No Good Time goes Unpunished...

I had 3 really good days, all in a row!  I can't tell you how excited about that I am.  But, as the saying goes (slightly paraphrased), no good time goes unpunished.

I had plans with my friend, EM, a wonderful friend from my college days.  I haven't seen EM in about 25 years, but it was like there was no time in between.  We went to see Spamalot, which was great! and had a rollicking time just laughing, singing along, and then, going out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant around the corner from my house.  EM is living in Massachusetts now, so she spent the night at my house.
When we got home, Shannon was home, and I was very glad to see her.  She turned 20 over the weekend, and she was home so we could take her to lunch, and give her her presents.  As a joke, I gave her a Snuggie, college edition.  She tore off the wrapping paper, took one look at the box, and said, "you WOULD get me a Snuggie!!!", and we laughed.  She's already washed it, and taken it back to school with her!  LOL  In case you don't know, a Snuggie is really just a blanket with sleeves - the commercials for it are hilarious, and there a couple of spoofs about it (the best is at college humor dot com).  I also gave her a few giraffe items for her collection.

On Saturday, we all went to the Cheesecake Factory, including EM.  The kids really like her, and she ended up giving them new insight to me.  Of course, they are still working on seeing me as a person, not just Mom, so they love it when friends (especially friends who knew me in college) come to visit.

Anyway, we ordered about 5 different appetizers to share - all were very good, if a bit predictable.  I had garlic noodles, which (truth be told) needed more garlic, and Shannon had the crispy chicken.  Everyone else had some kind of burger.  We were stuffed from the lunch and appetizers, so we all ordered cheesecake to go.  Afterwards, we said goodbye to EM and Shannon - both having other plans for the afternoon/evening.

We got home, and started relaxing.  I felt really good from Thursday till Sunday.  Yes, I was still in a good amount of pain - I always am - but, seeing friends, and laughing, really helped me feel better.

Today, though.  Today was quite another story.  I woke up in a good mood, determined to Get Things Done.  Showered - and that's when I got the first inkling things were not going to go well.  I ignored it, though, and worked through my routine.  Drying my hair was enough to bring tears to my eyes, so I sat down for a while to let things calm down.

Schyler was already at work, and Jason & Jenn went out for bagels, so I had a few minutes to try to gather myself together.  I knew, when Jason & Jenn got back with breakfast, that I was in trouble.  No appetite.  That's usually a bad sign.  I forced myself to eat, though, thinking I would feel better.  They eventually took off for apple picking, and I decided to go to a local farm for some produce.

The drive was agony.  I got there, got my fruits and veggies, and drove to the store where Schyler works to pick up a few last items.  By the time I got home, I could hardly walk.  This is the weirdest part, for me.  There is nothing wrong with my lower back, hips, or legs, but the act of walking jars my upper body so much, that I walk very slowly and carefully, trying not to joggle anything.  I left almost everything in the car, and got inside, where I completely broke down.

It's so not fair!  I'd been having such great days - I know endorphins helped a lot, but it seemed like my body said, ok, enough, and slammed me with pain.  The rest of today has been pretty bad.  I've tried to eat a few times, with little success.  I finally took a pain pill (I know, too little, too late), and feel slightly better.

I will be seeing my doctor on Tuesday, and we will be discussing pain meds, and other treatments.  There's no word on approval for my surgery, or the money I need to cover expenses while I'm laid up, or, God Forbid, I can't get back to work in 8 weeks.  If I'm out longer than 8 weeks, my pay goes to 70% - really can't afford that.  I'm going to talk to my doctor about changing my pain meds - I need something stronger, 'cause the vicodin just isn't cutting it.  Don't know what my options are, though.

Well, I've got to try to get some sleep now.  I was lucky to get 5 hours in a row both Thursday night and Friday night.  I usually wake up every hour or so, needing to find another position that will be temporarily comfortable, or to try to "wake up" my arm or hand.  I have to work tomorrow, and I can't say I'm looking forward to it.