Well, that explains it!

My little ones have been keeping me very busy, so I haven't had much time to blog lately. I just wanted to post an update.

Jason is working hard, as always. As soon as he finishes a side job, he hopes to finish up the last three parts of his professional exam. Wow! I never imagined it would take this long. He was eligible to take all the tests about eight years ago, after finishing his three year internship. But so much has happened, and the parts of the exam are not free. Studying takes time too. Yes, Jason is a huge procrastinator (and he will be the first to admit it). That hasn't helped, but it certainly isn't the only reason he has not finished his exams.

McKenna is doing well in 4th grade. She tried out for the academic team and was selected. She's so excited, and I think it will be a great experience for her. She'd love to take gymnastics, but that just isn't an option right now. McKenna will be 9 next week!

Olivia is doing well in school, but she doesn't want to go most days. It's a regular struggle, but we're dealing with it.

Lincoln is eight months old now! He's growing so fast! He's a happy little guy, and we're all enjoying him so much. He's crawling everywhere, pulling up, and starting to cruise just a bit. He weighs around 20 lbs.

Me...well...I decided to go to the orthopedic doctor in Lex. about a month ago, as the Danville doc's diagnosis just didn't seem to explain the pain. I figured it couldn't hurt to get a 2nd opinion. I guess I was right. The doc in Danville missed something. I have a spinal fracture of the L5 vertebra. For 10 years, I have struggled with back pain and difficulty walking at times. My pregnancies have been sooooo difficult due to this issue. Caring for my children has been difficult because of my back problems. It affects EVERYTHING, and for all these years, I had no idea my back was broken. The OBs kept telling me that it was "typical" back pain that every pregnant woman has. Then they finally said it must be my pelvis, but they still brushed it off as "typical." But needing a wheelchair while pregnant isn't "typical!"

My official diagnosis is "spondylolysis" or "pars defect." The doc says I was apparently born with a congenital defect that used to be a weakened area or hairline crack. Sometime during my first pregnancy, it became an actual fracture. Since it has gone untreated, I also apparently have some slippage of the vertebra. Usually, spondylolysis is treated with strict rest and possibly a brace or body cast. But that is when it is discovered days or weeks after the symptoms begin. Mine has been untreated for 10 years, so the chances of "recovery" are very slim. I also have SI joint dysfunction and arthritis throughout my back. As if this wasn't enough, I was also informed that I have a congenital abnormality of the tailbone. Mine does not curve at all, as it should. It just goes straight down. So every time I sit down, it presses into nerve-filled tissues. Not fun! That also explains why I was able to break it so easily just by scooting forward in the bathtub when I was 36 weeks preg. with Lincoln.

The doc ordered physical therapy twice a week and also injections for the pain (one type with x-ray guidance). He said he would usually tell someone with these diagnoses to completely rest his/her spine for weeks, but he realizes that is not possible when trying to care for 3 little ones and a home. Spinal fusion surgery is the closest to a "cure" I'll ever get, but the doc said he did not want to go that route because having spinal surgery doesn't go well with being a full-time mommy and homemaker. He said we would "try therapy and injections" before making any more decisions. Because of the numbness I've been having in my hands, arms, and feet for years, the doc referred me to a hand specialist and foot specialist. I am supposed to have nerve conduction testing to see if I have "nerve entrapment" and to determine how the spinal issues have affected my extremities.

I'm still trying to process all this info. It's pretty depressing to realize how bad things could get if I am not able to get the treatment I need. But Jason certainly can't take off work for me to rest my spine or to help with Lincoln every day. So...I'm just doing what I have to do to take care of my children and keep the household going. If nothing else, I am glad to finally know why I have had so much trouble with my back. I just wish it could be fixed.