Laid up in the laid back chat

[judyo]

Just returned home from the emergency room. My back went out last Wed. from a 20+ yr. old car accident. Happens once in a while without warning (last time was 4 yrs. ago). Was doing much better today & must have made a wrong move & was brought down to my knees in even more pain than when it first went out on Wed.

Got an ambulance ride (damn those paramedics were hot) that was so bumpy I just can't imagine if I had broken bones or something. Waited over 4 hrs. in a horribly uncomfortable wheelchair to get some pain pills & a muscle relaxer. It was suggested I get an MRI. I never go to doctors (hence suffering since Wed.) & don't even have one. I don't know what kind of doc to call for lower back pain.

I've been stuck home since Wed. (in fact, wrapped up a sale on Wed., that's one good thing about this job), & now I don't know how long it'll take to heal.

So if I start writing stuff that doesn't make sense please delete those posts as it must be the meds - LOL!

The best thing was that my husband was downtown for jury duty. He was not selected for one trial & was put back on the roster for another one when I told him to come to the hospital with one of his pain pills since they weren't giving me anything & it was getting bad. So I got him out of jury duty, although sitting in the hospital emergency waiting room was probably even less fun.

[kyle422]

That sounds horrible Judy. I hope that your back problems get solved. I know how painful it can be to have a bad back. Don't take too much of those meds they should only be used for a short time. Have you had any surgery or tried any alternatives to surgery? I've done them all except surgery. Deep tissue massage, acupuncture, epidural injections, spine adjustments (not by a chiropractor), physical therapy, stretching, yoga, and working out. I tell you what the best thing that has helped my recovery is working out. Of course you have to take it easy but once you get your core muscles stronger it alleviates the pressure on the spinal chord. I was bed riden for over 4 months with herniated ruptured disc. I couldn't move and was on heavy meds. My life sucked. It has been over 3 years since the last time I have seen a doctor for my back. The back specialists I saw always wanted to fuse my discs together. I'm so glad I didn't because now I have very little if any back pain. All from working out 3-5 days a week.
Sorry for long story.

[judyo]

Hi Kyle,

I am definitely not a pill person & won't take another pill until the pain starts up bad again. Because my back doesn't bother me very often I've always just let it heal on its own with cold & hot packs, one of those back brace things, Ibuprofen & rest.

It went out on one of my jobs (prior to real estate) & I got real therapy with deep muscle & heat massage, etc. Still took the same amount of time to heal.

No surgery or suggestions for surgery although herniated discs were mentioned back in the 80's. That would be my very last choice as I am so afraid of surgery.

I do work out but do mostly walking & aerobics. I'm assuming you mean abs & back strengthening exercises. I guess I'll have to try some of those when I get better.

I honestly wish I had a walker right now & my husband said he recently saw one in someone's garbage! Darn!

[thataway61]

Hope you get back on your feet soon Judy!

[webmaster]

Hope you get better soon my friend

[kensmith]

Judy hope you feel better. I have had a number of back and knee problems and they always are the worst. They always take forever to heal and the smallest thing can put you back tot he begining of the healing process. Take your time and get better. If you need someone to help with any showings let me know and I will help out.

[ResaleBroker]

I too wish you the best Judy.

[kid disco]

Judy, I feel for you, as well... My college soccer career was ended due to a lower back injury. I definitely agree with kyle422 that working out is the best thing. In addition to stretching and core muscle strengthening exercises, swimming has also been very beneficial for me. Most people initially think swimming is "arms and legs," but the combined movement with the natural resistance of water is great for strengthening the midsection.

Going to the chiropractor is also an appointment I actually look forward to! I hope you feel better!

[pcdoc]

At 57 (years young), rock climbing, motorcycle racing, high-impact aerobics, 20+ years of running long, and racing giant slalom took its toll on my lower two discs. Both bulged to the point of pressing against both sciatic nerves -- d**m painful.

Two epidural steroid injections has helped relieve the pain to the point where I can exercise on the elliptical 5/6 days a week, do some easy aerobics, Pilates and run 6 miles occasionally.

Oh to be young (and fit) again.

Do consider epidural steroid injections, besides myself and younger brother I know several runners, male and female who have benefited from the procedure.

[REW Tyler]

Hope you get well soon, injuries are no fun.
Tyler