That Pain In My Hip

Anyone else have one? I used to just refer to it as That Pain In My Hip. Recently I've graduated to calling it sciatica. Labels can be useful.

Before I'd be asked, "What's wrong with your hip?"
I'd say, "Oh, it's just That Pain In My Hip."
I'd get a nod with a blankish look.
(Except from Wendy of course.
She knows all about That Pain in My Hip.)

Now I say, "Oh my sciatica is flaring up."
I get knowing sympathic nods in response.

Having a pain with a real name seems to inspire more understanding than a random pain which hasn't even achieved the status of a real label.

Saturday, That Pain In My Hip was distracting. My mother noticed. She noticed because some mothers have that instinct. I'm not sure I have it, certainly to a lesser degree than my mother. She always has a suggestion for relief. She's prepared like that although I don't think she was ever a Girl Scout. Saturday was no exception.

"Does your hip hurt?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"Stay right there! I've got just the solution!" She raced from the kitchen and returned waving a Thermacare HeatWrap.

"Here, strap this on."

I bit back all strap-on jokes because, well, it was my mother. Instead, I did as I was told because while not always having been the most obedient child, I am a fairly obedient adult. Plus my hip really hurt. I'd try anything.

We spent the day lifting and hauling and sorting as we cleaned out one of her storage rooms. My hip didn't bother me all day. That HeatWrap worked wonders.

My family is in a transition period. The one where the roles flipflop a bit and the children take on an almost parental role as their parents age. But my mother, bless her heart, still mothers even while being mothered herself.

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