Despite my back

Well I'm not sure why but despite my back I am feeling quite good mentally this last couple days. I had a few days of empty nest syndrome where I was really down... working at home in an empty house was too much, too lonely for me. But I got over it, cleaned my apartment a little at a time so now it looks really nice. I had bf over yesterday with his kids and cooked a meal for everyone; it was nice to do that in my own place, serve guests and not have to clean up someone else's mess before I could start. My daughter is very happy in her new place. I stop in every couple days and we're in touch every day one way or another. And Noah loves to see me come in, he always snuggles up on my shoulder for a long time then jabbers away as if he has some great stories to tell me. At first he'd cry when I left but now he just waves bye-bye and he's fine. 
My back is still killing me. Even laying down isn't relieving it now. I'm taking more pain medication than normal but it just hurts so much. I'm doing my stretches and making sure I get up and move around. I don't just lay around all day which I know is not good either but I don't know what to do anymore. I see the doctor on Monday finally. Not sure what more she can do but I'm willing to try anything, new medication, just about any treatment she recommends. And part of me is wishing she would suggest taking some more time off work. I can take 3 months on work short term disability and that way I still keep my medical benefits. But I don't know if not working would really do any good. Its just hard to focus on work when I'm in pain like this and if I take strong enough medication to kill the pain then I still can't focus. Guess I'll have to talk to the  doctor and see what she has to say. I'm really hoping she can talk to the specialist and get me in a bit quicker. 
Sure hoping this mental state continues. Most days I find it really hard to be positive with the pain. The support of friends here makes a big difference though, thanks so much.