Conster-
I was able to function...and I managed to get the kids in to daycare...but that was about all I tried to do in the first three days afterm. I find that lifting them makes my neck and traps burn way too much. Of course, I have two and they are both squirmy. These days I change the little on e on the floor, and have been considering moving her to a regular bed instead of the crib just to limit the number of times I have to lift her in a day. (We have bunks waiting for them where the bottom bed is actually on the floor) Again, though, it was all a little better than when I had the nerve block. I was seeing stars after that.

Hopefully with one you can manage to just let her hang out with you on the floor all day...that is the only was I can do it.


My doctor didn't say anything about starting with a small dose. It will be interesting to see what he has to say when I go back. I hope that's the case and there is still hope for me. I am lucky that my insurance covers the procedure, but I think (i could be wrong about this) the doctor i have chosen is the one who originally developed the botox process for TOS...and so he is rather in demand and does not participate in any insurance.

As for work...well my Dragon naturallyspeaking software is ordered but not arrived yet, and I am also getting a second monitor so I can reduce the amount of mousing i do and spread out my windows a bit. I hope that helps. If it doesn't I am not at all sure what i will do long term. It is all very weird to have to think about since I always figured I would stay at my current job forever....

Though I would love to stay home with my kids...I don't envy you having to do that each day when you are in pain. It is TOUGH...I can't do a whole day with both of mine right now. They just need so much. I am lucky to also have an older one (14) who can be very helpful. Of course, being 14, she can also be exceptionally NOT helpful, too : )

ah well I am rambling. I have had so many thoughts running through my head. It was only late september when my neuro impressed upon me that though he could make me feel better, I would probably never really be 100% again. I wasn't really ready to hear that at 33...and I am really struggling with it. I mean, I know it isn't the end of the world....but not being able to hold and cuddle your babies is pretty hard...and coming home from work hurting and being grouchy with your whole family because of it is hard. I really have to find a way to come to an equlibrium.

I hope that your procedure goes well and that you can manage with your baby. If it were me and it was possible, I would get some help...at least some backup help that you can call if you get stuck. Nothing is worse than counting on being able to do it and then finding you can't.

talk to you again soon,
Johanna