Going to the grocery store..

For the first time in 7 weeks, I went to the grocery store on Sunday.  It went well although I paid for it on Monday - a lot of pain and had to take the big pain pills throughout the day.

Yesterday was a much better day - thankfully.  I took moderate strength pain pills 3 times and the "big gun" pill only once.  It was the best day I've had in a long, long time.  I was able to spend 11 minutes on my stationary bike.

My mid back continues to be a problem.  I believe I have weeks to go before that's gone.  After that, I'll have to deal with the sitting, standing and exercising problems.

My mental health comes and goes.  It mostly depends on how bad the pain is.

So far today, my pain has been slight except for my neck.  I had a cervical fusion 14 years ago and it continues to be another source of pain.  Once I get through the back issues (if I can), I'll have to try to find a better method of controlling my neck pain.  I've had botox injections in the neck and shoulder which helps to relax those muscles.  It probably helps to reduce the pain by 20% - not enough!