One step forward and two steps back

Therapy is not going as good as we had all hoped. I got past the sore muscles the first week, got used to the daily ritual in week two. The third week my Doctor was gone for most of the week. He had his greenie partner covering. It was a joke mostly. Everytime he hooked me up to the machine he had to adjust and re-adjust. One session I lasted only half the session before I could no longer endure the discomfort. My doctor has returned this week Hooray! I am getting back on track and doing better. The doctor says the average person responds well to just 20 pulls/treatments. Why do I have to be anything other than average? I have had 20 already and the doctor is not seeing the results he likes to see by this point. I fear six weeks is turning into more than six weeks needing 40+ pulls.

There's only one Lagoon...

Grandpa and Grandma had tickets to Lagoon so McCrae and Bryan got to go with them. McCrae's first time at a theme park. As you can see by the smile on his face in nearly every picture, I think he had a really fun time. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!

Torture chamber, I mean back therapy...

Monday I started decompression therapy for my back.
My MRI results came back showing mild herniation in
one disc and a mild bulge in another disc in my lower back.
The chiropractor recommended I see a pain management
doctor for epidural shots. When I refused the decompression
therapy was another alternative. Most of the patients in this
office that do decompression are severe cases and come out
nearly pain free. I am hoping for the best!

The therapy requires 6 different brace-like things strapped
around my abdomen to pad my ribs and prevent slipping as
the machine pulls. Yesterday I felt like a broken down car
being towed with a tow rope. The therapy lasts 6 weeks with
week one and two the most intense part consisting of a 30 minute
towing session 5 times a week. All the braces and straps are
sinched really tight nearly to the point of gasping for every breath.
I just keep telling myself its all about endurance! After the pull I
wear another brace with hard stablizers in the front and back for
6 hours after each treatment icing 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
I can't lift, bend over or do any sort of strenuous activity. I think I
am starting to drive everyone crazy asking for help. My Mom is here
taking care of the kids and the housework during the day
while Bryan is at work. She is such a life saver!


Getting ready for the table to lower down.


Turn on the torture!