Backwards

Is it the cold? The lack of my regular walking exercise because of the ice and snow? (Walking at the stores just isn't the same.) Strain caused by the elliptical, which we've decided to exchange for a treadmill (but shopping Friday didn't turn up a good one?)? Hormones? Something else? All of the above?

(But not weight gain!! I'm still maintaining, even adding a bit to, my losses, and am less than I've been in years.)

It is not a good back week. Not bad enough to call in reinforcements, but that's a pretty low standard. I'm slipping backwards, it seems: not sleeping well, waking up tight, achy off and on through the day, more numbness in my right foot, strain on my neck and thoracic spine, reducing activities and outings, even wearing my brace a time or two. I had hoped it would dissipate, but I'll be calling the doctor tomorrow for advice, prescriptions, and an appointment. Because today I went walking and made it only 16 minutes before I could almost not stand upright and had spasms in my lumbar.

Not good. Too reminiscent of September, which should be long behind me as I approach the six-month mark here at the beginning of February.

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Update: On a hunch, I called the doctor today. I have an appointment for next Tuesday and a prescription refill today. I'll talk to him later this week about how I'm feeling.

And I spoke to my beloved physical therapist, who is letting me use the office treadmill and was generally supportive and calming.