“What’s going around the dog blog world? It seems like all of us are going under the weather.”

Maybe that’s what they mean when they talk about an “Internet virus”? (Sorry - couldn’t resist! G!)

Often times I feel stupid when only one-half them IT IS NOT MY FAULT! I have to admit now to everybody, though, I am not PERFECT. TThat is, if anybody out there cares.

Back pain can be excrutiating. Hope you heal fast.

However, I figure the locusts are going to stay away. Let’s hope it won’t be something worse but something better that comes your way.

I tried to subscribe to the newsletter for the $l000 prize, but I do not know if I achieved success—tried a long time ago, also, and I failed, also. Oh, well, with my luck, I wouldn’t have won, anyway.

Happy healing!

Me, I figure these come in threes: Flu, Chicken pox and coming soon, a plague of locusts.

Last night I wrenched my back out so horribly I had to call my parents at 4 AM to come and help me out of bed, only to viciously yell at them “Don’t touch me!” as the spasms kept coming with any random movement. I wouldn’t wish the spasms and the paralysis on anyone.

I’m one of those mutant humans who have that pain gene where normal pain doesn’t seem to effect us much, but it seems the dulling effect is only on constant pain… like broken bones, burns, or deep gashes… but the on-off-on nerve pain is nearly impossible to overcome mentally in the same way constant pain is. You can’t just “go somewhere else” in your mind since the pain keeps accelerating and decelerating and the body reacts involuntarily. That really only happens at the time of the injury for wounds.

The moment of the injury for back pulls is rather the opposite, the wrenching is unremarkable, it’s only after the muscle swells and after some period of inaction (like going to sleep) that things become problematic.

Like all pain, the anticipation is almost as bad as the event (just watch any kid at the doctor when they know the shot is coming or ask most adults why they avoid the dentist).

Any how, I’m sorry that you’re going through Shingles. I had a late case of Chickenpox (in high school!) myself. Nerve pain is particularly insidious and the treatments are less than satisfactory.

The treatment of pain, chronic pain, and ailments of the nerves (including paralysis) is truly the most important health issue currently and the most critical field of study for the future.

Many good thoughts headed your way for a swift and uneventful recovery.

A lady at my church has shingles and she’s spoken about how painful it is, so my heart goes out to you.

Good thing you’ve got the Super Cuddler Squad to take care of you!

Hugs to the Labs and the kitties.