Yet again, it’s been a while.

I have a reason, though.

It turns out I’ve had two herniated disks in my lumbar region for about, enh, 2 years and change. Along with a VERY compressed spinal nerve on the right.

As well as this ickers thing called spondylolisthesis, which is when a vertebrae slips forward from the line of the other vertebrae. In my case this includes grinding of the vertebral bones against one another. (Ew.)

As well as this OTHER ickers thing called modic bone change, which is when a person starts to develop blood vessels within the marrow of the bone (type 1) which causes inflammation, or when the red cellular bone marrow starts to be replaced by fatty marrow (type 2). I mostly have type 1, though there’s a miniscule amount of type 2. This condition is associated with constant low-level pain.

So! I’m getting a spinal fusion and a lumbar laminoforaminotomy. (How’s that for a mouthful? I kinda want to write a song around it.) After the surgery I’ll have to wear a back brace for 2 months and can’t lift more than 10 lbs for 4 to 6 weeks.

Please pity me. I will not be able to lift and cuddle any of my roos for over a month. *sadface*

But at the same time, if you feel like it, please cheer for me for possibly being pain-free for the first time in years! WOOOO!