Slowly.
Which is how it usually is with backs, I think.
I’ve been doing as much of nothing as possible…and that’s a lot of nothing!
Yesterday the big accomplishment of the day was a short walk with the dogs. Much needed for all of us. I’m moving slowly, but I’m moving.
I learned…or at least remembered…a few things during this experience.
1. I need to take good care of myself.
2. I do a lot more than I think I do and some of it is harder than I realize it is.
3. Healing happens.
4. The human body is a miraculous instrument.
5. Being quiet and still is a good thing.
6. How very important every aspect of health is to life on the road (especially solo) and life in general.
So what caused the flare up of back pain and what made it so bad this time?
I’ve been thinking about that. Nothing I did seemed to ‘set it off’ and my back didn’t ‘go out’. I remembered though, that a few days before the major pain there was some minor pain. Warning signals that I ignored, thinking it would pass. What caused the minor pain? This is the only thing I can come up with and I don’t know if it’s correct. I sleep on the regular Casita cushions with a two inch memory foam topper. (Peggy and Doug if you are reading this, I know you sold me WS with a four inch memory foam mattress, but it was too much…too thick. I learned before I left on my travels that it wouldn’t work for me and I gave it away and replaced it with the two inch memory foam that I had on my mattress in the house).
After sleeping in the same exact spot for a year the two inch was getting seriously squished and I could really feel my hip bones when lying on my side, SO, I bought a little $12 foam topper to put on top of the two inch memory foam. It was shortly after putting that on the bed that I began to notice the minor pain.
Could it be that silly foam topper causing all this?
I didn’t know, but I was feeling the need to get rid of it.
Making my bed which is all enclosed except for about 31 inches where you get in and out, is really a lot of work. Have to climb on the bed to do it. How was I going to remove the foam when I could hardly move myself? Well again, slowly. A little bit at a time, and then I didn’t actually remove it. I was able to get it folded over so it’s not on the part of the bed that I use.
When I laid back down I noticed a distinct difference. The firmer pressure felt good. I’ve slept that way for two nights now and am gradually feeling better. I don’t really know if it’s related to the change in the bed or just that things are healing anyway. Whatever it is, I’m grateful. I don’t plan on using the foam again. I will cut it up. I’ll make one piece the size to fit in a pillowcase that I can use for the hip joint if needed. Some I’ll use to augment dog bedding.
Phew. Long story about doing nothing, right? 😀. And way more that you ever wanted to know about my aches and pains. Hopefully better subject matter next time!
Wandering Spirit 
So relieved that you’re feeling better – even if it’s not the bed in the end, your list of things learned is wonderful, and worth reflecting on!
miss you
L
Hi Laura,
Yes learning…or remembering what we let slip…is something I hope I keep doing. But I wish I was smart enough or together enough to remember those things without getting hurt or sick!
Glad to hear that you are on the mend. It sounds like you are doing your best to take care of yourself. Although I know how hard that can be sometimes.
In response to your last post I mentioned that have dealt with back pain off and on for the past couple of years and asked for advice. I wish I had a magic formula but if I did I wouldn’t still struggle with it. However I have found that for me some simple yoga stretching on a regular basis can keep it at bay. Childs pose, cat / cow, cobra, and sun salute. (if your not familiar with the poses I’m sure you can google.) I don’t push it hard and I try to concentrate on meditation / relaxing as I go through it. I do a modified sun salute several times a day.
For me the struggle is to stay on top of it when I get busy and I’m not hurting. I know that the more active I stay the less pain I feel. But I don’t keep active because of the pain. Vicious cycle.
Still sending you buckets of loving/healing energy.
Hi Badger Rick. Thank you for the suggestions, those yoga stretches all sound perfect for backs. I think I’ll start with child’s pose. Sun salutation I’d have to look up to see all the steps, but my back isn’t ready for that yet.
I do the same thing…forget to do my stretches when I’m feeling well. This was a reminder. A strong reminder.
Thank you for the loving healing energy. Getting back to ‘normal’ is going to take awhile. I’ve extended my stay here for a full week so I can continue to do next to nothing as much as possible, until Tuesday.
Oh, oh. If our goal is to become “normal’ I fear we will both have a very long wait. 🙂
😀. Yep. Usually I don’t think I know what “normal” is.
Maybe what you need is just a new 2″ foam topper. Another option is to switch which end you put your head at. That will put the hips in a different spot. Or turn the topper over or swap the configuration of the Casita cushions – but don’t do that till your back is lots better. Making the bed is definitely a chore – as far as I’m concerned it’s probably the hardest thing that has to be done in a Casita. But the benefits of our little houses are worth it.
Reine
You read my mind Reine. I was going to ask you if you knew any tips for easier Casita bed making. If you don’t know any than I know there aren’t any. I too, think that is the hardest chore inside the Casita…making the bed! And I have to have everything tucked in just so or when the dogs go up there it all comes apart.
Actually I have tried switching and turning cushions and the memory foam but nothing fits right when I do that and it bunches up and never feels right. I think the new 2 inch memory foam will be the answer, at some point when I feel better.
Micky, one option that I’ve done is to stitch the top and bottom sheets together at the foot. This will keep the top sheet from being pulled out at the foot and gives you one less thing to have to tuck in. Using sheet anchors across the corners helps a lot BUT I’m putting sheets on a 6″ foam mattress that I can bend although not really easily. If you’re putting sheets on a Casita cushion with a topper I would be sure to use the deep pocket full fitted sheets for the bottom so you have plenty to work with. The only easy way I’ve heard of is to use something like a Travasak or RV Superbag, which is pretty much a fancy sleeping bag with sheets inside that would lay on top of the “mattress”. Another thought is to use a queen sized top sheet and tuck it under quite a bit on the back side when you make the bed. I don’t have dogs, just a hubby that pulls covers!
Thanks Reine, all good ideas. I do have one queen sized top sheet for the purpose you mention. I use a top sheet over the comforter to protect it from dog dirt. Easier to wash than the fluffy comforter. I decided I’ll always buy queen sized top sheets now, just nice having more to tuck. And since I have dogs lying on top of all the bedding they hold it down since they are big and heavy. Nice having a little extra sheet for that reason too! 😂
Mine went out once and it was a burst ovarian cyst…all OK but thought it was my back. But the best relief I’ve ever found is to ly on floor on back with the legs laying on a chair, bed, anything. All so you are in kind of a L shape. Really have to scoot your bum up against the chair so it releases the tension in your back. The longer the better. I know not an easy task in a Casita. Unbelievable how much relief I’d get. Pillow between legs too when sleeping maybe. Hope it passes soon!
Hi Cozygirl. Thanks for the suggestions. You know I used to do that L shaped thing when I had floor space and a couch in a house. Might work with the floor and the bed here. I have storage boxes under the bed so there is bum support.
Burst ovarian cyst…yikes. I did wonder if there was anything else going on when this got bad because I felt so generally yucky. Seemed like a flu attack in my back. Makes no sense. I guess.
Oh lol “bum” support always good! 🙂
😂
Ouch, feel better Micky!!! It could have been the topper, or you may have pulled something putting the topper ON? Anyway, I hope you feel better really fast! XO