On February 25, 2019, while visiting friends on their boat in Florida, I took a step back without realizing it was a step down to their sleeping quarters. I lost my balance and ended up falling backwards 3 or 4 steps (seemed like forever).
At first I thought I’d simply bruised my back, and initial X-rays showed no broken hip or back; however, the pain did not let up. After seeing 4 different doctors, taking a variety of pain pills, and going two months with no relief, I contacted the surgeon who performed back surgery June 2016. She had me get a CT Scan and additional (more extensive) X-rays, and once I was back in Michigan, she had me get an MRI. The result was that I did break my back. I had a compression fracture of the L3.

For 12 weeks I was in a brace. As cumbersome and often uncomfortable as that was, it took away the pain and I was once again able to sit (at least for short periods of time) at my computer. The fracture has healed and I no longer need the brace, but I do need to strengthen my back muscles. I’ve resumed work on the 4th book in my P.J. Benson series and am once again thinking about blogging. Maybe not once a week (until my back is stronger), but at least once a month.
So, I’m Coming Back. Look for a blog in September and a contest. I need a title for this 4th book and a name for P.J.’s baby. So, start thinking of ideas. There will be prizes.
It was good to see you moving about with a little more ease. Isn’t it great to be ‘back in the saddle?’
Goodie! A contest! I’m assuming you’ll tell us at the proper time the sex of the baby. P.J. might end up with a boy named Sue. hahahahaha
Hi, Paula. At the end of Eat Crow and Die, P.J. learns the she’s carrying a girl. During this 4th book, I need to at least have P.J. and Wade trying to decide on a name, so the more names suggested the better.
Well, I guess I must have forgotten that. My bad.
So sorry to hear about your health problems. Glad to hear you are getting better and working on your next book. Eager for that! Take care!
Thanks, Caroll. It feels good to be thinking about a story’s plot rather than pain.
*Glad you’re getting back and better.
And thank you, Joe, for the suggestions you and your wife have given regarding this new story. They’ve helped.
I am so sorry to hear you’ve been in pain for so long. Glad the back brace gave you some relief. and you’re getting better Try not to overdo it. Looking forward to hearing more about the new PJ book.
Thanks, Diane. I have discovered I can’t sit at the computer for too long without getting up and moving around. But that’s not all bad, as you know, we sometimes need “Thinking” time.
Ouch! Glad you’re back though. Happy writing.
Thanks, Diana, It’s good to be back. I miss the MIWRIMO this month. It kept me going.
Maris, I’m so glad you’re better
and writing again!
I’ve missed your blogs!
Take care,
Anne Vandermolen
Thank you, Anne. I missed seeing you last May at the BH library. I hope all is going well for you.
I’m so glad you are feeling better and can get back to writing, Maris. That was quite an ordeal you went through. Looking forward to your blogs again.
Thanks, Betty. Now I just need some good topics to blog about.
So sorry, to hear of your injury. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.
Thank you, Rohn. I feel as if I missed out on half of the year. A full recovery would be great.
I am happy you’re better. If anyone can come back from such an injury it’s you. Take care of yourself friend.
Thank you, Tina. Feels good to be feeling good. (Of course, I haven’t figured out how to get back to my twenty-year-old body, but I appreciate what I have.) Hope all is going well for you.