Relief!

So my previous post was me ranting about my back issues. I was in so much pain when I wrote that. I went to the doctor yesterday, the day after thanksgiving. I was a bit skeptical because my doctor was out of town so his PA was running the show. I had never met her but I had to think if my doctor who I think is the best in Vegas hired her, then she must be good. So the waiting room was a bit crowded as should be expected on a holiday weekend. We waited an hour in the waiting room (i brought my kids...the ocd I have kicked in and hand sanitizer was used frequently as well as making them stay far away from everyone). When the called us back, the nurse was awesome so it was a good start. We waited another 20 minutes but I was patient. The PA came in. She was gorgeous and young. She had long, blonde curly hair and was wearing a super cute shirt. Not that appearance matters but I felt a little at ease thinking she wouldn't be a know it all who doesn't let me talk. She listened to everything and saw my Xray from months ago so she was on the same page as me. Basically she called it a normal flair up amd usually happens to people with similar back problems when they are overly active. I have been overly active lately so it made sense. She also told me I wasn't taking enough muscle relaxer and anti inflammatory. I always take children's ibuprofen because too much hurts my stomach. She assured me as my brother in law once did that when taken with food I should be okay. She also said lortab really helps for patients like me but as I told her, I'm not a fan of the side effects. She prescribed me some just in case. I guess knowing I have it on hand just in case it gets bad is comforting. She also gave me a steroids shot. I gotta say, this shot was awesome! I went to bed with zero pain...miracle! I was in minimal pain waking up. So I guess I know whenever I'm in this much pain, steroids are good. Now I can look forward to the polar express this Monday knowing I'm taken care of. I would have posted the Xray of my spine but to some it may be graffic since it does show a good sized curve. I can post it if you want though.

Time To Vent...

About 8 months ago I got an Xray of my back. I've had back and neck issues as long as I can remember but the past year has been exceptionally painful. So painful that it ruins my days sometimes. The Xray showed a curve in my spine. Definitely not a normally one...a scoliosis curve. It was the first Xray I had ever gotten. You know those scoliosis tests you did in elementary school, my mom always kept me from doing them for whatever reason. So, I have no clue how long I have had this curve and if I could have even prevented it to getting where it is today. At first the doctor put me on non drowsy muscle relaxers and lortab. Uh....that did not help. Not even in the slightest. The chiropractor did do some good along with a massage therapist. Eventually it got to the point where my pain was cut in half. I quit taking the lortab quickly and switched to non narcotics which was so much better. I've managed to find ways to cope with the pain and its been pretty okay. However, the past week, the pain is soooooo bad. Not sure why. I have been a lot more busy lately with having to run all over town for kid classes and errands along with cleaning and waking up 5 times a night with my kids and sleeping in three different beds before the night is over. These may all be why I'm literally dying in pain. I made thanksgiving desserts tonight and I am so stiff. Been lying down for an hour yet I'm still in pain. On a scale of 1-10 my pain is usually around a 5 which makes it easy to manage but this week it has been around a 9. Chiropractor is closed until next week and we have this grand trip to the polar express we are surprising our son with on Monday and I'm depressed thinking how much pain I will be in. I'm definitely going to pay a visit to the doctor Friday. Hopefully he cab figure out how to make me as comfortable as possible until I can see my chiropractor. Until then, I guess ill complain here on my blog and try hard to find time to rest as much as I can and drink plenty of fluids. Wish me luck.

Oh Christmas Tree! Oh Christmas Tree! Oops!

Every year for the past 4 years I have had to post this picture. It was way too funny. The look on Chez's face when it went down was priceless yet I could not stop laughing. Timber!

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

The title of my post refers to how much we have traveled throughout the years for the holidays. We have traveled by air and car and train...well that was just for the Polar Express but it was a train ride none the less. Every single year for Christmas we have done something. Whether it was Cancun, Chez's parents house, or my parents, we did something. This year we are staying put! I cannot wait to have my own Christmas with my little family. It will literally be the first year with both kids where we wake up in our own house Christmas morning and have a real Christmas. I am looking forward to this relaxing year. I love visiting family but I am also excited to start new traditions with my own. BUT, this doesnt mean we will not be having fun. In a couple weeks we will be doing the Polar Express in Arizona in the Grand Canyon. Should be fun. We will also be doing Disneyland again to enjoy all of the holiday decor and fun. We are also planning a trip to Big Bear. Since last year we went to the mountains in Washington for Christmas, Kingston thinks Christmas=snow. So he cannot wait to see snow. This means a trip to Big Bear was basically a no brainer. I am looking forward to that. We may also be having family visit. Still not sure about that. But anyone is welcome. After Christmas we will be going to Orlando for another fun trip to Disneyworld and then in February is mine and Chez's trip to Cabo. A lot of fun to look forward to and I just love the holidays. I feel so much love, happiness, and warmth during this time of the year, Happy Holidays All!

Disneyland

We went to Disneyland last week (I know, surprise surprise). We just love it there. The first day I took the kids to Thomas the Train. It was a Day Out with Thomas that doesnt happen often. We had such a great time. It was literally pouring down rain the whole morning before we were supposed to be there. I was really bummed. We ran into a nearby store when we got to town to grab a large umbrella. I figured we would just do the best we could. Then....a miracle happened. No joke, as I was pulling in to the parking lot, the rain stopped and never started back up again. We had a great time. I got teary eyed when the real Thomas pulled up and the kids were in awe. The next two days we did Disneyland. It never gets old to us. They had just started decorating for the holidays and it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas which I just LOVE at Disneyland. Another thing I love this time of year there is how calm it is. No crowds, no lines, hardly any people, and the weather is absolutely perfect. We will definitely be returning in the next few weeks so enjoy "It's a Small World" all decked out in Christmas decor. It is the most magical time of the year for Disneyland.