Cash, what Cindy said about affording the shot if possible.

I suspect that the cost of the shot is just a shade over a $1,000 per (according to my share of the medical, plus my copay). It's sort of a complicated procedure--and they have an x-ray tech there taking pictures as they go. Pain injection, then they inject me with dye to see where they're shooting, then the put in a giant needle, attached to a packet of medication, slowing injecting it into the spine.

I'm not sure if it's just insurance or the effectiveness of the medication (it's cortisone, I think, so they may be extra careful with steriods). I should probably know more but I never seem to have very much time with the doctor and I usually forget to ask.

The last shot lasted four months. If this one can just last five, I can grit out a month, I think. I know surgery is easier now than it was--but I seriously worry about recovery with two kids under 3.

Time will tell. But it will be my last resort.

I know surgery is easier now than it was--but I seriously worry about recovery with two kids under 3.

I will note that in the several people I know who have had the surgery, the recovery wasn't instantaneous (though the pain relief was), it was fairly quick.

I will note that in the several people I know who have had the surgery, the recovery wasn't instantaneous (though the pain relief was), it was fairly quick.

That actually helps. If it's a matter of a week or two, that's doable in my book (if DH can get the time off at work and I can get help coming into the house).

We'll cross that bridge when we have to, though.

Cash, if you need help, I would be glad to come over and play with your kids. I'm a trained aunt!

I swear, Aillean, until my parents called this morning and said they were coming, I had you in mind! I was mentally running through my list.

They're leaving tomorrow afternoon, but I suspect my SiL is driving down then (it's a shorter trip for her and she doesn't work Monday).

I've got such a good support system. It's times like these that I really count myself lucky. Deena was ready to drive down here Friday to make sure I could get the shot.

I will note that in the several people I know who have had the surgery, the recovery wasn't instantaneous (though the pain relief was), it was fairly quick.

That actually helps. If it's a matter of a week or two, that's doable in my book (if DH can get the time off at work and I can get help coming into the house).

My best friend's sister had surgery for herniated discs, and at the time she had a 5-year-old and a baby under 12 months (maybe 9-ish?), and her biggest fear was the recovery time, because of the kids.

Well -- and she did have some help from her DH and her mom -- she recovered so damned quickly that she was playing volleyball at 6 weeks after surgery (possibly less than 6).

The biggest thing you'd have to deal with during recovery is not being able to lift things heavier than a gallon of milk, for a week or maybe 2. (At least, I'm assuming that would be an annoyance, b/c of the kidlets.) Other than that, I remember needing to sleep more than normal for about a month, but even the bulk of that was the first 2 weeks.

I was back to work after 2 weeks, and after 6 weeks I was at the LA F2F. No volleyball, though. Because I'm not CRAZY.

Sure, it's not a walk in the park -- it is, after all, surgery -- but I think that, while you'd have to watch yourself and rest when needed for the first month, you'd really be able to tackle most things after 2 weeks.

t /back surgery pimp cheerleader

I dunno if it's a faux pas to ask in Press, but does anyone have a media bistro account? I got a google alert:

From the Editors: 'We Strive to be a Home to Our Authors ... ... or the 2007 release of Will the Vampire People Please Leave the Lobby?, a collection of humorous essays (think David Sedaris amongst Internet geeks), ...

It's an interview with my editor that I want to read, but I cant spare the 50 bucks for a subscription.

[link]

explaining sex terms to the vanilla as long as I've known you.

Hmm. I should just hang out around only dirty people, I guess.

Went to a screening of The End of Suburbia recently. I think the raw vegan hosts were expecting relevant conversation not about how best to kill one's neighbours in the case of an apocalypse, and whether or not to eat them. Is keeping a cow to plough your fields mean enough to the cow that a vegan shouldn't do it? What about a furry or someone into pony play?

Poor hosts. I can't imagine where they spend their time on the web, but they also got to learn about yiffing and plushies and zentai (one of the people there got three suits for $15 each! I kinda want a Batgirl one). Good folk, and willing to stray from their agenda.

Also, kinda shocked folk.

I think the raw vegan hosts were expecting relevant conversation not about how best to kill one's neighbours in the case of an apocalypse, and whether or not to eat them. Is keeping a cow to plough your fields mean enough to the cow that a vegan shouldn't do it?

And if we are killing neighbors? I have some to offer. With recipes if need be.

I think I need to wade in Boxed Set for a BSG tutor. I feel like I missed an ep or lots whenever I catch up on it.

Good morning to jet lag. mac and I are home. a little worse for the wear (I was sick for 4 days and then there were fleas or bedbugs or both), but HOME. and he woke up with a smile in his new bed and greated mom with kisses. life is more than ok, even with bugs.