In Good Hands

I promise to finish up my posts about Florida within the next few days. I've been busy reading up on you guys, and what I missed out on while my PC was in the shop. For those of you who emailed me, worried about my back issues, never fear. I still have them! Har har.

I canceled my last epidural, if three of them didn't work, I had little hopes for yet another one working. So, I'm done with the pain clinic for now, and weaning myself off the (very ineffective) pain medication I've been on for the last ten months. I finally decided to see a chiropractor, much to the delight of my mother-in-law who has been telling me to go to one for about three years now.

Here is my new doctor (photo), hopefully soon I will be calling him a miracle worker. Doctor Craig Steingraber, or just Doctor Craig as he calls himself- guess the last name is a mouthful. It should be Spinegrabber- bet he's heard that one a few times. He is very very personable, and I would never admit it to my hubby, but he's super cute. The receptionist mentioned to me that he used to be the team chiropractor for the Houston Texans, although she said he doesn't like to flaunt that. Plus, he's got his very own local TV show here, which is how I found him.

I've had to go through all the MRI and X-Ray rigmarole again. My pain is once again baffling this new doctor- big surprise. My back issues that show up on the MRI are all on the left side- I have a herniated disc- but since my pain is on the right he, like all the other doctors before him, is stumped. The X-Ray shows a good deal of arthritis in my lower back- I know, it's hell getting old. Amazingly, he told me my spinal alignment is almost textbook perfect, which shocked me- and he admitted him as well- since I have always been so top heavy.

I will give him a little time, to see what he can do for me. I've had about four adjustments already, but no relief from the pain, and he reminded me yesterday that it will take time to figure it all out. But he said he believes he can help me. And since insurance is paying for it, heck, I'll go along for the ride for a few months.

He seems to think this is not so much an issue with my back, but with my pain receptors in my brain. Whatever. Just fix me!!!! I am going three times a week right now, through the month of July. Tomorrow he is sending me for a one hour massage. Wow, did I tell you how much I love this guy?? Just a simple massage, not a posh day at the spa like James does for me every year. He's also got me on mega-doses of fish oil, which he said will help with inflammation. But, damn the man, he makes me do exercises in his office after my adjustments. AND he's making me keep a food diary for him. I don't know how long this love affair will last now! Once he finds out I had a Coke, a Little Debbie, and a bag of chips today while out running around town, he will probably point me to the door and tell me to never return! Hah!!