Sometimes things just don't go away...

I was a cheerleader in high school and being relatively small I was always the flier in our stunts. I always enjoyed it and never really complained when we tried different builds.. not even when I fell during practice because my bases couldn't get their timing right. Fast forward 10 years, and my one partiular injury still flares up every once in a while. I went for MRIs, X-Rays, chiropractors - basically everything but acupuncture (I can't get past someone sticking me with that many needles) - and without going for surgery there isn't much they can do to fix the messed up vertebra that are pinching the nerves and muscles in my neck. The pain comes and goes but every once in a while it will flare up bad. Like the two days before we were supposed to leave for vacation.

The way this relapse happened was stupid, too. I was cold, rushing to walk Buster, and had my shoulders tensed up. I felt the muscle in my shoulder pinch as I was rushing but didn't think anything of it because I had so much to do once I got home. Not really a good move because I was down for the count. After a night of no sleep and all tears, I called my orthopedic doctor to get a refill for my anti-spasm medications, but he was on vacation and his nurse suggested I see my primary care doctor. I was able to get a 1pm appointment with my physician and explained that I was traveling out of the country in two days and needed to be able to move. He loaded me up with prescriptions and off I went to get the drugs. I was hopeful the meds would help, but when I asked the pharmacist a few questions she warned me that I shouldn't drink while on these medications (ok, no big deal due to my Lenten resolution) but the one that really sucked was being told to stay out of the sun. Seriously? I'm going on a beach vacation?!

I was pretty upset about it but took extra precaution - I wore a big hat, clothes that covered more and increased my SPF to 30. Considering everyone I spoke to said I would "singe" in a few minutes of being out in the sun while on steroids, I was paranoid about this vacation. At least my paranoia paid off and not get as burned as the other people on our trip. Best part was that I was able to move my neck... at least until the next time it flares up over something stupid.