Fractured Fairytale

About a month and a half ago, I injured myself while practicing for Zumba Fitness instruction.  At the time, Urgent Care informed me that I had overuse injuries and should follow up with a primary care provider.  I was unable to get a primary care appointment until yesterday.  I had specialist appointments which did help, but the diagnosis and plan for care resultant from my injury did not take place until yesterday.

I've got a minor fracture of the lower spine.  Thankfully, I didn't mess up my existing hardware (I was already part metal--"We can rebuild her.  We can make her stronger, faster...").  The current plan is a regimen of Physical Therapy and medicine.  I joked to my younger stepson that now "all of his parents have back issues." His response:  "But you already had back issues!" Very true...

A few people that I've told about this have questioned how this happened, and expressed some level of disbelief that it was due to my instruction activities.  The people who don't question that it is related to my exuberant over-practice and instruction are my doctors.

The fun part of all of this is that I continue to "look and act normal." Yes, one can have a fractured lower spine and still walk around normally.  I have a grimace of pain on my face sometimes, but that's about it.  A good example of how this can get awkward:  Last night, a fellow Lion and I requested more back-friendly chairs prior to the start of our meeting.  When the chairs arrived, several people questioned why a younger Lion (me) would need such a chair.  Privacy versus social awkwardness...the eternal struggle.  So here we are.  I am going public with my Fractured Fairytale.   It isn't as bad as it sounds, but it is definitely worse than it looks. 

Be well, fellow Introverts...