A few more steps forward.

 I've been slack posting here again, but, today, I need a distraction, so here I am.

Since my last post, I've been to see the pain clinic doctor and had not only a great experience, but, a few changes for the better after seeing him.

First, a slight medication change. Upping the dose of one medication, adding a supplement, and changing my usage of strong painkillers.

I've also been diagnosed, I believe correctly, with Piriformis Syndrome, and started a treatment plan for that mainly involving physiotherapy/exercise and a different supplement. I am benefiting from both the physiotherapy and the supplement, so I am confident that this was a correct diagnosis for me.

Some things are still not 100% right though, but, that is expected, and I feel like these things are also getting better for me, albeit slower than I would like. 

I also have an appointment with a neurosurgeon on the 28th, so hoping to get some answers there as well. I am more positive now, given the strength I've gained and lessening of pain from the Piriformis Syndrome treatment, that I won't be having surgery for a while, if ever. My pain clinic doctor doesn't think I am a good candidate for surgery anyway, and the fact the treatment for Piriformis Syndrome is helping supports that. Not to say my back is cured, it isn't, but, it's not causing me grief like it was for the previous 14-15 months.

I'm still swimming when I can, and walking when I feel able. I am enjoying the swimming more than I am enjoying the walking, to be honest. It's much nicer in the pool than it is walking in the heat.

Been slack on the treadmill, but, discomfort fluctuates, so while I've had better days, I don't want to jeopardise that, even though I know I need to pace myself better and do things gradually and not all at once while I'm feeling good, then taking more time to recover. I also need to DO things while I feel good, and bad, so that I don't make it worse. It's a balancing act, and I've not quite mastered that yet. Hoping to get an appointment with the pain clinic's Occupational Therapist at some point soon to get more information and guidance on how to do this better.

BUT, I'm still stepping forward, even though it's slow, and I'm feeling a lot more confident that I will get back to normal soon now. It felt like it was never going to end for a while there, and I'll admit, I was quite depressed about it all. I've also been dealing with some indifference in those I care about, and I think that has hurt more than anything else. I don't expect anyone to fall all over me, but a little bit of support and comfort would be nice occasionally.

Also decided to put a profile up on Bumble. Matched a few people, but, despite matching with some, I've yet to receive a response to any chats I've initiated via the app. Thinking about giving up on that, actually, and just resign myself to living a life without any significant other in it. Maybe I'm not meant to be with anyone?!

Nevermind. Enough of this, I'm gonna go play something now. Bye.