Sounds good Robin,
It seems like things are starting to go in the right direction...that is good. Improvement gives us hope and that is all that we need to go on.
I no longer rate my pain level...what is the point...it is only giving it importance. I no longer try to think about it...Hubby says that I am constantly turning and twisting in bed...he knows that it is the pain but since nothing can be done, we do not talk about it.
I take a Robaxin generic that I can get in Canada at Costco...it is reasonably cheap, mostly anti-inflammatory with a bit of muscle relaxant...I allow myself 2x/day...1 in the morning and 1 at night...That is my maintenance level...less and I can barely move...I double up in case of severe pain or if I have done something stupid. Like the other day...but that is only once in a while.
While I was in Bruges we walked 12000-15000 steps/day on coblestones plus running around the university campus and up and down stairs...sticking to a semi-strict diet helps me a lot...
Lots of good quality protein, no white flour, a bit of soy and some fruits...I also love soup so I eat a lot of it...tomato or pumpkin lately or just veggie...makes my pouch happy too.
So, take care and I hope that the pain diminishes gradually and that you can go back to being you.