It has been so long since I swam that I have to remember how to do a blog entry. September 26th was my last swim, I think. I know that writing about chronic pain is repetitive and pathetic, but maybe some readers are also in a chronic pain situation and can relate.
I got 3 more steroid/anesthetic epidural injections in October--one per week. I cancelled a fourth because I was too miserable. It doesn't make sense, I know; neither do I. For some reason I felt OK this morning and had energy and minimal back pain. Crazy.
I drove down there and felt some anxiety about getting in cold water, since it has been a while. The beach was beautiful, with a very low tide, at least six feet of visibility, and one to two foot waves. No wind, no current, a flat surface, and an overall beautiful day. The water temp was quoted at 59. I wore a short-sleeved rash guard tee shirt and jammers shorts with compression underwear under them. I spoiled myself with my neoprene cap which was great. I actually only swam ten minutes. Not ready for the cold. I think it might have been colder than 59. Maybe not. Oh, I also wore my elastic low back support. My back held up fine, I only swallowed one mouthful of water because I forgot how to breathe, and I feel good now. Maybe I have turned a corner. And that's my report from fabulous Oceanside, California for today.
"The first time you quit is the last time you try."
