I worked a lot the last two weeks. Overtime.
I typically avoid overtime or shifting my schedule because it throws me off and wipes me out. Honestly as it is I am working too much for my body, and Tuesday I even left an hour early because of the stress and anxiety I had. I feel bad because I don't take on as much OT or help out as much as my other coworkers, but I am already struggling with the 45 hours a week I do work. Once I move closer to work I can stop working my second job and not spend so much time on the road I might do better, but until then I can barely function on my regular schedule and much less if I took on any more. I wish I could just work part time, then I could function like a normal person. Alas the economy will not allow it.
Oh did I mention I'm officially diagnosed with DDD (degenerative disk disease) and severe stenosis? Yay.
And because I'm a masochist who can't say no, I've taken on overtime next month as well.
I have had back pain for decades and what keeps me going is water. I submerge myself in water when ever I can. The buoyancy relieves the pain.I have DDD and stenosis. I had micro surgery which helped a lot . Of course core strengthening is a given.
I exercise 3 days a week (if my pain allows it) and I have a deep whirlpool bathtub where I soak. I agree buoyancy helps tremendously.
Unfortunately no one wants to do any surgery yet. That's the part I don't get. I am young. I am strong. I am losing my entire life to the pain and numbness and tremors from the nerve compression. I can't hold a pen anymore. I can't reach overhead. I am in so much constant pain that I struggle to keep my living space clean. I rarely cook because it's too exhausting after work
@LadyAlyxandrea Cervical thoracic or lumbar?
@MrTallman cervical. Some lumbar but not enough for concern
@LadyAlyxandrea My best friend has cervical and he is going through hell. Today, he told me that he was looking into artificial discs at 4500 a pop not including surgery. I'm very sorry I have no answers for you at this time. I'll update you on his surgery if you want me to.
@MrTallman it is crazy hard. I sympathize with your friend.
I think you should apply for disability - you can still work part time if you do that. In fact it would give you better insurance coverage.
Hang in there!
The problem with that is even part time and disability wouldn't be enough to cover much costwise. I know I should and I sound like I'm just stubborn and making excuses but I still have so much I want to do to be financially frozen
@LadyAlyxandrea I really do understand. I hope if you can change you location it will help.
@RavenCT I want so badly to go out into the world. To see L.A. and New York and London and Germany and spain. I would give my soul to leave this pathetic smothering state and go where I want. It seems like even if I work myself to death I can't escape. Maybe I should give up and go on disability and actually put my roots down but I just hate to give up. To admit I'll never leave. It's almost like staring down the firing squad