Perspective

On Friday, I had a myelogram. This is a test where spinal fluid is extracted and dye inserted and doctors can see if there is anything like a disc or stenosis causing narrowing of the spinal canal.

The test itself was really no big deal to this veteran of multiple surgeries and medical procedures. What I was not prepared for was that I would need to lie flat on my back for 24 hours, with the exception of brief restroom visits.

That was a long 24 hours. Our ceiling is very uninteresting. We have no TV (by choice) in our bedroom, not that I could have SEEN it, anyway. Trying to hold a book up and read it through my progressives was an exercise in futility. Thank goodness for my iPhone! I could listed to music, play Scrabble with my post surgical friend in Seattle, and check my e-mail.

Had I been able to lie on my side, I could have read or had a small TV brought in.

I gained a new appreciation of pregnant women who have to go on bed rest to ensure the health and safety of their babies. Some of these women do it for months! Or of those who are bedridden by illness or injury.

At the end of 24 hours, I am up. Moving a bit slowly. Not quite up to snuff. But up!