I’ve not said anything much to anyone I don’t know very well about my back troubles.  I hold my breath while writing this, knowing that someone, somewhere will take it upon themselves to "heal me".  Really, I don’t need healing from anyone but Jesus, so thank you for asking before you did.

OK, so, my back has been hurting me for 10 years.  Being that I am only 34, it’s pretty discouraging.  The past two have been especially difficult.  With Isabelle’s early delays, I had to carry her much longer than I did with the other girls.  Even now, Belle wears out much faster than most children her age, and just plain needs some help.  So, being her Mom, I carry her.

I’ve been going to the same doctor for 10 years.  I decided it was time for a change when the last appointment I had with this doctor ended with him laughing when I brought up the fact that my pain is getting much worse….."pat, pat…you just go take this medicine and try to relax…."

I know I am not crazy.  I know how badly my back hurts, and how it has been increasing over the past few years.  I got a new doctor.  He took one look at my back, heard my story, and ordered an MRI right away.

He referred me to a pain clinic, which is where I went today.  Turns out I have some pretty bad arthritis, a torn nerve root, torn cartilage, narrowing, a shallow central protrusion, and scoliosis!

Scoliosis?  Isn’t that bad?  I remember getting the check up in middle school gym class.  Bend over.  Touch your toes.  She looks fine.

20 years later, I AM NOT FINE! 

I say all of this to say, If you are hurting for 10 years, FIND A NEW DOCTOR.  I really wish I hadn’t waited so long.