IWSG – May 2024 – I’m Standing UP for IWSG!

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

May 1 question – How do you deal with distractions when you are writing? Do they derail you?The awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the IWSG are Victoria Marie Lees, Kim Lajevardi, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!
Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!It took me a long time to admit I’m never distracted unless I allow it. I’ve let my emotions get in the way of my writing twice in my lifetime; once lasting one year, and later almost 4.  I blamed Writer’s Block. In hindsight, I now understand I was exactly where I was meant to be.Today, not by choice, I’m distracted by pain, bad enough that I can’t sit long to write, edit, or revise.An MRI in Mexico revealed I have 4 herniated discs in my lumbar area.  Before learning that, I’d made an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon (I was fortunate to get in) believing I could receive therapy for the Sciatic nerve running down my left leg. He studied the MRI and told me it wasn’t my leg it was my spine, and I needed surgery. I opted to return to Canada knowing I’d probably have a 2-3 month delay before I’d see a specialist. (I know: crazy) I did take the surgeon’s advice: No bending, no lifting, no jumping, no jogging, no long stretches of sitting, very little vacuuming, and no yard work.I grew up on a farm. Physical labour was part of my childhood. A bit clumsy or as my dad used to say, “An accident looking for a place to happen,” I had numerous accidents from age 12 onward. I landed on the pavement when the saddle cinch on my horse broke while we were at a full gallop. A truck hit me one rainy night; I’d just viewed a brand-new movie titled The Exorcist. I broke my femur attempting to rescue a pigeon in Mexico (she died); my femur snapped off at the top so they had to replace my hip. I sprained my ankle two separate times slipping on ice. Three car accidents. A conveyor belt incident (don’t ask). Stuck by a pumpkin thrown from a moving vehicle. (I know: weird) Tumbled down an embankment while gardening. …Do you or have you ever had compressed disc/discs?Did you heal with exercise or pain management?

Or was surgery the only choice?

In Mexico, the effects of two spinal injections lasted almost 40 days. Hallelujah. It was akin to having a 2-month migraine change to a headache instantly. Since then Dexamethasone has lessened the pain but the side effects are horrible: brain fog and insomnia. I’ve tried everything else to no avail. Steroids make me nervous.Is it me or does 4 herniated discs sound like a lot? Surely to goodness one does not wake up one morning with FOUR herniated discs? Why didn’t my doctor (retired now) ever consider an MRI? I complained about back pain for centuries. He said it was scoliosis of the spine, that I might consider a back brace (which I wear), plus lose 50 lbs. I lost 60.Sorry for whining.  I have so many blessings in my life, and every single day I wake filled with gratitude. I appreciate IWSG and I’m sad when I can’t participate. If you’ve had this problem and want to share some wisdom, please do. I’m open to any advice/thoughts you can give.Right now my Macbook is open on the kitchen counter where I will stand to read as many IWSG comments and posts as possible. I missed you guys!–Saludjoyleneps. Be kind to your back.

The post IWSG – May 2024 – I’m Standing UP for IWSG! first appeared on Joylene Nowell Butler.

The post IWSG – May 2024 – I’m Standing UP for IWSG! appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.