squeee!!!!

I followed-up with the pain clinic this morning and they are very pleased with my reaction to the diagnostic shots and think the injections on the 10th will do the trick and last for at least 6-12 months. YAY!!!! I am so stinkin excited, yo!

back injuries suck

After a series of 3 epidural steroid injections into my low back since July of last year, I headed back to the pain clinic today. The most recent procedure helped a lot of the leg pain that radiated down from the herniated disc but it did nothing for my low back/butt pain.

There really hasn't been much in the way of consistency as far as the pain goes. It can be really high one day and low another. Regardless of pain level, bending, running, barely kicking my leg, loading/unloading the dishwasher, picking up toys, laundry, etc. hurt. And gymnastics in my daughter's Mommy & Me class? Torture. Because she wants Mommy to bear crawl with her among other things and ohmywerd it kills me.

I went to the clinic anticipating another injection into my spine but after talking with the doctor (and agreeing that surgery is not an option at this point) we went a different route. Because the majority of the pain is all the way across my back now (where before it was isolated to the left side only), he performed a lumbar medical branch block which consisted of 3 diagnostic injections into the nerves in my low back. This was done to see if I would actually get relief from the pain. If I did get relief the plan was to follow-up with a lumbar radiofrequency ablation in about a week.

The good news is that I had a few hours of zero pain today post injection. It was an awesome feeling. The doctor told me to go home and do whatever hurts my back. I ran, kickboxed (kicked my leg high enough to hit the bridge of my husband's nose - not literally hit it but parallel with it), did jumping jacks, bent, squatted, crawled on the floor. ALL WITHOUT PAIN!!!!! Guys, this was such an AMAZING feeling.

Now, about 7 hours post testing my back is bothering me again but that's okay because I know this will work when I go back to get the full lumbar ablation done (currently scheduled for February 10th). And the good news is that it should last 6-12 months. When the new nerves regenerate in my back I may have to have it done again but shouldn't need it any more frequently than every 6 months.

My 6 year old looked at me today and said, "Mom, does that mean we can run together?" Yes. It. Does.

*happy dance*

kindle love

I gotta admit, peeps, my favorite Christmas gift is one I bought myself...



I never want to go back to reading paper books. This device is da-bomb-diggity. For realz. And Mel sent me to a great site that shares both free and bargain Kindle books! I am in bookworm heaven!

in control

I am in control of my eating.

I am in control of my mind/thoughts.

I am not letting circumstances derail me.

And yes, there have been days I've had to forcefully stop myself from reverting back to where I was even a few weeks ago.

I am starting to feel normal again.

I actually believe I can succeed.

Content? Yes.

Happy? I think so.

birthday letter to my little girl ~ 3

My precious little girl,

You are the sunshine in my life. Your blue eyes dance with happiness and mischievousness. Your smile can turn the frown of a random stranger upside down in a heartbeat.



You are now 3. Three years ago I didn't know how I could love another child as much as I love your brother. Any doubts I had were erased the moment I saw your beautiful face. I will never forget the moment I looked at you for the first time.



You love to read. Some days I feel like all we do is read. But that's okay. You're gonna be a smart cookie with a love for reading and that makes me happy. You love trains and dinosaurs as much as you love babies and stuffed animals. And your favorite? Mickey Mouse and happy cows. You love gymnastics and you love to dance. You will dance in circles some days for what seems like hours. We always have to have music on in the van. Most of the times it's the Chipmunks CD to which you know almost every single word. You can sing, too. I mean, really sing. I love to hear you sing along with the music when we're running around in the van.



You have a strong will and there are days when you test me (boy do you test me!) but I'm glad that you are not easily swayed. I pray that strength will carry you through your school years and into adult life with your head held high. I see you taking life by the horns and not taking no for an answer. Oh and the other kids in school? I don't see you letting them push you around at all.

Sweet girl, may I share something with you? That spunk, sass and all-or-nothing attitude you have? I wish I had it too. Maybe then I wouldn't have let people hurt me the way I have. But you? Use it. Embrace it. And take crap from no one. Because you deserve the best. Always.

I am so happy you belong to me and that God trusted me with your life. I will always love you. Nothing will ever change that. Because no matter what your choices are? You will always be my little girl.

Hugs and kisses. Always and forever.

Mommy

big project - bigger heart

This is the face of a 7 year old boy with the biggest heart ever. I believe this 100% and he's not even my child.

When he found out his mom was participating in an Out of Darkness Community Walk for suicide prevention he (and his brother) joined her and raised $315!

His next mission? To raise money to bring clean drinking water to people who need it on every continent. (All his idea, people.) His original plan was to save his first $100 and send it to help Africans. His next plan? Raise $5,000. He wants to raise money for clean water in lieu of receiving Christmas presents. I am amazed, proud and so overwhelmed at his generosity.

You can read more about his amazing heart here: Whooo's That Girl?: wise beyond his years

And seriously, if you have even $5 to spare, what an amazing present for this little boy. Heck, what an amazing present for those people in dire need of one of life's basic necessities. Water.

beautiful tribute to a daughter/friend/wife

{Direct YouTube Link}