Energy at the End of the Day

For years, I suffered from sciatic pain, and stubbornly refused to do anything about it.  Due to circumstances that resulted in my being at the doctor's office last fall, I decided that I might as well do something, if I am going to be at the doctor's office anyway.  So we started with celebrex, added physical therapy, and then went on to pain management.

The celebrex offered me some immediate relief, and I could do more, but I tended to over do it.  PT did not offer me extended relief, although one series of exercises would allow me temporary relief.  Well, so wouldn't sitting down, or driving in the Vue.  Hence the move to pain management.

And, treatment included a cortisone injection.  I was very concerned about doing this, and not sure it would help.  I had the procedure done on a Wednesday, and it was Saturday before I felt relief, about on schedule.  And the progression of relief continued.  By the time I had my two week follow up, I was really experiencing good relief.  I still have some twinges in my back, and "a foot drop" in my right foot when I do a lot of walking.  I am doing foot strengthening exercises from the PT which seems to be helping.  I am unsteady of gait sometimes, especially on uneven territory.  As when I am walking on the track around the park.  But, I am walking, which amazes me.

I think the most amazing thing to me is that I am not exhausted at the end of the work day.   I did not realize how much the pain was sapping my strength and endurance.  And how tired I was at the end of the day, so how little interest I had in doing much, except playing on the computer or reading. 

Wow, I have cooked, cleaned house, gone out and run errands, and even gone for a walk after work, since I have been feeling better. Things I had to "psyche" myself to do.  I had stopped running spontaneous errands, having to plan things around my energy level, or work myself up to do it.

Wednesday night, I stopped at the store to pick up a few items, and cash a check.  I had not thought about early voting, but I thought I might as well since I was there.  I few weeks ago, if I had not "psyched" myself, I would not have added that task to the list. 

At the bank, I told the teller how I was feeling energetic even at the end of the work day. I explained I had suffered from sciatica and had had pain management treatment. He asked what I did and I told him nothing in particular, it was due to poor posture, poor lifting procedures and general wear and tear and age, things I knew better but ignored.  He told me his grandmother was always lecturing him about those things, and he would have to go home and tell her I told him the same thing!  What a light moment and pleasant inter-change.   I hope, mostly, that he was serious about paying more attention to the things he needs to pay attention, unlike me.

I had not realized how introverted I had become, not feeling like using the energy to interchange with people. 

I am glad for energy at the end of the day.