This is my first time to write a blog. I figured it would be nice to share some things I have experienced to others hoping that one way or another it could help them. To give you a background of myself. I work at home since 2008 and also have a small online-based jewelry store.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with slipped disc or others call it herniated disc or sciatica. It is a type of back/spine problem where the disc in between our spines protrude which causes excruciating pain and discomfort. At first I thought, I was just aging (now in my early 40s) that’s why I am having some difficulty standing up after more than 6 hours of sleep so basically when I wake up in the morning I have this pain in my back that easily goes away after walking a few steps. This has been going on for probably 2 years. I didn’t go for any check-up since I really thought I just lack exercise since my job, at that time, required me to sit long hours. Mostly 10-12 hours a day. And then after some time I've noticed that I am also having a hard time getting out of the car even if it’s just a short drive. I experienced difficulty in sitting or even standing would cause some pain as well. I began checking out my symptoms online and I have read that this may be a sign of a serious back problem. I have decided to call an orthopedic doctor but his schedule is not until Tuesday and that was Saturday when I called. Come Sunday, we went to church early in the morning and I couldn’t walk normally. It’s like I am dragging my left leg and I can’t sit even for just a few minutes so I decided to just stand up while attending our Sunday service. That day passed and here comes Monday. I woke up and when I tried to stand up, I couldn’t! There was too much pain that I can’t really lift my lower back up. I was so afraid because I needed to pee but how? I was hysterical and crying because I didn’t know what to do. My husband helped me up but it was really painful. The kind of pain that would make you shiver. To make the long story short, I got an MRI and it was confirmed that the disc is already hitting my nerve hence the pain. The doctors gave me all sorts of pain medications, the tough ones but nothing worked. But there was no pain if I am lying down just when standing up. So you can imagine my ordeal in going to the bathroom. I was advised to have surgery but my uncle who is a doctor asked me to see his friend who is an Orthopedic doctor. He said I should try physical therapy first before resorting to surgery. Also a friend of mine referred me to Capitol Medical Hospital for rehab. And so I started getting therapy but there was so much pain going back and forth to the hospital so we requested a therapist who can visit me at home instead. Forgot to tell you that I was bedridden for 3 months. 3x a week of therapy and tons of pain medications. After 3 months, little by little I can see improvements but I think on the 8th month was when I can walk again with lesser pain and about a year I think I was back to my normal self. Although, there are some limitations like I won't be able to bend forward or backward anymore and I should not carry heavy stuff. I also can’t twist my body from side to side. Amidst all these, I am thankful! Thankful that I can go back to just being able to do things like take a bath and pee normally. Being able to walk in the mall again is already a luxury. Now I can travel again which is great! I guess we don’t always have to resort to surgery all the time. I do get back aches here and there but everything is manageable now. Opting for a second or third opinion really helps. Actually, I find that the best option is to really give all your pains to the Lord and know that He will take over. Only God knows what is best.
"Not my will but your will be done!"
