don't know if this is the place or not to ask but am in trouble and need help. i have a ruptured disk in my lower back and would like to know if anyone can help. i live one 3.7 acres in sw missouri about 50 miles from springfield. i am still getting things done but am not able to work at this time. i have no running water so have to haul what i use it hasn't been a problem until now. i am getting a goat so will have to milk but she will also be used to pull a garden cart to haul the water and other things from the parking space i have which is about 150 feet from the house. i have dogs, cats, pot bellied pigs also. i am thinking of putting up some sawhorses with plywood on them to use for a container garden for some fresh vegetables at least a salad garden. i have alot of projects that i want to work on even have the supplies on hand to do most of them. my neighbors are really helping out but i worry as sometimes my leg goes completly out and i have fallen and taken over an hour to get back up while working outside. wonder if any one would want to try living in the country for awhile to see if it is what they really want. could not offer much they would have to be abel to support themselves for any cash expenditures. would have to be a male as sleeping arrangements would be they would have a upper bunk. work in this area is there but does not pay well unless you want a long drive. one job always needed locally is cna's at the local nursing home. also would like to hear from anyone who has had like problems and how they have managed to get through them. have been a countryside reader for years i am 48 and would want someone who also believes in the homesteader life. have just gotten started with the computer so have not been at this site for long but really enjoy reading the different topics and advice offered here.

-- gail e fick (gef123@hotmail.com), April 25, 2000

Answers

I'm really sorry to hear that. My mother broke her back and ruptured some of the disks. You should be able to do light work as long as you take it easy. Pace your self. If you try to do to much, that is when problems occur. I asume that you are under a doctor's care. Do as your doctor and physical therapist says. This is extreamly important. You also do need help. My mother had three people helping her, (2 daughters and her future husband) so she could get the rest she needed. You will probably need to put off most of your projects unless they can be done sitting down. It will take years to heal, and may not ever heal completely. However, my mother holds down a job, volenters, helps out the rest of the family and generally has a schedule that would burn out a lot of people. With care, you should be all right. The only thing I would be especially concerned about is hauling the water. Water is very heavy, and you could very easily reinjure yourself. that said, good luck and keep us posted. annette

-- annette (j_a_henry@yahoo.com), April 25, 2000.

as an update to my posting today while trimming i slipped and was lucky only required 3 stitches to my finger. i guess my biggest worry is falling and not being able to get up but i am lucky as i am so far able to take care of myself and my animals. i am so glad i have them or i am not sure some days i would even bother getting up. even though i am having problems right now i am so glad i am where i am. i am able to live here with my landpayment and utilites with dish network and internet(local access) and weekly trash pick up for $125.00 a month. i have been having to use credit cards as i have been off work for 2 months so will be making payments again but they are how i am making it right now. goat is coming on thursday so will let you know how that works. i hope that my epidural will be soon and will help. i have been an x-ray tech for 25years so in my opinion surgery is a last resort. thanks for the feedback gail

-- gail fick (gef123@hotmail.com), April 25, 2000.