All clear

Everything seems to check out fine but I've been told not to over-tax my body and to indulge moderately.

The things is, that's what I've been doing. Haven't I been indulging moderately?

Cattle

Prodded. Poked. Radiated. Tested.

Seriously, it ain't worth it if the results aren't good.

Two weeks. I know the drill. Anything before that is bad.

I'm totally pleased with anything two weeks or more. Thank you very much.

And, the good news is.....

Well, the results are out. I have degenerative spinal disc disease.

After hmm-ing and ahh-ing at my MRI pics and magnifying certain areas, doc turned to me beaming and said "The good news is that you don't need surgery!" I breathed a sigh of relief. Then, he pulled out my MRI pics again, and pointed to the lowest spinal disc. "See that disc has lost some of its filling and is a lot flatter than the other discs" doc said while pointing to the row of discs pictured next to my spine. I could see that it wasn't only flatter, it was black! Of course I had to ask why it was black. Apparently when the disc loses its "spongy" material, it appears a lot darker on the MRI. And this loss of sponge was giving me my aches as there was less support. Doc also pointed to how I had a diffuse disc bulge that could explain the hump on my lower back. The spinal discs are suppose to seat flush to the spine and not protrude on it, but well, mine was different. He didn't think it was of much concern though. The only hint of worry I detected was when he muttered that it was quite unusual for a girl my age to already have a degenerative disc.

So, I got myself a course of physiotherapy and an offer of some super strong painkillers, which I declined. I mean, there is pain, but it's really not that bad.... (Then again, it's a well known fact that we women are much better at bearing pain than men. I can so imagine a man groaning and writhing in pain. All my boyfriends laid in bed when they got their wisdom teeth pulled. I had to get my jaw chipped to remove my wisdom tooth that was embedded there while on local anesthetic and I still managed to go about my activities immediately after.) I also got myself an open appointment for the next two years. He packed me off with a "You're okay as long as the disc doesn't collapse and you get shooting pain going through your thighs". Seriously.... What does that mean? That I should be expecting a surgery within the next two years? Good grief. I guess I should be happy and thank my lucky stars that at this little moment I am all good to go and not think about what the future might bring. Hmm, the world could end tomorrow and this might never ever become an issue.