Little Things

 My Physical Therapist was ever so kind yesterday and I got an ultrasound treatment, scraping and tape.  So good to feel so much better.  The flare I have been is has been horrid.  In the afternoon I tried to watch a movie but fell asleep.

Jen made me a bookmark...cute as it can be!

I smile every time I use it!  Jen is making some awesome things with her 3 D printer. 

Supper was spaghetti, meatballs and french bread.  I had cheese on my noodles as I am not fond of spaghetti sauce.

Minnesota weather: It was a nice above zero day and the sun was shinning!

Far Side

Frosty

 It was frosty here on Monday, I heard it rained a bit and it was slippery out in the early morning. 

I made it to my PT appointment just fine.  I am tired ...but that is nothing new. 

I spent the afternoon sorting photos and getting up to stretch and walk around every little bit.  Far Guy watched Movies on his I pad. 

We had leftover calzones for supper.  

Minnesota weather: Frosty  High 28F or -2C  Low was 21F or -6C  eh!   Nice weather for January! 

Far Side

One sundog

 There were two Sundogs but I only got a photo of one.  Photo taken out of the windshield when I was safely pulled over. 

I stopped and took this photo on my way back from PT and a trip to the corner of happy and healthy to pick up a prescription for Far Guy.  I have new exercises to do for my back and my bad leg.  I have known the Physical Therapist for a number of years. 

Cold here...but at least its windy.

I plan to work on the puzzle while the rest of the household watches the Hockey game on Friday night.

Minnesota weather;  High was -3F or -19C Low was -20F or -29C eh.  Next week we will be 64 degrees warmer than we were if the weather predictions are correct.  Crazy extremes. 

Supper was freezer meals...Far Guy had chili, I had soup and Jen had an egg sandwich.  Andy was working late. 

Far Side

Cards

 Last Spring I made up a box of photo and watercolor cards fronts that needed to be squared up and matted.  They will eventually be cards.  I like playing with paper.  

I played with them half the afternoon until Far Guy said lets go get some food.  I think he was hungry!  It was a nice day to sit outside on the patio at our favorite Sunday lupper place. 

So we had a quiet day, great lupper and a really nice nap.  My other baby brother and she who sees robins first stopped by to visit, my baby brother and his bride stopped by when I was doing my PT exercises so I missed saying Hi to them. The newest PT exercise has me hurting a bit more than usual.  Hopefully after a few more days it will get better.  It is doing Clamshells with a resistance band. 

Minnesota Weather: High 78 F or 26C  Low was 54F or 13C eh! 

Happy first day of September!

Far Side

Sunday

 We had a quiet Sunday with no company.   I did some laundry and some odds and ends.  I had a long afternoon nap, Far Guy napped for about 15 minutes.  I win the napping award! 

This week we have five medical appointments, most are Up North.   Good thing we have lots of "stuff" up there, so there are only a few things that we need to take along.  Sadie will be happy to see us. 

I started Physical Therapy last week and it tires me out in no time.  I have the same Physical Therapist that I had last Fall when we were chasing the pain.  This time we are working on strengthening my back muscles and lots more walking. 

I think this is one of those Spidery Zinnias. 

Minnesota weather: High 72F or 23C low was 56F or 14C eh!  We had a couple of smoke free days...but the wildfire smoke is coming back in for a few days this week.  

We had english muffins, fried eggs and raspberries for supper.  I had a piece of Pork Sausage...Far Guy did not.  He is still losing weight.  He is eating many small meals a day, but his stomach doesn't like most foods.

Far Side

Dry Needles

 Yesterday at Physical Therapy I had a dry needles treatment.  Thin needles inserted into my back and left butt cheek, then they were electrically stimulated.  It was a bit weird...and seemed to help with the pain for a short time.   Then the pain was back again...and I was real sore and exhausted...tired upon tired.  I had a long nap.  

Very little accomplished around the house...one load of laundry, groceries put away, one small organizational clean up project ( I went through all the acrylic paints and threw away old ones!) and I completed painting the Christmas ornaments. 

  Looks like Fall out the window. 

Far Side

Cautiously optimistic

Wednesday as I made my follow up appointments at the Clinic an opening was available for a Physical Therapy consult just prior to Far Guy's weekly Thursday Infusion appointment.   So I took the appointment. 

Good News!!  The Therapist is 99% sure that he can totally relieve my pain.  After seeing my x rays he believes that it is my sacroiliac joint on the left side that is the problem...possibly stemming from an injury on June 29 1980 when I broke four bones in my leg and totally dislocated my ankle.  I was unable to have corrective surgery due to a blood infection.  I spent a very long time ( 6 months) in various casts and had to learn how to walk all over again. ( The Doctors all said I would only walk about 10 years back then...see they don't know everything!)

The Therapist explained that my sacroiliac joint is angry and the large muscles have it locked in a painful place...no doubt inflamed with the RA that I have.  He massaged my back and leg...used some cups to increase the blood flow and found all the pressure points that are causing me pain.  He is convinced it is all muscle not nerve.  So I will see him again when they have a cancellation or in October which ever comes first.  In the meantime I have a few new exercises to do, and he said the hot rice bag should be continued along with my nightly whirlpool soaks. 

So at least we have a plan.  I may not need the fancy expensive RA meds at all.  That is really good news!! 

It is very different walking with no pain...strange in fact.  I might get used to it!

So I am cautiously optimistic...one day at a time. 

Far Side