Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Knees, neck and holding back

Last week was a big week for me… Test (as in X-ray) results from the chiropractor show marked improvement in my neck, since I started in May. Now, we know that most of the problems are in my hips and lower back, but apparently, the smaller bones in the neck are less “stubborn” and therefore, more likely to show improvement sooner.

The improvement was not as much as suspected, but still, we are moving in the right direction; enough that I was told I could start a walking program again. This, of course, is in preparation for a walk/run program and ultimately, running.

I won’t post too much about the walking program for now… other than to say that I have started it. Unlike the previous two times I have started on a walking program, this time, I am much more tentative than hopeful. If the knee pain returns on a walking program, it will mean going back to the drawing board – again. I’ve spent almost 10 months in an injured state. To say that I’m sick of it is the understatement of the year!

After assessing the X-rays, Dr. Mike said it is time to start on some exercises to help my spine along. We start with the neck and if all goes well, in October, we'll move on to lower back exercises. He started by giving me a small foam neck cradle. I am to lie on the floor and rest my neck in it for 2 minutes a day, and increase it by one minute per week until I get to 10 minutes.

Today he said to me, “Now, I know you’re a keener… and you can overdo it… so don’t think you have to go longer each time, OK?”

This, from a man who sees me for a total of about 6 minutes a week - tops. I looked at him a bit hurt as if to say, “What? Who? Me? A keener? But… but…!”

Instead I just said, “No, no… This is the 2-minute week.”

And heard in reply, “That’s good. We don’t want you to overdo it.”

Good thing I have professionals in my life to keep me in line... But damn them for being able to see that I'm a hopeless keener.


Excuse me .... I think I need a chocolate martini...

15 comments:

D said...

10 months....I know you are going crazy..hang in there. (Easier said than done.)

Backofpack said...

What is a "keener"? Never heard of that one!

Keep your spirits up! As you said, you are moving in the right direction, even if it is slower than you want, it's still forward!

Sarah Elaine said...

BoP - Are you serious? Tell me you are being funny!

I just looked it up in Dictionary.com and didn't find the usage I was talking about. Maybe it is a Canadian-ism? Well, just in case you were NOT pulling my leg, it means someone who is overly eager... kind of like an over-zealous puppy dog.

(Only a keener would give a definition of the term "keener" in her own blog post... How sad is that? Now it is really time for a chocolate martini!)

Anvilcloud said...

Hope this all begins to turn around for you. I have an old ankle injury -- 20 years old -- that has decided to act up again. Now, walking at anything beyond a snail's pace is problematic.

Madcap said...

Sarah, I think I'll have a chocolate martini on your behalf, just so you don't have to be so keen as to have two!

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Sarah,

I know that it hard when the results are so slow coming, but try to hang in there anyway.

What the heck is a "kenner?"

Janice~

Janice Seagraves said...

Oh, I see, never mind!

Unknown said...

I'll be honest to say that I had no idea what a "keener" was, but I understood by the way it was used.

You would think that Miss BoP with her fancy shmancy masters degree would have been able to decipher the meaning as well.

I hope the walking routine turns into what we all want it to be for you.

Olga said...

I want a chocolste martini too!!! And I need one no less:)

Sarah said...

You're a trooper! Good luck with your new program and I hope you enjoyed that martini! : )

Ginger Breadman said...

Oh, that chocolate martini sounds really good right now.

You know, maybe there's some 'bigger reason' out there that you need to take this time off for. You're doing a great job accepting it for what it is. And just think of all that time to try other martini flavors!

Anonymous said...

I'll join you with the chocolate martini!

Legs and Wings said...

Keener Keener Keener! I do believe we invented 'keener' here in Canada! We need to stump our American pals with a few more Canadianisms...that's funny.

I can't believe it has been 10 months of injury for you. Wow, that's a heck of a long time. I hope it all settles out sooner than later. Take care eh

Backofpack said...

I just got back here and found you answered my Q Sarah. I was not pulling your leg, and yes, Rob, I kind of guessed but Miss BoP likes to be exact and precise. Thank you, Sarah, for indulging me!

wthenrest said...

I thought I made a comment here. Hmm I must have dodged when I should have weaved. I don't know what that means... I am just having coffee. Well all I can say is Keener! Keener!... ohh I think I lost some brain cells in that smoke filled room yesterday. I better just go... :0)