Rome wasn't built in a day. It seems my quest to get my back...back is going to take just as long as the Rome build.
After trying to get help through the VA Hospital and not getting any satisfaction on the glacial pace that they work, I went on the outside to our family doctor. That, at least, sped things up a little bit.
I'm now waiting for my appointment with a neurosurgeon my doctor recommended, and the earliest I could get is for September 13th. My doctor put me on this track right away recognizing that my back issue is quite serious. As for the VA, they wanted me to go to a pain clinic and a physical therapy route, never mentioning a neurosurgeon's review of my MRI.
The funny thing (NOT!) with the VA is the earliest appointments I could get if I took that route was for the last week in October. That's a long time to be hurting.
So I'm taking it easy, I have some meds to help me along. I still get around okay and am able to drive short distances and even continue to volunteer at the nearby USO a couple of hours a week to have something to look forward to and get out of the house.
It's very rewarding to help some of these young kids who have stepped up to begin their military career at basic training at the local Army base as well as a chance to exchange "War Stories" with some of the more senior military folks that stop in for a rest, a snack or two and a hot cup of coffee. My fellow volunteers are a great bunch to work with and the three full time ladies that run this USO are nothing short of amazing, they put their heart and souls into it.
Sadly, the Journey still resides in the storage lot with the bugs and road grime from our California trip. I'm hoping that once the old back is straightened out I can show it some love, it surly needs it!
I'd be remiss if I didn't remember that today is the birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard. It sure provided me with a wonderful career and a "boatload" of memories.
Semper Paratus!
