[sc_wahm]

Just wondering what you do for exercise. I walk and throw in a little yoga, pilates, and strength training. My dream is to get back into karate, but my crumbling spine may not allow for it.

Sherrie
4 bad dsics & spondylosis

[iwillrejoice]

Hi Sherrie,

I've got 5 bulging discs due to a car wreck 2 years ago, & since then exercise has been hard. I can't do weights - picking up anything heavy (like even my handbag) sets off the pain in my neck & arm.

Mainly I try to walk. But I can't always do that, when my hips are bad. After the wreck, they had me exercising in a pool for therapy, so water-walking is good, it's just inconvenient. And I just purchased a gazelle - I'm hoping that that will work out for me.

I'll be watching this topic for ideas!
_________________
Gail

...minus 43 and counting...

[shad4g2004]

Sherrie, my husband has had two surgeries, one fusion, and one laminectomy. Both were unsuccessful and he is worse off today than he was. It can be a horrible ordeal. The depression that accompanies it quickly becomes a "family" problem. The dynamics of the family can get really screwed up w/ someone is in chronic pain 24/7. Sounds like you have a good handle on things and at least you are trying some physical activities. Good luck and God Bless Shady
_________________
"I adore simple pleasures. They are the last refuge of the complex." Oscar Wilde

"Personality can open doors, but only character keeps them open." Helen Keller

[sc_wahm]

Hi & hugs.

My disc issues are from an accident, too. I also had a torn ligament that was not addressed by my first doc, so I spent a year in tears. He hit me with steroid injections (that did nothing) then recommended surgery. I have never been a fan of pills, but pain isn't my buddy, either. meditation helps shift my focus away from the pain and physical therapy helped me learn to move safely.

I have a gazelle and love it. What I hate is the way my dogs will get in the way and throw off my pace.

Take care.
S

[sc_wahm]

Hi & hugs.

I'm sorry that your husband is suffering so much. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Sherrie

[iwillrejoice]

[wiredfoxterror]

Gail -

Steroids are dangerous! After my sister's kidney transplant 3 years go they out her on anti rejection drugs which are steroids. Within 3 months she had developed extreme osteoperosis - they wnted to replace her hips and knees but she cannot have surgery....She went through pain management and is now on oxycontin and morphine for life. No way to live.
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Foxye
Started Somersizing 01/03 - 230/165/165
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.


My Blog http://wiredfoxterror.blogspot.com/
SAVE THE EARTH IT'S THE ONLY PLANET WITH CHOCOLATE!

[iwillrejoice]

[wiccanmalenurse]

Sherrie, I hope your husband feels better. I know what he is going through! At one time my wife had to put my socks and shoes on and help me get up out of the tub and the bed. I had an injection als that helped as mentioned by Iwillrejoice, I had a laminectomy on L3 & L4 that helped for a little while and a year later I had a three level spinal fusion. They took bone from my hip, placed in L3, 4 & 5 where the disc used to be and then put a titanium piece of hardware in with the aid of 4 screws which i have worn now for 16 years. I find that laying on the floor and doing leg lifts strenghthen the back muscles and losing weight also helps as well. Tell him to be sure and use proper body mechanics and sometimes heat packs do help. Being a nurse I have many around here that are heavy duty that you place in the microwave and are reusable. If you would like one PM me your address and I will send it for him. I don't mind as I am an avid ebayer (wiccanmalenurse is my ebay ID, go see some of my auctions going on now) and do my shipping labels from home. I will send it to you for free. Karma-what goes around, comes around! Take care and wish him well for me, David
_________________
Praise loudly, blame softly and treat each person you meet as a brother or sister!
"Stella Styler for "Life"!"

[wiccanmalenurse]

Sherrie, I hope your husband feels better. I know what he is going through! At one time my wife had to put my socks and shoes on and help me get up out of the tub and the bed. I had an injection als that helped as mentioned by Iwillrejoice, I had a laminectomy on L3 & L4 that helped for a little while and a year later I had a three level spinal fusion. They took bone from my hip, placed in L3, 4 & 5 where the disc used to be and then put a titanium piece of hardware in with the aid of 4 screws which I have worn now for 16 years. I find that laying on the floor and doing leg lifts strenghthen the back muscles and losing weight also helps as well. Tell him to be sure and use proper body mechanics and sometimes heat packs do help. Being a nurse I have many around here that are heavy duty that you place in the microwave and are reusable. If you would like one PM me your address and I will send it for him. I don't mind as I am an avid ebayer (wiccanmalenurse is my ebay ID, go see some of my auctions going on now) and do my shipping labels from home. I will send it to you for free. Karma-what goes around, comes around! Take care and wish him well for me, David
_________________
Praise loudly, blame softly and treat each person you meet as a brother or sister!
"Stella Styler for "Life"!"

[sc_wahm]

Hi David.

Wow! Thy have really put you through the wringer! I'm going to fight off surgery as long as I can because I really cannot be out of commission for the recovery time. My second doc (I LOVE HIM) gave me an oral steriod and sent me for PT, which made an incredible difference in how I feel and move. I worked on a Total Gym, elliptaical, treadmill, and tower with the PT, and loved the feeling that came with being that active again. I'm not sure if I'm expressing it well, but hopefully you understand me.

I had been doing really well until I slipped in the shower a few weeks ago(after not securing the bathmat). I'm still walking but unfortunately have to take meds again.

I'm an ebayer, too, and will defiitely be taking a look at your goodies. congrats on the success of the books!

Hugs & many blessings,
Sherrie

[sc_wahm]

Hi & Hugs.

How is your husband feeling? I'm keeping your family in my thoughts.

Sherrie

[ENicole83]

David in regards to the leg lifts that you do to relieve back aches, specifically how do you do them? Are you on your side and lifting your legs or are you prone or supine. I too am plagued with lower back problems. I have tried 3 chiropractors in the last 3 years and didn't see/feel the results that I thought I should have in a reasonable amount of time so just quit. Now I can't even bring myself to go to yet another one. I won't go to a physician either because I'm a nurse (oncology) and I know they'll just load me up with muscle relaxers and pain meds. Also question about the warm heat pads that you mentioned. I thought that we should use cold to relieve inflammation. If anyone knows what's best it's someone like you that's had all the surgeries that you've had, not a textbook. What kind of bed do you sleep on/advise using? I'm about 40 lbs overweight. I know that my back would be improved if I didn't have to carry around so much weight, hence, I have begun low carb diet and that is how I ended up on this web site! Sorry for all the questions. Hopefully you'll get this message. Thank you so much for your advice. Sincerely, Leslie

[mhayden999]

I'm not David, but I have had back problems off and on for many years. About 5 years ago, I was having a terrible time, and went to a chiropractor. It took several months, 3 or 4 of going 2-3 times a week, but finally I did get better. Now I have problems about once a year, and usually only have to go 2 or 3 times and I am fine.

About a year and half ago, I bought a tempurpedic mattress. It took a few days to get used to it, but once I did, I really like it a lot. They are a little expensive, but in my opinion well worth it. I believe David also has a tempurpedic, I believe he posted that somewhere here.

I hope that you can get some relief...I feel for you.

Best Wishes,

Mark
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