A report from the back blog

My lower back has sure been keeping me from moving very far this week.

While out having an early morning stroll surveying the streets on Monday morning, I stepped off the concrete curb down maybe four inches….

And found myself sitting on the same curb doubled over in pain wondering how in all the flying bazillion chances I had managed to do myself in so incredibly bad by one simple step to cross a side street….

Then found myself lying down cruising the news and reading long articles and doing some serious catching up on OS and Enenews.com and several other favorites sites of mine….

While alternately getting up for coffee while thinking my leg was never going to work well again. And realizing there are worse things than sore lower backs making me want to scream and yell…

And finally making it back to sit by the sea for a few precious moments and reconnect with the world of this mother earth yesterday, after I went to the oh so nice petite thirty something Oriental woman with the dark brown warm eyes of an ancient sage peering at me under her classic page boy black hair that fell just over the collar of her while lab coat…

Sunset over Tampa Bay 04/25/2012

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Here is my report:

I walked into the doctor’s office which looked just like any of the rest, white plastic water cooler standing in the corner just inside the door as a testament to the hot dry wind that was blowing outside adding to the drought ongoing…

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I have now reached a point of total skepticism on western medicine. I just don’t go anymore. Not having any sort of medical insurance to hand over for me means few trips of any sort except for serious infections or injuries.

America is not kind to the ones with no ability to pay.

And filled out a clipboard full of paper and put done self-pay with a huge sigh. My left leg was dancing away all by itself at this point and the pain was too bad. I needed some kind of magic bullet.

And finally walked back, met the new doctor, educated in Bejing and listened to her perfectly correct soft spoken English as her blond receptionist led me to a room. The exam room was larger by far than most and across the carpeted floor a long white massage table covered in clean white sheets sat empty. I was directed to have a seat and the doctor would be right on in…..

I closed my eyes and tried to relax while sweet low Chinese meditation music played in the background. I tried to stop my toes from bobbing up and down on both feet at this point. No luck. Felt like I must be a sight to see:          

Old woman, fading dirty blond hair.

Grey at temples.

Plain blue tee shirt soaked from walking up the sidewalk.

Khaki cargo shorts pockets bulging with too much crap already.

Kind doctor lady steps into room

“Hello, I’m Doctor Wang.”

‘I’m Suzy, happy to meet you.’

“Where are you hurting?? You look in so much pain.”

Serious soft dark eyes peer into mine…

‘I have somehow twisted my lower left back. I can’t put my foot down all the way without pain. I hurt so badly. I sure hope you can help. I don’t go to western doctors anymore. I decided to try Eastern medicine. I heard you were good.’

“I think I can help you. You must lie down on the table. Take off the shoes and socks. Remove those shorts and get on the table face down. I will be back in a few minutes. Don’t worry. I understand this is your first time. I will do my best.”

Kind doctor lady steps back into room

She rattles some plastic and I can’t see a thing but the floor as I look down through the hole supporting my face. My arms are resting below me on a floating vinyl shelf. She starts touching my scalp and I feel not much of nothing. I know she is sticking those needles in but there is no pain…..

Soft but firm hands touch the back of my neck and I have to same feelings.

There is no pain from the needles being inserted. I am amazed.

The hands move down to my waist and lower back. I feel nothing but touching and her fingertips.  I know there are more needles going in though.

A few more as she ‘touches’ my left leg working down towards my ankle. My feet are resting on a large triangular pillow.

“I must warn you: this one is probably going to cause some pain.”

My left leg arcs high into her waiting hand. I feel a bee sting type pain that fades immediately.

“Is it still hurting?”

I shake my head no.

There is a click behind me.

“You are going to feel the heat from this lamp. I just set the timer. I am dimming the lights and I just want you to relax. I’ll be back to check on you soon.”

Suddenly the room slips into darkness. The soft twanging sounds of Chinese string music plays with the added bonus of flowing water…

I almost fall asleep and the time passes quickly.

The good doctor steps into the room.

She walks quickly up to the side of the table and touches each needle. It does not hurt.

“Are you doing okay?”

‘I am so relaxed I don’t want to move. This is great. Thank you.’

“I’ll be back in a few more minutes. I am glad I can help you.”

She returns again in ten minutes. The needles are removed. My lower back feels almost brand new.

“How are you feeling? You can get up now and get dressed. Take as long as you want. We are going to lunch soon.”

‘I’m happy to say I have not been out of pain like this in years good doctor Thank you so much…’

I wanted to slide off the table into the floor and sleep the sleep of a young babe.

My early Good News report in honor of the missing but not quite absent Jane Smithie.

 Walking into the light