From Trash Picker to Pain Kicker

My Journey of Back Pain, Snark, and Self-Discovery

Don't let an injury stop you

Discover how adjusting your perspective, making new goals, and finding help can empower you to conquer your injury and make the seemingly impossible possible

Ah, 2018. The year my life took an unexpected nosedive into the land of pain, frustration, and "How the heck did this happen?" One moment, I’m living my best life picking up trash for the local municipality (don't get me started on how glamorous that was), and the next, my back decides to betray me. One twisted motion later, I’m on bed rest, popping muscle relaxers like candy, and praying for some sort of relief. Spoiler: it didn’t come after two weeks, so off to physical therapy I went. Let me just say, after a month of PT, I felt like I was making zero progress—until I finally got an MRI that revealed the truth: two torn discs, pinched sciatic nerve, and fluids leaking into my spinal cord like a bad plumbing job. Yup, that’s my body, folks. Always bringing the drama.

In the blink of an eye, my life was flipped upside down. Consulted with a neurosurgeon, weighed the pros and cons of surgery, and concluded that going under the knife wasn't a great idea. Instead, we tried physical therapy and cortisone shots—nope, didn't work. Enter nerve medication to at least get me moving without crying from pain. At that point, I started strengthening my core to better support my back (which, let’s be real, was just trying to keep it together). This whole journey started with a slap in the face from my body, but it sparked something—patience, perseverance, and the understanding that sometimes, the road to healing is a marathon, not a sprint.

Now, let's talk about the emotional aftermath, because, oh boy, it's not just about the pain. The mind games are real. You're helpless, sad, angry, frustrated, and, if we’re being honest, you feel like you’re just an inconvenience to everyone around you. Want to isolate yourself and wallow in self-pity? Oh, I've been there. It’s easy to convince yourself that your life is over (it's not, by the way—just a new chapter). Depression is a sneaky little monster that loves to latch onto you during transitions like this. But remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out. Ask for help. Join a support group, talk to a therapist, or lean on your friends and family. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how many people are ready and willing to be there for you. This experience might change you, but it doesn't have to ruin you.