My Aching Back

Sometimes, when I least expect it, my body likes to surprise me with some random ailment. Well, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised by anything involving my back; I seem to have inherited my father's spinal disc issues, so these things are just going to pop up from time to time throughout my life. Usually, it doesn't have too much of an impact on my daily life. As I said, though, my body likes to surprise me occasionally, and 2013 has been no exception.

A few months ago, this nagging pain towards the base of my spine gradually took a turn for the worse. After several visits to the doctor, and several "false starts" (i.e., assuming that the pain was related to something else), I was informed that I had a disc herniation at the L5 S1 level. In a way, I was relieved; at least the mystery pain was no longer a mystery. Since we knew what was wrong, it would make the treatment process a little easier, right? Well... yes and no, to be honest.

When you have a herniated disc, you actually have quite a few different treatment options. I learned about some of these options in 2006/2007, when I had a cervical disc herniation.

The first treatment option is physical therapy, which can be done with or without the assistance of a steroid injection to the affected area. This option tends to work well if the disc herniation isn't too severe. Apparently, the disc can sometimes heal itself. According to the specialists that I spoke with, nobody is quite sure how or why the discs can heal themselves, but if it works then they aren't going to question it! I think physical therapy is a good option, if the specialists feel that your disc has a good chance of healing on its own. Obviously, rest and medication(s) may also play a role in this treatment approach.

On the other hand, there are several different surgical options; a specialist will usually recommend the best approach based on your individual circumstances.

Personally, I've decided to try the physical therapy approach before resorting to surgery. On Thursday (9/12/13), I'll have an epidural steroid injection that will help my body with the pain/inflammation in the area. Helping my body to cope with the pain will allow me to focus more on physical therapy. I'm optimistic and genuinely believe that my disc will be able to heal with time and patience.

So, that's what I've been up to during my hiatus. Of course, other things have happened, and I'll be blogging about them as well. Never a dull moment!

SLC Air

The air in Salt Lake City, Utah is sickening. Literally. This winter has been especially bad. So much so, in fact, that the air pollution in Salt Lake City prompted this petition from Utah doctors. In their petition, the doctors offered various suggestions for improving the air quality: lowering highway speed limits, making mass transit free for the winter, curbing industrial activities, placing a permanent ban on wood-burning, and initiating a strong push for employers to allow their employees to work from home.

It may sound a bit extreme, but the doctors have every right to be concerned. The toxic air is creating many new health problems and worsening the health of those with respiratory issues. During these "red air" days, the doctors have been advising people to avoid the outdoors. It was also suggested that introducing anti-oxidants such as fish oil or chocolate into their diet may help the citizens of Salt Lake City to fight toxic exposure.

Pneumonia Sucks

I haven't written in awhile. Right after the holidays, my respiratory problems decided to flare up. Eventually, it turned into walking pneumonia. That name always makes me laugh; it's more like "staggering" pneumonia or "lurching" pneumonia. I never had respiratory problems until I moved to Utah. I guess when you live in an area that has the dubious honor of being known for its extremely poor air quality, respiratory issues should be anything but surprising. Oh well... it's just one more thing that I won't miss when we move.

I have a plethora of blog posts to finish, but in the meantime I'll leave you with an epic picture of Jane Lynch cosplaying as her character from Wreck It Ralph, Sergeant Calhoun. You're welcome, world.

C Is For Cancer

Last week, I received some unpleasant news: my mom has uterine cancer. Tomorrow, she'll undergo a hysterectomy, which will be the second major surgery that she's had in three years. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous; this has been a rough time for me. Fortunately, I have some great friends, and a really excellent girlfriend, all of whom have kept me sane and focused.

One week from tomorrow, we'll know whether or not she'll have to undergo chemotherapy.

For now, I'm going to be optimistic and send positive energy to my mom. One day at a time...