Hello my dear friends. I don't know exactly where to begin. You all know that I fell down my stairs in June. I had an x ray of my back at the Drs. office and was told that everything was okay. So I had PT to prepare myself to travel and to meet my obligations. While on this trip, I got along fairly well, and I remember I told my friends that I thought I needed a break and would take the remainder of the summer off. I was craving some solitude, time to think and consider. Well. that time came quite readily because the pain in my back kept increasing. Today I heard the results of my MRI, and was told that I had a fractured lumbar vertebrae, and that I have a severe case of spinal stenosis. So now I have some decisions to make. I most likely will have surgery. However, I intend to keep my upcoming teaching obligations if I possible can. Standing is a real problem for me, so I will be having a difficult time making kits. My husband and I are brainstorming to see how that may still be accomplished. But for most, my health and well being is my main priority. I have finished one quilt top by sewing just a bit daily. Also, I'm working on a few more projects, and still have many ideas and desires for other projects.
I have been inspired by Jimmy Carter. He just had his birthday, I'm not remembering the year for sure, but he is well into his nineties, and he is still building houses for Habitat For Humanity. He says, "My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."
I will leave on that note, and will be back soon, but will not be blogging every day.
Very sorry to hear of the pain you have been enduring...but, glad that there is a diagnosis so that the journey of healing can begin! Prayers to you (and your fmaily) during this trying time...
ReplyDeleteBe well Norma - remember you come first! I will keep good thoughts for you. Your family and your health will always lead the way....As they say here in Texas “God Bless”
ReplyDeleteOh my! Sorry to hear about these health worries but glad to know that you haven't disappeared off the face of the earth!
ReplyDeleteYour health is most important...take time rest, heal, recover. Everything else can wait.
Darla
Gosh, I have sciatic issues so I know a little about the pain you have. Hopefully your doc has a way to give you some relief.
ReplyDeletexx, Carol
Oh no! So sorry to hear that you have an injury! I'm sure you will adapt to new ways of working while healing. Please take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteNorma praying for the best outcome for you. Definately your health needs to be your top priority. I had extensive back surgery a year ago after putting it off for sometime because of more important things. (Or so I thought) after surgery and lots of pt quality of life improved I am back to quilting again. It is a little different but love being able to do what I so enjoyed doing. Hopefully you to will be back to doing what you love. Hopefully you will keep designing until you are back to 100 per cent.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself Norma, your health and well being come first. Glynis
ReplyDeleteTake care of your self. My thoughts are with you. I have a severe back problem and know what you are going through.
ReplyDeleteWow what a shock it must have been to hear that! Hope you figure something out to get some help.
ReplyDeleteI will add your name to my prayer list. Sounds like the same thing that happened to the elderly lady next door. She fell and they didn't know there was damage to her spinal column. That's all I'll say about that. Guess the lesson to learn is request an MRI instead of x-rays or CT because it's more accurate. God Bless
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that your back is causing you pain and the prospect of surgery. I wish you the best of luck and medical expertise for a full recovery, take care.
ReplyDeleteGood wishes for you recovery and wellbeing, Norma.
ReplyDeleteLove you Norma! You are an inspiration in so many ways! I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers from Maryland for your recovery and for less pain.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Karla
Your health is the most important thing. I know I will be happy when you post again, I always love the quilty goodness, but you need to be able to stand, sit, walk, etc. Hope all goes well with you.
ReplyDeleteNorma, I'm so sorry to hear about your ailment & the misdiagnosis. Between you & Bruce & the doctors, I'm sure that the right choices will be made for your care now. I (and by that I mean we, I'm sure) miss your posts but know that I am thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. I am 69 years old and had 2 undiagnosed vertebral fractures when I was 26. By the time it was all figured out I had sever arthritis in my neck. I have had ups and downs with it for 43 years, but like you I keep doing as much as I can and very seldom need down time. After healing physical therapy did wonders for me.
ReplyDeleteHusband also has extreme stenosis.He opted for injections. They got he going again. Still difficulty walking. Dr said 1/3 better with surgery, 1/3 worse, 1/3 stay the same. Will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteKeep well your health is more important to you and ultimately your family. Thinking and praying for you Robyn
ReplyDelete