I realize I haven’t shared the results of the MRI. I also realize my procrastination is likely a result of my denial. But as denial is one of the most crucial steps to acceptance, I’m okay with it. 
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I’ve even considered rolling with this denial thing for awhile. Focus on creating an alternate reality, maybe? Like Law of Attraction, only angrier. (Kidding!)
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But I’m more of a Radical Acceptance kinda gal . Thus, I’m flowing on with it. Here are the results:
~ The left knee has swelling of the tissue and a small tear in the medial meniscus.
~ The lumbar spine has a significant curvature (separate from my thoracic curvature) and mild degeneration of L5-S1.
~ The biggest surprise is the cervical spine – possibility of straightening and reversal of the natural cervical lordosis, three bulging discs, plenty o’ bone spurs, mild to moderate narrowing of the foramina (exit holes of the nerves) and degenerative disease of C6-7.
~ The thoracic spine was obscured by the scoliosis hardware and blocked the machine from obtaining images. More testing needs to be done.
[Let me just erase my "not thankful" remarks. ::ahem::]
I’m thankful anyway for my chiropractor who ordered my test results and saved me from a return visit to a medicalized doctor.
I’m thankful anyway that most of these issues can be treated through muscle strengthening, massage, acupuncture, B12 injections, herbs, supplements and other forms of physical therapy.
I’m thankful anyway because I thought my knee would show degeneration of the cartilage. A tear is relatively simple to treat.
I’m thankful anyway because I thought my lower back was going to show something much more serious. My lower back pain is likely a result of muscular compensation due to the lumbar curvature, which is much better than the herniation or severe degeneration I feared.
I’m thankful anyway because although my cervical spine was a total surprise and although my awareness of the problem brought about awareness of the discomfort (ugh), the bulges are fairly small and the bone spurs are actually there in a (however sad) attempt to prevent any disc compression or injury.
And finally, I’m thankful they couldn’t get a good image of my thoracic spine because at this point I’m beginning to think ignorance is bliss.
[To play along, check out Mon at Holistic Mama.]
My name is Tara. I am a mama and a lover, a full-time nomad, a passionate devourer of Life and an Organic Life Coach.
Oh man, this is a powerful one. You commented over at mine so I am glad to know that you pondered and pondered your own words and that you found thankfulness in such provoking news. Totally inspiring.
Thanks for the comment Mon. Yeah it’s sort of the inescapable subject in my mind, so spending a lot of time with it was fairly unavoidable. It’s still going to be a long road and I’ll still likely end up with problems in the future but at least I’ve come to terms enough to start moving forward in it.
~Tara
Hang in there. Health problems, especially knee and back issues which basically affect every movement, are so discouraging sometimes. But it is like your post said – it could have been worse, and thank god it wasn’t!
Tara, I’m feeling for you. I’m so glad you have a chiropractor you trust and a plan for feeling better. I’m wishing strong vibes for ya, sister. (((hugs)))
I feel for you and am glad that as you said a lot of these issues can be worked on and you should be able to improve greatly with your pain.
Thanks guys. Glad to say that in just the past few days of ice and light muscle training (not to mention pacing myself and taking it easy when necessary), I’ve been feeling better.
Wow. Thinking about you…
Oh Tara! It’s no wonder you were in denial! I do understand why you would feel that ignorance is bliss…I feel that way sometimes, too. I just really feel for you, knowing there is only so much you can do. I really hope you get to feeling much better.
Oh Tara, what a pain. I feel for you, but so glad you’re able to turn this around for the better. Hope you find a way to feel better soon.