Well, for this morning at least, I'm in a better space than my last post. I started a "Launch Your Startup" course at Emory last night and I am super excited about it. By the end of its 8 weeks, I should have a complete business plan to be able to take the to the SBA. And this class popped up (literally!) at a really good time. I was definitely depressed last week about the return of my leg pain and my confusion of what to do about it. But then, out of nowhere, Emory sent me a "Late Registration" email about this course that started literally 5 days later, and I took it as a sign from the universe that it's time to stop worrying about the "what ifs" of my back and just get the hell on with my life! So when I see my GP today, he will be the first of my doctors that I ask about whether there is any real problem with me doing this. I really think if I do it right, I won't be risking further injuring my back, and as long as I'm not losing motor strength or reflexes, and I'm doing something I love (and concentrating on that instead of my back), I think I can suck up the pain I have now and live with it. Of course, I also need to research preexisting condition issues with getting new insurance, and talk to my dad about the possibility of him helping me with surgery later if it ends up I have to have it, but right now I really feel like if I could get out of a job I hate, that has me sitting all day, and focus on something I want (that would keep me standing most of the time!), I might be able to avoid surgery altogether. Now I just need to hope that the GP doesn't say something to day that deflates my positive attitude!!