Autumn is well under way at our Northwestern NJ home as you can see here. We awoke this morning to a crisp 37*! Such a beautiful day.
Well, let's see... Autumn arrived on a Monday and I threw my back out on Wednesday. And that triggered the worst sciatic nerve flareup I've ever had and the worst pain I've experienced in a decade. This past Wednesday, a week to the day this all started, I went to my Rheumologist and was treated to two shots, one in my spine and the other in my upper right... Glute. Heh, hem. He increased the anti inflammatory and nerve meds I'm already on for at least the next two weeks. In two days I go for a MRI to see exactly what's what because it's not getting significantly better. On a pain scale of 1 to 10, I started at 1,000 and I've been hovering at 990-995 since the day after this all started.
I have to alternate between lying down and taking short walks because sitting only aggravates the nerve something awful. Of course I can't avoid sitting altogether, but I'm trying my best because it really does make getting up and then around a lot worse.
For the first time in a few years I've had to use a cane.
Actually, this is a new cane. I had to 'upgrade' to one with a padded handle because using my old one (which was my father-in-law's) was hurting my palms too much and flaring the arthritis in my hands.
Once a day or two had passed, I got very angry and upset. Autumn is my favorite time of year and the time of year when I am usually most active! I don't want to be in this kind of pain, high off the meds trying to calm the nerve and even more physically limited than I am normally! Not now! Summer? Sure! Winter? Sure? Even Spring! But now, in Autumn and October? UGH!!!
Deep breaths...
I wasn't going to let this stop me from going with the Marine (Hubbs) yesterday. I saw one of the updated foliage maps recently and it indicated that we are nearly at peak with our foliage in our little corner of Northwestern NJ and I don't want to miss it! Seems we're a bit ahead of schedule with foliage overall this year. I did alright with the ride up, though I'm sure today's ride back down to the shore won't be as pleasant.
This view alone made it worth it to me:
I believe I gasped when I saw this mountain view. Even felt the beginning of tears. Oh my heart! My dear October, how I love thee let me count the ways! Since I was a little girl, Autumn has filled my soul with awe consuming joy and I cannot tell you why, it just does.
I have much more to write and many more photos to share (of course) so once we're no longer en route and I'm settled again, there will be more posts to come!
Stay tuned friends! I hope all is well in your necks of the woods.
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