[b]<font color="darkblue"> I'm in increased pain tonight. Ok. Trying to realize some pain lessening techniques that I referred to originally.

Breathe. Release the tension. Release the fear of increased pain, beyond what I can handle. This pain won't kill me....

I haven't figured out why I'm having problems tonight. I pushed physically today, but I have been on and off, in attempt to increase my tolerance in preparation for the trip to NM. Even with increased activity, I am careful to hold posture, not push pull lift etc... more than the 5 lbs I'm allowed.

Hmmm I did squat and reach... pulling some tiny weeds out of the gladiolus area.

I've taken a hot tub, laid in bed with ice packs, done stretching, increased pain med...tried to divert my attention from the pain...now I'm writing in attempts to recall something I may have done. If I can realize if I did anything, that would give me clues as to what exactly is going on with my back (where the pain eminates)... but nothing else comes to mind. I had a boring day, as usual (Maybe r o t f l put my back in spasm? lol)

I sat too much. Not at the computer... but at the table. That is all that is different.

I'm going to have a hot cup of 1/2 caf coffee... and then do some meditation and relaxation ... more ice or hot tub (can't decide which right now...but puppy loves to play when I'm in the tub (he drops his toys in with me) so ice is best ??? hehehe)

Oh... the TENS unit... that will help relax the muscles around the bones that are out of place (the pain ...) arrrggh. I need to do that too.

Ok. I haven't been in a pain flare in a while. That is good. I have been very stressed the last 2 months...and have managed my pain quite well... this is bound to happen... I'm working at it happening less and less.

Hopefully, I will get it under enough control to get some sleep tonight.
OH! I just remembered another thing: I didn't have physical therapy Thursday. I was having an eye exam and they ran late so I missed PT. Bother. I really wish missing one of 3 appts each week wouldn't have such results. I wish I could remember that if I miss any PT that I just can't do anything physical till after the next PT appt. I sure wish I could recall these things. Oh well, I can't and I don't so I do the best I can.

TTYL