oh my aching back

The last time this happened was February of 2014, over two years ago. But now it's returned. And it is debilitating. 

Lower back pain.

It started sometime on Saturday, wasn't too bad, and easily remedied by Advil.

But by Sunday, I could barely get out of bed. The pain had radiated down through my thighs.  

Standing was fine. 

Sitting was fine. 

But any movement in between wasn't, including getting from sitting to standing. I couldn't bend.

I drafted a note to my boss, saying I wouldn't able to make it in. Moving was too painful.  I took three Advil and miraculously felt better. So I didn't send the email and went to work instead.

Throughout the eight-hour day I felt little pain and came home feeling okay. 

But this morning, things are bad again.

As soon as I sit up, a sharp, intense pain almost knocks me over.

I exit my bed gingerly. 

According to the web experts, moving is good; lying prone is not.

I drop something on the floor and need to figure out some convoluted way to retrieve it. 

Getting dressed is easy above the waist, difficult below. I avoid wearing anything that requires opening a bottom drawer.

Picking up the morning paper takes some figuring out.

I try to skip Advil but by mid-afternoon, I give in and take three.


By seven, I feel little difference.

Unloading the dishwasher takes a lot of effort, except for the glasses on the top shelf.

I'd like to soak in a hot bath but what if I can't get out? Thoughts of calling my super to rescue me kill that thought.

Is this what 90 is going to feel like? G-d I hope not.

I research back pain. Usually harmless. But can last weeks. Am assuming mine won't. Can't bear to think otherwise.