On the off chance my absence was noticed...
 

On May 4th of this year, I bent over about 2 degrees to put a single sheet of paper in a vertical file at work. As I did, I felt something I can only describe as a combination of a pop and twist in my lower back. It hurt but not tremendously. However, I knew this was a very bad sign because I've had back problems many times before. Sure enough, the next morning I could barely get out of bed to use the loo. And even then, I had to use a cane. I called in to work sick the rest of that week but returned on Monday. It was still very painful to walk (and I still needed the cane) but oddly enough, sitting was even worse. Vicodin helped me when it got especially bad, but I'm rue to take pain medications unless I really, really have to.

So because of the pain, I spent the next few weeks at work literally lying on the floor. I brought the phone down with me and answered calls that way. After a few weeks, I was able to sit for short periods of time but still needed to hit the floor for a good portion of the day. It was very frustrating because the healing process seemed to go quite slow this time. (When I've had this problem in the past, I was usually back to normal in two to three weeks.)

So due to my inability to sit, I have not been checking my usual Web hang-outs, such at The LoT. I also knew that once I finally did get back here, I'd have a crap-load of posts to read. ;)

Yesterday was the first day in two months where I was able to spend the whole day at work sitting in my (new, as of Wednesday) chair at work. Since I had the time today, I decided to dig in and see what I was missing at my old happy haunt. I'm still not 100% better, but at least I've made some significant progress.

I apologize for missing all the birthdays, anniversaries, and other festive occasions posted here. You, my LoT friends, were very much on my mind during my recuperation—just not at my fingertips. :)

Wow, just last night CP and I were wondering out loud where you'd been. Glad to see you're back, even if your back has been out of whack...jack. okay, I'll stop now.

Stop the cracks about the flack of Szczerbiak's back out of whack. Aack!

Glad you're.....here.

Welcome back!

And welcome, back.

Oooh, that sucks. :( Did you see a doctor? Glad to hear you're better.

We better see you on the 50th, there's no excuse for missing that! :p

Good to hear from ya, SM.

That's funny, a day or two ago I was also wondering about SM.

Hope you went to see a doctor or chiropractor (if that's your bag)! Welcome back!

You know it's funny, since I only really know people here from, well here I don't tend to notice when someone does not post for awhile. However as soon as I saw your name on the post I knew I'd been missing you.

Welcome back to the lounge. You should have a lot to catch up on. Please feel free to post on any of the older threads it's fun to dredge up an old thread now and then.

Yes. That's where I got the Vicodin. :)

So....Well enough for the birthday party?