Back Troubles

David's back has been bothering him a lot lately. He's had back problems for years, but every once in awhile he'll have a flare-up so bad that he can hardly stand up straight. For awhile he was going to the chiropractor once a month to help maintain the improvement he had gained, but he quit several months ago, saying he felt better and didn't need it anymore. He's had a few bad days since then, but he always insists that he's fine once the pain subsides, and that going to the chiropractor when you're not hurting is a waste of money. I, however, view it as preventative maintenance, in order to avoid an ordeal like the one we're going through right now. A few days ago his back started hurting, and he figured it was from loading the rental birth tub back into the midwife's car. It's only gotten worse since then, though he's tried to rest, and last night came to a head. At 1am he woke with a charlie horse in his leg, and jerked so quickly that he wrenched his sore back. All day he's had stabbing pain radiating all the way down his leg, and has been stuck flat on his back. Eva wanted her Daddy, but he couldn't hold or lift her.

To make matters worse, Dave was forced to cancel and reschedule a job interview he had this morning. Also, I've started bleeding again for the first time in three days, which my midwife says is a clear sign of overexertion. She wants me to take it easy and let my body fully heal, which is difficult to do with Dave out of commission. My parents postponed a day trip to visit friends in Orange County in order to stay home and help take care of us. They've been very helpful, especially with Eva and the baby. I don't know what we would do without them. Dave decided to make an emergency trip to the chiropractor, since he could barely walk. She managed to help him stand upright, and eliminate the pain radiating down his leg. But she told him that it's going to take several appointments close together to help him fully recover, while a maintenance visit once a month could have helped prevent flare-ups for a lot less money and time.