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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Back on my Feet

Wow!  Where does one start after such a long absence?  I'd say at the beginning of the absence but my poor pea brain can't remember that far back!  I do know at the time I was busy preparing for our Spring retreat so perhaps I should begin there in spite of it being old news.

The theme was Voyage of Discovery, based loosely on  Christopher Columbus and other explorer's voyages during the Age of Discovery.   Everyone there received 2 exclusive charts designed just for the occasion.  Dan designed and built the frame to fit either design and these were included in the attendees goody bag.  We offered a class where those that wanted to, could discover how to make a button bracelet.  We had a Rosewood Manor and a Fabric Flair Trunk Show, a swap table, brag table, massages, and door prizes also. All in all I think a good time was had by everyone.

Rosewood Manor Retreat Exclusive
My  Design
Goody Bags

Contents of the goody bags
this years ort container
complete with gold coins
Everyone received a brown paper package tied up with string
 containing the fabric and floss for the project.
all the goodies at check in 
Everyone had to "discover" buried treasure
 by digging in the jewels and coins
the treasure was a bottle containing the chart
Button Bracelet Class
the bracelet when finished
All the stitcher's stitching away!

It wasn't long after retreat that things kinda went to hell in a hand basket.  I had been having problems with my shoulders, neck, lower back since before Christmas. Went to the chiro, multiple times, had a deep tissue massage (never again!!!), went to physical therapy but nothing was making me feel better. Got up one morning found that sitting at the computer was no longer possible, the pain was too bad.  Went to work and spent half the time lying on the floor.  Went to the Dr. who sent me back to physical therapy. By this time (end of May)  I was flat on my back, not going to work, not stitching, not living.  I went back to the Dr. who decided I needed an MRI.  After the MRI, which showed a slight bulge of my C4-5,  the Dr. sent me to a neurosurgeon, by this time if I was upright my right arm had to be on the top of my head and my head had to be tilted to the left as that was the only way I got any pain relief at all.  If I tried to use my right arm to do something it would just flop around, I had no control over it.  Sitting in a chair was no longer an option.  My life was at a standstill.  The wheels of medicine spin ever so slowly anymore so it was August by the time I had seen the neurosurgeon, been told I needed a myelogram, actually had the myelogram and received the results.  While I did have a slight bulge at C4-5, it was actually my C6-7 that was bad and pressing on the nerve which was causing all the pain, loss of control and weakness in my arm.  Surgery was scheduled for August 19th and I am now 3+ weeks out from that.  I'm feeling better although that is a double edged sword because you think you are better than you really are so you have a tendency to over-do and then you pay for it!  I have a ton of restrictions yet, haven't tried stitching, stretching or anything like that at this point.  But I am hopeful that soon I will be able to pick up the reins of my life and move forward.

Think that'll do it for this episode.  My time at the computer is very limited still unless I want a massive headache which I gotta tell ya is a big  NO!

Take care till next time!

Julie    

10 comments:

Kaisievic said...

Oh, Julie, so sorry to hear about your back problems. I hope that you are well and truly on the mend now. Love your retreat, though, it looks like so much fun! Take care of yourself.

P.J. said...

So sorry you were suffering; but glad to hear you are on the mend and have some relief.

cucki said...

Oh no so sorry to hear about your back problems. I hope that you are well and feeling well now on..Love your retreat, and it looks like so much fun..big hugs x

Vickie said...

Julie, I am so very sorry to read of your massive pain. I live in daily pain for 10 years, I know it is the pits!! I am praying for you.
Your retreat ideas are awesome!

Cari said...

Oh my gosh Julie…you have been through a rough time. Love everything you did for your retreat. Looks like everyone had such a great time. Hope you get feeling a lot better and that the surgery proves to be successful. Take care !!

Melody said...

Julie, I'm so sorry to read about your difficulties! I'm glad you were finally able to get the diagnosis and surgery! Remember to take it slow while you are healing. By the way, your retreat looked amazing. What creative ideas and presentation!!
Take care.

Carol said...

Oh, that sounds like a horrible summer, Julie! I do hope you take it easy now and don't push yourself... Your will get better much faster without any relapses. Glad the retreat went so well--looks like a lot of fun! Feel all better soon :)

TinaTx said...

Hope you are feeling better each day and can get back to stitching soon!

Doreen said...

Julie,

It's so great to see you posting again and I'm so glad that you've been able to stop in the shop for bits and pieces. Can't wait til you're pain free and able to carry on normally again. It was fun revisiting retreat through your post - what a fun time it was! And now we're almost ready for our fall no-frills retreat! The time passes so quickly (unless you're on your back with your arm on your head!)

Take care girlfriend, and I look forward to seeing you posting again. Missed reading these!

Doreen

Maggee said...

So glad the neurosurgeon was able to resolve all that pain and problems for you! My husband has his first craniotomy that day also! He has had two now... the second on September 4th. And you are SO right about 'thinking' you are well and overdoing it! At least you realize it and are abiding by it! The retreat looks like another fabulous success! If I ever could, I would go... Love the button bracelets! Clever!! And did anyone else have a laugh at the 'lifesavers'? Nice touch! Rest easy now! Hugs! Maggee