So do I just work through the pain?

[Cindylou]

Katie, I am sorry I am just now seeing and responding to this post. My Mom arrived Tuesday for a week and so I haven't been on as much. I am sorry your pain is increasing too. Did hubby get the table modified? I agree with what Alison said, that the increased pain is trying to tell you something. I know it's hard, but remember to listen to your body. It's talking to you with the increased pain. Hang in there honey.

[Metalneck07]

Katie I hope by now you we're able to get your table problem fixed. I can see now how important it is for you to get back to your Art. How wonderful you are extremely talented . I can't imagine how even more wonderful they would be in person. I would think for you that getting back to your Art has been therapeutic in the road to recovery.I really hope you are able to find the trick to avoid the pain and keep up with your Art.Take care and Good Luck .
Caitlin aka Metalneck07

[KanRunMo]

Katie,
I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. My husband is a retired architect and now does some work at home. He has two huge drawing boards in his home office so I can visualize your working situation. I'm wondering if you could stand up at an easel and see if that helps. Anti-inflammatory meds might also help. Just some thoughts.

[Katie]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to have the drafting table adjusted today, and also pay more attention to my posture to see if that helps.

Unfortunately I'm allergic to anti-inflammatories KanRunMo, so have also been using a bit of Tylenol. As much as I don't like to accept the answers to slow down, I know it makes sense.

It has felt so darn good to have some semblance of a normal life again, to feel somewhat useful....I guess we all need that.

[Greg]

Your art is awesome, I love it! So real looking, that's the kind of art I really like. One of my husband's customers just did paintings for us of each of our girls for us. Wish I had the artsy bug when it comes to drawing painting, but I have yet to master stick people. Great Job!

WOW!!! Your painting are awesome! The oil painting of the old man, I think you titled it "To Sir with Love &#" is freakin awesome. I would definitely buy that painting. As a matter of fact, if you dont sell it (if it is for sale) during your art show I would love to buy that from you.....well, as long as your talent and fame hasnt caught up with your prices and I would have to get a loan from the bank to purchase. Incredible work you do! Now I'm crossing my fingers even harder hoping your pain subsides because you need to be in front of that easel for sure. Kudos to you!

[Gilbert P]

Hi Katei

KBear was correct Taking more will mask the pain.

You have a gift your paintings are fantastic

Talk Soon

Gil

[Katie]

Thanks for the kudos guys After 30+ years, I better be able to do something decently Greg, you are funny I'll send a PM in a bit!

Here's one of those 'dumb questions'....most people post about dreading PT after surgery, when it is time to start building core muscles again. That it makes the pain flare badly and they have to increase the meds. When I started some simple exercises as well from my therapist, it brought back the same pain.

What's the difference? It seems like both are irritating the same area and feel relatively the same, the 'good' pain and the one I'm feeling now from bending just a little bit for periods of time. I try to break it up into ten to fifteen minutes or so.

[ajj1001]

What's the difference? It seems like both are irritating the same area and feel relatively the same, the 'good' pain and the one I'm feeling now from bending just a little bit for periods of time. I try to break it up into ten to fifteen minutes or so.

Sounds like you have overdone it and the bad pain is coming on whatever you do. my pt pain was very different from the normal day to day one. A few days off, heat or ice or whatever works for you and then try starting over. I know easing up isn't the answer you want to hear but look at the big picture, where you have come from and where you want to be.

I started pt 6 months post op but it didn't start to have any benefit or progress at all until 9 months post op.

[SemperFi]

Katie,
I'd try anything not to put strain on a pretty recently surgerized part of my spine even if that meant lying on the floor and suspending your art work a different way to get at it. Even if it means an alteration in your style that could be a new creative find for you!

Taking more medication that covers your pain but may jeopardize your surgerized area just doesn't sound right to me.

If you had a failed surgery and it was your only option I might think the increase in pain med option is Ok however you don't want to create any unnecessary problems for yourself so try to either position things differently for yourself/comfort that won't aggravate things or maybe do your work with longer rest intervals and/or shorter hours/day.

Good luck and I hope everything works out for you creatively and production wise and oh yes, SPINALLY!!!

[Katie]

Thanks again. Funny how easy it is to give advice than take it

If I was responding to someone else who was posting the same issue, I'd tell them exactly what you guys are telling me....guess I'm both stubborn and stupid.

Like everyone else, I want to get back to a normal life. Reading the new post this morning from the member who is terrified of surgery and what the effects of spinal pain has done to her family, that hit me hard...it is easy to conveniently forget how much our lives have been sidelined for the past four + years.

I had to spend most of today in bed to get rid of pain, and I haven't painted in three days. But I did sit at the computer for far too long doing taxes/paperwork. So it isn't just painting that I have to take a second look at, to heal properly.

Thanks for the wakeup call, my friends.