Dropping the Ball

When I started working on this week’s blog post I realized I skipped last week’s update. In seven years of writing weekly updates, I think that may have been the first time I simply forgot to do the work. Lots of posts have been late. And many have been short – due to travel or holidays. But I don’t recall dropping the ball. I think I know why.

For several months I’ve been suffering with a tremendous amount of pain. Anyone who has had low back pain, sciatica, or a herniated disc will know what I’m talking about. Fortunately my pain is not constant. It fluctuates depending on the time of day, what position I’m in, and how much ibuprofen I’ve had.

To give you an idea of how much this hurts, for the last few months I’ve been taking about 2,400 milligrams daily, or 12 pills a day. The result is I’m functional. The pain is dulled enough for daily life. I can eat, sleep, drive, work, etc. But I feel tired all of time. I’m depressed. And my head is in a fog. That’s why I think I forgot last week’s post.

The good news (depending on how you look at it) is I saw the third doctor last week in an attempt to fix my problem. I’ve had x-rays and MRIs. I saw an orthopedist (the problem is not my hip even thought that’s where it hurts the most), a spine doctor (I’d rather avoid surgery if possible), and a pain management specialist.

With any luck, injecting steroids into my back will provide some relief. My first injection is scheduled later this week. We’ll see. I’m hopeful, but not optimistic. And anyone who knows me knows something is terribly wrong if when can’t see the bright side.

Until next week,

Matthew Anderson, President
Milestone Marketing Associates, Inc.