For the past 10 months of so, his back has done fairly well. The herniated disk has flared up but he has been able to keep the pain under control. We used the stimulus check to finish paying off his medical bills from the MRI and ER/MD visits from last summer when he hurt it with the move. We were hoping to finally start saving some money so I could get a tooth/cap replaced, even at dental school it is $$$) and pay some down on the house/cars.

Tonight he called from work and it is feeling REALLY bad. Needless to say, I am a little panicy! I always get nervous when his back hurts but he sounded worse tonight. He is in Elkins for the week and has his back medicine. Thank God, he has medical coverage this time! And it doesn't have crazy high deductibles. Since he had the catastrophic coverage prior, the insurance company is supposed to waive the preexisting condition exclusion. Guess we will find out next week if he has to go back to the doctor.

His friend from GA came up to visit this weekend and we think they may have played a little too much Guitar Hero (standing on hardwood floors with no shoes on). He had such a great time and I hate that the weekend had to end with him now being in pain. I just called to check on him and he is groggy from the meds but in bed. Hopefully, he will call me in the morning with an update- AND will talk with his bosses. He HATES to tell his employer (always has been this way) when he is sick or back is hurting. They are understanding but he has had such bad problems with previous employers that he is always afraid to say anything.

If he can stay healthy until I can finish school, I should be able to get a teaching position that will provide insurance for both of us and then he can stop working if necessary. Worst case scenario, we can take out loans for me to finish school but we are trying not to go into debt more than the house/cars. My tuition is paid for. My stipend covers the house note and utilities (have to stay in school to keep the stipend). His pay covers the car loans/insurance and food, etc. Wish we were renting- cannot sell the house for what we owe right now and landlords don't like three cats! Also stuck with the cars (loan is more than value right now)- I drive 45 miles each way for school and he drives 70+ each way several times a week (in opposite direction from me). Thankfully, both cars get 28-30 miles per gallon on the interstate!

Other than his back, we are both healthy (as two people can be who don't exercise enough ;-)). We have been able to stay on top of our bills,, the cats are healthy and we are know that what we are going through right now should make life better in a few years. (knock on wood with all of this!)

Please keep him in your thoughts. And me, that i don't get any more anxious that I usually am.