Well, I've been kinda quiet for awhile. It's time for an update on my bad hair life.
My back condition has changed quite a bit. 2 weeks ago, I had an epidural done, which is a procedure in which a steroid is directly injected into the damaged disc or discs in ones back.
I've never really had any kind of procedure like this done so I was a bit nervous going in. I arrived at the Dr. office, ready for action. I donned my gown and funny little slippers that I put on incorrectly, and prepared myself. I've heard varied stories about epidurals, ranging from "no big deal" to "painful as hell". I figured I'd prep myself for "painful as hell" and hope for the best.
My nurse came and got me in the prep room, and led me down a long hall. At the end of this hall was an operating room straight outta ER, or any hospital drama I've ever seen on TV. Lot's of people in gowns and masks, interesting lights and machines, and a big scary table.
Gulp...
So, I lay down on the table, and the anesthesiologist noted that my blood pressure was a bit high, and he then asked if I'd like something to help me relax. This seemed like a good idea, so they plugged a catheter into my hand, and moments later I felt great. No worries. A warm rush of something coursed through my veins, and I was ready for action. 20 min. later I was done. The procedure was relatively pain free. The doctors were quite entertaining, and they were even joking about the youthful appearance of my exposed upper ass area. "All doctors should be this cool" I thought to myself.
Since then, things have gotten much better. I'm off of pain meds which is great, and except for an occasional moment of discomfort, I'm doing well.
A few days ago, I went for a checkup, and my Dr. let me know about what the future has in store for me, as well as a look at my MRI. The MRI was kinda scary to look at. You can clearly see the damage, and the disc that has ruptured has basically reduced the size of my spinal column down to about a 1/4 of it's normal size, hence the pain and weakness that kept me down for 7 weeks. Hopefully with a bit of a lifestyle change and some PT, I'll have a pretty normal future.
That's about all that's been going on in my life. During that period I had virtually no social contact, but since I'm back on my feet I really feel like making a major change in my solitary lifestyle. Last night, I went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a good friend. I loved it! Great movie, and I don't think it detracts in anyway from the original Wonka movie. I raise both of my thumbs in praise!
As usual, I'm really disgusted with our president and what I feel is the declining state of America. One thing I've been thinking alot about lately is the general apathy and helplessness I think many of us feel about having our voices heard by our government. Sure...celebrities and such can get their voices heard, but for the greater masses, I feel like our opinion just doesn't matter. Even worse...I think that a vast majority of us have become armchair polititions, lawyers and activists. We all seem to have an opinion about the things that make news, and many of us are quite passionate about that amongst friends, but do we...including myself actually do anything about it anymore? I'm embarrassed to say that I talk about my views alot, but I've never actually tried to do anything about it. Recently, I heard an opinion about this which stated that after Vietnam, many Americans, and particularly those of us who grew up during this period have a feeling that we just don't make a difference, which is why we may have an opinion, but do nothing more then talk about it. During the Vietnam period, protests were huge...people died for what they believed in, but it took many many years, and many many lives until that conflict ended. Perhaps those of us who were young during that period heard about the protests from TV and our parents, and thru that we unconsciously learned that protesting makes no difference. I don't know if I agree with this, but it's an interesting theory.
Another thing that's really been bugging me is the effect that Walmart and Target are having on our retail landscape. It saddens me greatly that the era of the mom and pop business is long over, and for those of us who aspire to have a retail business of their own face a pretty sobering and tough battle. The other day, I noticed that a new store had opened in Cliffside Park, which used to be filled with thriving little stores, and as I drove past all I could think is that how hard it must be to compete with the retail giants. In the past few years since I've lived in the Cliffside area, I've seen store after store open, and then close months later. There was a pet store that had been in the area for nearly 40 years. Gone. I know that we all love cheap prices, and capitalism has helped the world to grow, but capitalism has also traveled the world, and now countries like China are buying up America and supplying the mega retailers with their cheaply produced goods. It just makes me sad.
Ok, done ranting now. I'm at work. I should do some of that now.
