keep good thoughts going for you. I hope you don't have to resort to surgery.

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 15:57

      Sue - So sorry to hear about your (non) garden this year - must be very frustrating (like mice eating everything you're trying to grow, I know the feeling).

      RMan says "Thanks" and so do I - for the thoughts :)

      Delete
  4. Lynn18 July 2013 at 12:49

    Hope all goes well and you recover quickly with no need for an op!

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  5. kymber18 July 2013 at 13:06

    listen to the mohave rat and others - try and take it easy for the next 2 weeks. i bet that if you, you'll heal right up. but regardless, it sounds like you have a couple of good doctors and that is wonderful!

    happy birthday to Rman! your friend,
    kymber

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 16:04

      kymber - I know they are talking utmost sense, and I will try. I certainly don;t want an op, so that is motivation enough. But, I don't find it easy doing nothing...

      RMan says "Thanks" :)

      Delete
    2. Dani19 July 2013 at 16:20

      kymber - Drat, my reply got lost in the publishing, so ehre it is again...

      I know everyone has my best interests at heart, and I will try / am trying, but it's not easy for me to do nothing... RMan also keeps his eye on me, and keeps stopping me if he thinks I'm out of line.

      RMan says "Thanks" :)

      Delete
    3. kymber19 July 2013 at 19:16

      oops. i forgot to tell you to give RMan a big, sexy birthday kiss - teehee!

      Delete
    4. Dani19 July 2013 at 19:41

      kymber - LOL - thanks for the excuse to give him another one... ;)

      Delete
    5. kymber19 July 2013 at 22:35

      you are soooo welcome Dani!!!

      Delete
  6. Tami18 July 2013 at 13:25

    Sounds like you've got a good Dr there. Sx should always be the last resort. Now I'm all curious about how old you are! HBDay to you both. I'm heading over to stop by Natasha's blog...

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 16:05

      Tami - Yeah, I'm happy with his approach. Thanks, from both of us, for the wishes.

      As for age - well, I'm older than yesterday, but not as old as tomrrow... ;) And feel like I'm 32.

      Delete
  7. Kirsty @ Bowerbird Blue18 July 2013 at 16:21

    ouch, shifting is the worst for backs, get better soon

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  8. MsBelinda18 July 2013 at 17:50

    Dani I am so sorry you are going through this pain. Please listen to the advice given here and by your doctors and give yourself a much needed rest.

    I just read this blog entry to my mother who herself has been experiencing constant back pain these past two weeks. Your blog post certainly has given her hope.

    Happy Birthday to RMan and take care of yourself.

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 16:09

      MsBelinda - I am trying to. Mebbe get your mom to the doctor and see if she can get some anti-inflammatory medication? I hope it helps her.

      RMan says "Thanks" :)

      Delete
  9. Harry Flashman19 July 2013 at 00:58

    Sorry you are having this health problem. Back pain is especially difficult to deal with because it so limits what you can do. I hope the anti-inflammation medicine does the trick. I had a similar issue and it worked for me, at least to the extent that I can do most things I want to. I'll be crossing my fingers for you.

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 16:11

      Harry - Yeah, bust backs are a b*tch. The meds sesem to have kicked in, but we'll have to see how they perform in the longer (2 - 3 weeks) term. Thanks.

      Delete
  10. Quinn19 July 2013 at 12:33

    I empathize completely with the pain situation - fingers crossed it resolves with "only" rest and pills!
    Happy birthday to R-Man :)
    (Monkey gland??)

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 16:17

      Quinn - From your fingers to the ears Upstairs :)

      RMan says "Thanks" :)

      Monkey Gland sauce - it's a piquant sauce features a blend of fruit and spices and is often used with steak, hamburgers, pork ribs or chicken. It's made up of chopped onion, garlic and ginger, with a combination of chutney, soy sauce, mustard, worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and wine. LOL - we don't eat monkeys...

      Delete
  11. African Bliss19 July 2013 at 14:19

    Happy birthday to the both of you and maybe just for interest sake take those ex-rays to a reputable chiropractor and see what he has to say about that.

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    1. Dani19 July 2013 at 16:24

      African Bliss - Thanks guys :)

      Hmm - the OS did ask if I'd had physio or seen a chiropractor. But if you see the MRI pics, you'd understand why it's not a solution. My two spinal cavaties are substantially narrowed, and the discs dramatically protruding.

      Delete
  12. Kris19 July 2013 at 23:42

    Oh Dani, such hard news to read. It's sounds like you've got a doctor with a good head on his shoulders and a conservative approach. As a fellow 'tomboy' I know how hard it is to (as I've been admonished many times) to 'act like a lady' when you'd rather be hauling or digging or hammering or lifting, etc. I've gotten quite a bit of relief from the paresthesia from the DDD due to my brilliant physical therapist. Has any PT been recommended? Take your meds. Try not to overdo. And take care....

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    1. Dani20 July 2013 at 15:20

      Kris - I have exactly two "skirts" (one skirt, one dress) in my cupboard - trousers /shorts are the preferred dress as they don't hamper what I'm up to LOL

      No - the doc didn't think that PT would be of any benefit.

      Delete
  13. katlupe20 July 2013 at 22:44

    Dani, I am so sorry to hear of your troubled spine. That is nothing to mess with, so glad you are being cautious in your approach. Physical problems are the curse of getting older, but what is the alternative? I ask myself that question often. At least we can live and we can somehow get through these painful episodes in our lives. Good luck! Hope you are better and back to gardening soon!

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    1. Dani21 July 2013 at 15:33

      Kathleen - Hi - long time no speak / hear :) Glad to hear from you again.

      Yeah - the aches and pains that come with age aren't always easy to handle, especially for one who can't sit still for too long. But, I am taking it slowly - after all - if two / three weeks of "being good" can prevent an op, then who am I to complain?

      Delete
  14. tffnguy22 July 2013 at 02:58

    Hope you're doing better by now!

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    1. Dani22 July 2013 at 11:21

      David - Thanks - yup, I am indeed :)

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    2. Dani24 July 2013 at 10:19

      David - Thanks - the anti-inflammatories seem to be working :)

      Delete
  15. Leigh24 July 2013 at 03:36

    Oh, what rotten luck with your back. Dan had back surgery once upon a time, after a long, long time of pain. I so hope you can be kept comfortable with the medication.

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    1. Dani24 July 2013 at 10:20

      Leigh - Thanks - seems to be improving - so hopefully the op will not be necessary...?

      Delete
  16. Bee Girl24 July 2013 at 05:50

    Oh no...please do be careful and allow yourself to rest and heal as much as possible! I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

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  17. Tania25 July 2013 at 14:08

    Oh gosh, sorry to hear about your back Dani. Back pain is just awful, hopefully the Dr can fix it without surgery. Fingers are crossed for you :)

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Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.

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