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Hi, I'm Angie and I'm 33 and I live in the UK. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc (L5 I think) in May 2011, after spending 5 months with practically no mobility and on large doses of pain killers. The specialist I was referred to also said that the disc beneath was very weak and bulging and there is also some evidence of osteo-arthritis in my lower spine. Oh joy.
I had quite a busy lifestyle before my back finally gave up for what now seems like for good, with 2 jobs, a hyperactive dog and a full social life so whilst I was a little overweight, it was nothing major.
Since January 2011 I have virtually ground to a halt which has resulted in me gaining loads of weight which really just makes things worse. I was given a caudal epidural in July 2011, which improves things greatly but the surgeons don't think I would benefit from disc removal as I don't have any pain in my legs or hips, and they say disc removal won't really improve the pain in my back. Having spoken to a couple of friends who have had the surgery, they are of the same opinion.
I'm off to the specialist again next week, and I'll be asking for another epidural because it's started to wear off (they guess at them lasting anywhere between 6 and 12 months).
The most frustrating thing I have found is that instructors for even sedate exercise classes locally to me are reluctant to take on anyone with back problems. A yoga instructor I contacted recently said she thought it would be too much. Which leaves me with water aerobics that I can only get to once a week due to work.
I'm really hoping that this site will help me lose some weight by keeping track of what I'm eating and making me more aware of what I'm putting in my mouth. Fingers crossed!0 -
My name is Elaine. I'm 58. I didn't realize that I had hurt my back, I just knew that it hurt. When exrays were taken of my lumbar region, the tech asked me when I injured my back. I have no idea.
Apparently, surgery will not help, (My father had five back surgeries in the 60s. They didn't help.) and I have the added symptoms of sciatica and arthritis.
I take pain meds and recently added Flexeril which has really helped now that I know when to take them for my type of pain and my level of activity.
Just reading your stories has helped me so much. It's horrible to be out here and treated as though you're just being a lazy good-for-nothing. I am determined to regain my health and become a productive person again who doesn't need help carrying in the groceries. Your stories let me know that it is not an issue of mind over matter and that I am not alone.
Good to meet all of you.0 -
Hello. My name is Brandee. I'm 36 years old and the mom to two teenage girls (16 and 13). In 1992, a routine visit to the doctor indicated that I had severe scoliosis. In October 1992, I underwent spinal fusion surgery that fused my spine from T3 to L4. I was 17 years old. I did a lot of stuff I shouldn't have and pushed my spine harder than I should have - I'm in daily pain now from the arthritis and wish I had listened to my orthopedic surgeon a little more. In January 2011, I was taking the trash out, slipped on some ice and fell - I landed on the L5/S1 region of my spine. I was diagnosed with minor bulging. They said it isn't bad enough for surgery (and honestly, unless it gets completely unbearable I won't have surgery again anyway) but it does cause me pain. On the average day, my pain level is a 7-8 out of 10. I've lost over 50lbs and have found that weight loss has helped a lot. I am able to run (only on a supported base like a treadmill or shock absorbent track) which a lot of people with spinal issues can not do.
I've done a lot of research and found that lightly bouncing on an exercise ball a couple times a day DOES help. It seems silly, but it I'm willing to try anything.
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I have a bad back (3 herniated discs) and injured my hip in a car accident 5 years ago. My Impala was T-boned by a van, with the point of impact just 6 inches behind the driver's seat. I was so lucky!
I had a hard time walking and my doctors were telling me not to push it. I didn't and gained a huge amount of weight instead. So enough of that! With the help of Tylenol for body pain, I am pushing through it, recovering lost capacities, and losing!
I am 62, and for the past year have been increasing my activity. It helps with my hip pain, though back spasms are a constant hazard. But as the time goes on, the period I'm down and out keeps getting shorter. I am either getting stronger, or better at managing the condition.
I do Yang style Tai Chi twice a week, do a class of aqua-fitness twice a week, swim for 3 hours/week, and make up the rest of the time walking on my treadmill, especially in the winter. Outside, Nordic walking sticks help a lot.
Swimming is touch and go because I went into spasm about a month ago, so I am having to learn to use strokes that don't require me to torque to breathe. That means doing the back crawl and learning how to do the front crawl on my side. I'm still feeling my way back to recovery.
Exercise helps me to control the dull ache that I feel most of the time. I forget it when I am distracted, but it gets worse if I sit for too long, or don't exercise.
I'm looking forward to learning from the members here.0 -
sounds like you are on the right track. very back friendly types of exersice. good to hear from you. thanks for sharing your experience!0
