Monday, November 18, 2013

Physical Therapy, Discouragement and Persistence

So, I have been going to physical therapy (PT) for the sciatica condition that I have lived with since I am not sure when, maybe as long ago as 2007.  The pain has prevented me from doing the walking I like to do, and has limited my activities, including doing housework and yard work. Over the years that I have suffered with this pain, and I have connived to limit my walking at work, while shopping, and I have done less and less housework and yard work.

I kept telling myself I needed to go to the doctor to get help with this problem. And, I kept avoiding this.  But this year, I had a sprained ankle, and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. So, if I was going to have to be in the doctor's office, I was going to see about getting my back and leg pain tended to.

So, in addition to the back and leg pain, I have had some right leg weakness. Wisely, in addition to prescribing an NSAID, celebrex, my provider referred me to physical therapy. I went gamely to physical therapy.  And have diligently done the "homework" exercises that were assigned to help me.  

Last week, I was at a professional conference, and was not able to go to PT.  This morning, as I readied myself to go to PT,  I had a mental argument regarding the value and benefit of physical therapy.  I was not sure it was worth my time. I was not sure there was any benefit to me. I was feeling discouraged.

Part of the reason I was feeling discouraged was that I had done some serious physical activity over the last two weeks.  So my back was hurting, my lower back was hurting, and I was not feeling great.

But I went to PT.  And the thearpist reviewed with me what we had accomplished.  I was surprised. I had actually developed some strength in my right leg. I still have some pain, but I am able to do some things that I was not able to do a month ago.

I am willing to give PT a go for a while longer.  I hope it makes a difference. We shall see.


No comments:

Post a Comment