Flies and Spiders

    There comes a point in everyone's life when you just have to suck it up, and instead of running away to get dad to kill the spider, you have to do it yourself. Same goes for that stupid fly that will not stop buzzing around your head while you attempt to sleep. (How did it even get in here?!) Anyway. The same theory applies to growing up. There comes a point in everyone's life when you have to grow up and adult; doing everything from making your own dinner to booking, and attending, your own doctor's appointments. Though, for certain things, it is still good to have your parents along. Just for the support and extra pair of ears when receiving news.

    Speaking of which. This evening I (EV) had a chiropractors appointment to review x-rays that were done last week. (Thanks to the other Hobbit Hole resident (EB) who has been urging me to go get checked out and has not given up on me! She has been talking to Dr. Mark about me for months, describing my symptoms and telling him various things.) My parents came along as per the doc's request; to learn more about correcting the issues and not just using temporary fixes. After learning a great deal of new things about the spine and the spinal cord and what it all e/affects when not in the proper position. When the 1 hour of general discussion was over, the chiropractor took everyone in individually to go over the x-rays and talk about the options of where to go from here. While in the office with my mom and dad we found out the reason for my severe migraines. Turns our that my neck is not curved back, like it should be, but is actually very straight and my head is pushed forward a few cm's; actually to the point where it is starting to curve the opposite way. Upside? It's completely reversible with the help of Dr. Mark! YAY! With 3 adjustments a week for 3 months then 2 a week for 6weeks until I'm good enough to go once a week until 1 year is up. I am very excited about this! Yes, it sucks majorly that this has happened, but I am overjoyed to have been able to figure this out early enough that no permanent/life changing damage has been done. Yes, it has been 13yrs of doctors telling me to fix posture/drink water and many-a massage therapy sessions, all to no avail. They all helped a bit, but nothing permanent. Dr. Mark is confident that this will fix the health issues that I currently have. I am very thankful for the people in my life *cough*Esther,Mom,Dad*cough* (among others) who have stuck by me and have always tried to help find a way to finally get rid of my migraines! Never put off getting something checked out or going somewhere to improve your health when a friend/family member suggests it. They care for you and want to see you at the best health you can be at. Go to that doctor's appointment, see that nutritionist, take that extra step. You will be happy you did. I promise.
                                                                 --EV


   Three years ago I was fresh out of college, I was actively searching for a job in my field, and at the peak of optimal health. At least, that's what I thought. I was temporarily working for my dad in the construction industry as an employee in his siding business. The job wasn't too physically demanding, I was usually situated on the brake, the machine used to bend the aluminum into fascia; and cutting up the soffit and siding for installation. I had always had back issues, but never really thought of them as anything but normal for a girl who got her growth spurt rather fast in 10th grade. I would go to lie in bed and immediately have the painful sensation of my spine stretching out. This happened nearly every night after work, and I almost always went to sleep with a heating pack under my lower back.
One day at work I was carrying sheets of plywood around the site and lifted an 8 footer. the moment I put it down I knew something had gone funny in my back. I couldn't return to work the next day, or the next. and finally I got to the point where I realized this was not just a slow healing pulled muscle. We asked around our church community and heard the name Dr. Mark, Chiropractor.
Now I am usually the last person to suggest going to a doctor. I have my dad's aversion to the medical fields, but this seemed different. Within a month I was going to bed with the heating pack only once a week. I had less pain in my legs from what I called "Growing pains" (even though I had stopped growing at 5'9") and in six months I had only had maybe 3 migraines.
It's been three years since I sucked it up, faced my doctor fear (its less scary than my fear of spiders ok), and I wouldn't have it any other way. I still help my dad now and again on the job sites, and heavy lifting is much less of a challenge. I'm able to do things now that three years ago I had accepted as being "unfit for my body type" (meaning too skinny and weak). Dr. Mark helped me on the path to achieve my goals and without him I never would have reached my real optimal health.

EB