OK, so I have a small confession to make here. I went to an orthopedic doctor Monday morning about my back. It's much better but not 100% and I knew I needed to get it checked out by an orthopedist.
He did an exam and x-rays of my back. I have a condition called spondylolisthesis. I also have spondylosis, which is easier to spell but not the main issue.
I have done a lot of research in the past couple of days.
I was too upset to write about this until now.
I am not sure if the issues are a result of arthritis or an inherited birth defect. I've heard from two cousins on opposite sides of my family who have both had this or something similar. It's comforting to know both of them have soldiered through for years and avoided surgery.
Back surgery is often unsuccessful, and I want to avoid it at all costs. My insurance won't pay for much of it either.
See, the doctor I saw Monday had all the personality of a dead fish. After telling me I am too fat for surgery and warning me to lose weight, he said surgery is inevitable. He wouldn't even hazard a guess as to when - could be 2 years or 20. I was nervous so I kept trying to talk to him and engage him, and make a human connection, but all he wanted to do was deliver my diagnosis and write prescriptions and leave. Grr....
SO the challenge is to get rid of lard, exercise, and try to deal. I cannot afford the physical therapy.The chiropractor said he would help me with some additional exercises.
I've cut down drastically on my consumption of junk food. I've lost about 10 lbs in the last 6 weeks, but obviously I need to do more.Twice in my life, in the late 1980's and then again in the late 1990's, I lost over 100 lbs. I gained it back, unfortunately, but I know how to lose.
Now I have a huge incentive. I do not want to wind up disabled.
Michael and I went to the pool last night and I walked or swam gently for about 35 minutes. The warm water felt great. Nearly froze when we got out - it was a chilly 82 or so. I plan to swim a lot more before the pool closes in mid September, then look into going to a nearby health club with a pool.
There's also walking, but it's kind of boring. I will walk, though, when I can't swim.
To everyone who sent me emails of support and encouragement - HUGE THANKS. I am so blessed to have such great friends and family members.
This is me with my uncle Bob Thompson, about 2001. I was a lot thinner then and I plan to get back to that weight as soon as I can. I doubt I will ever have hair that long again, though... LOL
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