What a bummer, dude!

Those of you who know me may remember my back injury almost two years ago. I had a ruptured disc that was hugely painful and spent months using a traction device to try to avoid back surgery. I did get through it without surgery and restored my back almost to its former glory. I've very active (which is good because I eat a lot) and I try to stretch as often as I remember. But, alas, (redundant that, but I wanted to use alas) I've had a relapse. Now, while oldest daughter Alicia (aka Bighead) is here, I'm doing traction, sitting with a heating pad, and thinking about calling the chiropractor. Too bad Pinhead isn't here to give me a massage.

So the topic of my blog today is vulnerability. I'm a pretty fearless sort, and I don't let much stop me, but back pain is more than pain. It makes me feel vulnerable, prone to further injury, off kilter, not at one with the universe. Okay, I added that one-with-the-universe-stuff just to end the line. I don't even know what that means. All I know is I don't feel like SuperPat today, and I'd sure like a little sympathy.

So I guess I should ask for advice. What do you do when you're out of sorts, injured, or ill? Should I go for it? Maybe go for a jog like some doctors tell their back injury patients to do? Should I be looking for muscle relaxers? Check myself into a spa? Heating pad or ice? So many options. Anybody wanna entertain my 27 year old kid for the day?

Step up and at least send me some sympathy, even you anonymous.