I'm too young for this

That has been the thought going through my mind for the past month or so.

It's been in my thoughts because I've been having a numbing, pain going up and down the right side of my leg and face off and on for the past month-ish.

My first thought...stroke.

Hence the "I'm too young for this"

And it turns out, I am.

After a month of trying to ignore this annoying pain, I finally dragged my numb self to the doctor to see if we could find out the cause of all this.

After a quick exam and some tapping of the knees with that cool, little reflex tool (which always amuses me!) the doc took a step back and asked me, "About how much does your daughter weigh?"  To which I thought she was just making polite conversation and answered, "about 18 pounds" but thought to myself, "Come on lady, focus here, what about my numb leg?!" 

Duh Carrie!  Silly me.

Apparently, the culprit of my numb pain is my daughter.

The doc then proceeded to ask me, "Do you hold her and carry her around a lot?"

"Does a bear sh*t in the woods?"

I didn't say that to her, don't worry.

But seriously, does that question even need to be asked?

She's 8 months old, what do you think?

Some nights I throw her in the backpack just so I can make dinner.

Granted, most of the time Annabelle can amuse herself while I get things done around the house, but there are no doubt many times a day I'm carrying that little bundle of joy around the house.

Anyway, the doc thinks my sciatic nerve may be pinched, thus causing the numbing pain.

Which honestly, is totally cool with me because

I'M NOT HAVING A STROKE!

She said it could be more serious, like a herniated disc, but only an MRI would confirm that.

However, I think I'd be in a lot more pain if that was the case, so no MRIs for now.

About the only thing I can do for now is be a little more mindful of how I carry and pick up little Miss Annabelle.  I've started trying to leave her carseat in the car, since that's an added weight I really don't need.  But other than that and being careful of HOW I pick her up, there's not much else to be done.  I suggested doing some exercises to strengthen my back, but the doc said it could make things worse.  (Gotta love a doctor who advises AGAINST exercise).

The good news, Annabelle has been pulling herself up a LOT lately and taking steps while holding onto the furniture...so maybe we'll have a walker soon and she won't want to be held as much, but I'm not holding my breath!