Strip Stripey Sweater, and Back Pain

 

 

I finally finished my "Strip Stripey" and I really like it.  I think I should re-name it "Josephine's multicolored Coat!"

Specs

Yarn: Dream in Color "Classy"

Pattern: My own

Ravelry Link Here

 

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆

I was all set to start posting regularly, but on the health front I just couldn't do it!  And, I hate reading blogs where all there is to read is complaining, whining, and over all blah-ness.  So, really I had nothing to tell you guys at all.  Here it is in a nutshell... Get ready for my version of complaining, whining, and over all blah-ness. Skip over this if you don't care, it won't hurt my feelings, but my family really wants to know, so here goes!

Christmas Eve, I woke up with a pain in my neck, literally.  I have had it many times before, but this time seemed much more serious.  I went to the Dr.  who put me on oral steroids, and sent me to get an MRI.  The steroids gave me an terrific ulcer, made me nauseous, etc.  I lost 8 lbs.  Hey, I'll take it where I can get it. 

The MRI results show many things.  Specific words are "right paracentral disk protrusion, contacting and compressing the anterior aspect of the cord," and, "broad disk bulge and osteophyte," and, "SEVERE left-sided C7 foraminal stenosis" All of these things are in C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 level disks.  As well as the T6-7, and T7-8 disks. (C is for Cervical/neck, and T is for Thorasic, or upper back)

Lovely....

All this to say my neck hurts.  What it is doing is pressing on a specific nerve root that extends down into my arm and feels like I have some dumb jock digging his thumb into my shoulder, upper arm and forearm.  (or, Mom, an Italian woman trying to hustle me onto a water taxi).  I want to lay down ALL THE TIME.  Does this work? No, I have kiddos to look after, drive around, entertain.  I have a husband, who needs a wife.  I can't just check out.  The pain drugs don't really help in this department, and I've been off of them for almost 10 days now just taking the muscle relaxant, which surprisingly doesn't make me loopy at all, or relaxed.  I stopped those three days ago.

What to do?  I'm trying to go the conservative route.  But, the next step is a shot into the specific disk, that is causing the most problems and that might give me a small window of time I can function.  But, it looks like surgery is in my future.  I'll do anything at this point.  I'd rather give birth three times in a row, than live like this. Now I know what people who live with Chronic Pain feel like.  I refuse to be one of those people who live on drugs, so that is why I stopped, but for lack of a better word, this really, really, really, really, really, stinks.

I want my Dr. Neveln.  There is no Dr. better,  but he's in San Diego.  I guess he's a comfort thing.  I miss him badly.  Something wrong?  Call Bob! He's one of my parents best friends since they all met in College in San Diego all those years ago, and I WANT MY MOMMY AND DADDY! Ok, crying now, but I'm done. I just hurt.

My version of complaining, whining, and over all blah-ness is over now. 

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆

 
This is my beautiful Christmas flower, in the afternoon sun yesterday.  Isn't it stunning?????  Ahhh, that makes me feel better.

 

I've missed you guys, and I'm trying to make a comeback. 
Gratuitous spinning photo of beautiful yarn.

 

Knit on Sistas!

Comments

[Beth Wood]

Oh Mary Kay - I am so sorry to hear about your situation. I have had a couple of "neck episodes" and I know how excruciating the pain is - fortunately massage and acupunture helped. I believe it came from improper posture while using my laptop. Your sweater is lovely - as is the flower photo. We have an amaryllis with tons of blooms - a joy to view. I am sending tons of good karma your way....feel better!

[Cheryl]

I love your stripey sweater, did you use leftover yarn????? Just beautiful. I am so sorry about your back pain, hoping you get better and find answers soon...

[mamascrapalota]

No, like a stupid-head I bought something like 11 colors. Now I have enough for 2 more sweaters just like it! Sheesh. I think I might weave a blanket instead! Thanks for commenting!

Mary-Kay Tilden
www.RedRocksFiberWorks.com
www.mamascrapalota.typepad.com

[mamascrapalota]

Thanks Beth, its amazing how debilitating it is. And, I just feel like a big baby! I see both of your solutions in my future as well. I also see money flowing out of my pockets quicker than it goes in! Blech!

Mary-Kay Tilden
www.RedRocksFiberWorks.com
www.mamascrapalota.typepad.com

[Sheena]

I am so sorry to hear about your neck pain and all the trouble that is causing for you. You are definately in my prayers. Hope for a miracle and do what the dr's say in the meantime. I love your sweater and I have so much yarn I really think that is the answer. Just stripe everything. Love and hugs to you babe!

[Suzanne Pineau]

Mary-Kay--
I'm sorry for what you are going through. I do hope you can still knit . . .
Please let us know how you're doing. I check your blog all the time--
I miss the days when you would drop in for Kristi's classes or just to knit--always a plus to be with you.
I'll look forward to seeing you whenever you can make it back to SD -- Suzanne

[jen]

mary kay your sweater is WONDERFUL! and it looks so good on you!
very very filled with stripey goodness i'd say!

it's funny you posted, your yarn has been calling my name now that i found my sock mojo..i've been dying to get gift knitting done so i can cast on and cast on and cast on in nothing but RRFW for some socks

i am sorry you are in pain and hurt all i can offer is hugs. :(

[Terrie]

I love your sweater Mary-Kay! It looks wonderful on you :)

I'm so sorry you're in such pain :( I really hope the dr's can help you out soon!! It was great to see you on Friday!

[Karen]

Sorry to hear you are in pain :( I know people either love or hate chiropractors, and this might not be the right situation, but I had a back / neck pain that I was taking muscle relaxants for, ice, heat, etc. Nothing worked. My sister suggested the chiropractor and five minutes later, pain gone. I hope you find a solution!
Karen

[rohanknitter]

Shoot, I'm really sorry to hear about the back/neck issues!! I've had back issues and it is the absolute pits. I've also had some chronic pain issues in my hips and Jan 4 I had hip replacement surgery on one side and it's the best thing I've ever done! I sure hope you get some relief/answers/help very soon. It's so distressing to feel like we can't take care of our family how we'd like.
The sweater is beautiful!!