Chronic pain and exercise

Saylimbo
Saylimbo Posts: 3
edited September 22 in Introduce Yourself
I went 4 years with being barely able to walk with a disc compressing a nerve. My doctor said I wouldn't work again but I am back to work full time, split shifts. I put a lot of weight on in those 4 years from medications, being unable to move and depression (eating) due to the isolation. I can no longer exercise the way I use to. It's hard to see people doing workouts I once loved knowing if I do them, I'll be back on my back again. My goal starting off is to walk 15 minutes on the treadmill and up it slowly to 30 minutes. Stretching and the continuation of my physio exercises. Anyone else suffering from chronic pain and dealing with frustrations of limitations but determined to make slow but sure progress?

Replies

  • mikeveggie68
    mikeveggie68 Posts: 116
    right there with you, 2 years ago i was working out really good even dropped 45 pounds in one month, i have always had chronic back problems, but one day I sat down...normally didn't flop or anything and something went pop, i fell on my side and could not move without severe pain and remained that way until my wife came home, I was off work for over half a year and had to go through physical therapy 3 times a week just to be able to walk upright again. I have never been the same since.. I usually walk 2-3 times daily 20 minutes each, I am losing weight slowly but surely... I am going to pick things up this year because I want to have lost at least 100 pounds by 12/31/11, I have to be careful of everything I do, my spine does not like to work with me... I walked of a friends porch last spring and was off work 2 weeks, so freak things happen to me makes it hard and depressing at times. I have joined a gym for the first time ever, hopefully that will go well, always pace yourself, and be patient it will work out.
  • knsidaway
    knsidaway Posts: 4
    Same here. Back pain is the worst. I have been trying for about the last 4 years to take weight off. I have herniated disc in L4, L5 and S1. On top of that I have bone deterioration in my SI joint as well. I have tried everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, short of surgery to get my back in good shape. I have worked my way up slowly and now I can do 1 hour on the elliptical. I still hurt especially in the morning hours and late evening, but I exercise when I feel my best which is afternoon. From experience, I have learned to stay clear of ab exercises for now, since it all seems to strain my back. My hope is that as I lose more weight, I will eventually be able to handle the extra workouts for abs, once I am no longer carrying around an extra 40 pounds all day everyday. Losing weight is my last resort to surgery and I really don't want surgery, so I have to make a go out of this. Hang in there! You are not alone. Good luck
  • Saylimbo
    Saylimbo Posts: 3
    Thank you Mikebiggs68 and knsidaway. I wasn't sure when I joined this site if it would be for me. Knowing there are others fighting the same obstacles with pain and understand how serious the effects of pushing too hard can be is heartening. I really miss being able to exercise like I did for most of my life. It was how I dealt with life. I do my best to turn every experience into a silver lining. I actually have more faith in myself now than I did when I was 125lbs and super active. I do want to get rid of some of the weight I gained. I don't want to be 125lbs again. Here goes : )
  • kat2475
    kat2475 Posts: 159 Member
    I am dealing with the same thing. I have 2 bulging discs and a twisted vertebrae in my lower back. I've done physical therapy, Osteopathic Manipulation, cortisone shots, radiofrequency ablation of my nerves...you name it. I'm trying to start out slow now with jumping on the trampoline, walking on my Gazelle, Yoga on the Wii Fit. I hope that if I lose some weight my back will begin to heal itself.
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