yet another trip report from the archives...
4 February 2006
We got up in time to watch the sunrise from the road today. I got a lovely sunrise photo in Santa Maria, which I thought was a great name.
We hit the trail to Bison Peak shortly after arriving at the trailhead. It was really cold when we first started out, but as the sun worked its way over the clouds, it got warm enough for us both to take our coats off.
We had opted for the Lost Creek Wilderness because it’s closer to home, it tends to be more snow-free this time of year, and I wouldn’t have to do anything hard. There is elevation gain, but nothing like climbing some of the 14ers.The Lizard has wanted to climb peaks in the Lost Creek Wilderness for forever. He lived too far away for a reasonable day trip before we got married, and now he lives close and is married to a wimp who can’t do anything but say, “I can’t.”
I had a bad day. My back was sore. The Lizard ended up having to carry my pack.
I had two good days in December, and I had four bad days in January. Now it’s February 4, and I’ve had three bad days already this month.
I took some pain reliever, which I don’t do often and don’t like to do. I could barely walk, but I did just fine about 15 to 20 minutes after popping pills.
I do not want to rely on medicine to feel good, but there was a noticeable difference.
When I got home, I soaked, and it felt relaxing, but it didn’t take the edge off the pain.The Lizard just massaged me with the penetrating stuff, and that helps a little but doesn’t take the edge off. Now I’m sitting on the heating pad as I type, and it’s the first relief I’ve felt since the medicine wore off.
We didn’t make it up Bison Peak, unfortunately, because of me, but I did do nearly eight miles, which I think is the most I’ve done since The Lizard proposed. Too bad I spent most of that eight miles being miserable.
I knew when I got up this morning it would be a bad day. Before I took the medication, I was crying and telling The Lizard sometimes I wish I could wake up in the morning and the pain would be gone.
And yet, I really don’t have the right to complain. I can still do so much. Yet I feel like a part of my life has been stolen, and I want it back. I fear it’s never going to get better.
I need to focus on my spirituality. I need to be spiritually high between now and the rest of my life.
There, that did it. Now I’m smiling!
Pain is so demoralizing, and relentless pain is grindingly, drearily exhausting. I'm glad this is an archive and hope you're doing much better these days!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. I have good days and bad days. And lots of determination. I've learned a lot about pain management since 2006, so I think I am doing better. There's just too much gorgeousness out there to be discovered, photographed and shared to not keep trying!
ReplyDeleteI used to avoid the daily pill routine but I've sort of caved in and take aleve on pretty much a daily basis. Have you ever tried acupuncture? I've been considering giving that a try as I am just like you -- I just don't want to slow down.
ReplyDeleteYou've come such a long way! I know those agonizing days when I just want a magic wand to wave over my pain and make it go away. Alas, none exists - except an attitude adjustment as you mentioned at the end. For me, the attitude adjustment involves soaking up the beauty of nature and remembering how lucky I am, even if my pain can seem overwhelming sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you've healed so well!
I love the sunrise photo. Spectacular. Moments like that one make waking up before first light worth it.
Beautiful pictures. Hope you are feeling better. There is not much worse than back pain. No fun at all.
ReplyDeleteI do hope your back gets better - I fell down some stairs some years ago (I just keep doing that and injuring various parts of my body :P) and broke my tail bone, herniated a disk and had a hematoma at the base of my spine - was very not fun for a few months. Most of the time there is no pain now, however there are those occations when a nerve gets caught in the herniated disk and "oh my gosh"!
ReplyDeleteI have to say when I saw the heading on this post I was SOOOO EXCITED - thought there was going to be fiber to spin :P, hehe guess our passions are always foremost in our minds. :) Beautiful pictures :).
One of these days I just might show up on your doorstep and beg and plead to go climbing with Lizard and riding with you. And not on the same day, 'cause it might kill me.
ReplyDeleteYOUR mountains are calling me...