Cricks

Yesterday I woke up with a crick in my side. Crick, that's the only word I can think of that really fit, unless maybe a hitch.  As the day wore on, it became more painful until any movement, the slightest yawn, or deep breath became excruciating. On top of being so painful it was also exhausting, but I couldn't lie down unless I lay on my right side with a pillow tucked up against the sore place and if I moved, again it was excruciating.

After being up most of the night, moving from bed to chair, even sitting up on the side of the bed and leaning over my desk chair, trying to sleep without pain, I called my doctor. They are not treating people in the office during this quarantine, but he called me back for a consultation over the phone. After an exhaustive conversation he prescribed a muscle relaxer and pain pill I can use till Monday. If that doesn't resolve the issue, he will send me for tests.

My daughter brought me the prescriptions around noon and I've had two doses. I guess there is some improvement. I was able to put on my big comfy velour and fleece sweatshirt with the hood and prop myself into and onto a series of pillows and sleep some. That was such a huge relief. This shirt is like a blanket and I can tuck my hands into the front pocket or even the hood.

When I woke up I felt like I was being slowly reborn into a sane existence. I could lie flat on my back fairly comfortably. My arms found a place they could rest. Even my legs relaxed a bit. I lay there savoring it as long as I could, but then my back began to hurt and I had to get up.

Now it is the middle of the night and I am propped up in a big recliner, wearing my shirt, using a heating pad and drinking water. My side is disturbingly painful again, but not excruciating.

Of course with all this time not being able to sleep, I have considered all the possibilities from pulled muscle vacuuming the rug, to kidney stones, liver damage, even kidney damage. Now the trick is to stop considering and making it worse than it probably is.