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My Spines Downhill battle!

55K views 616 replies 71 participants last post by  timmytard 
#1 · (Edited)
Yes,.. pun intended!

I have posted a lot about my recent back and arthritis problems in the "Today I Hate" thread, but since I was having so many issues lately I was starting to feel like I was monopolizing the thread.

I thought since there have been a few X-rays posted lately, (...Slyder, really bummed hearing about your daughters arm man!) I thought I'd show you folks exactly what I'm talking about when I say my back is getting worse.

The first X-ray for each view was taken about 4-5 years ago by my arthritis doctor! The second was taken late this summer when I had to go in for my first Chiropractors visit! I think you will probably agree with me (...and the doc.) that the changes are Not for the better! (I took thes pics with my cell phone at the dr's office, so apologies for the quality!)

4 years ago:
X-ray Radiography Radiology Medical radiography Medical


6 months ago:
Sky Water X-ray Radiography Cloud


I was genuinely shocked when I first saw the 2nd AP view from this summer!! I couldn't believe how abruptly my spine makes that sharp S turn from my pelvis!! :blink: :eek:

Lateral view 4 y/a:
Text Font Wall Room


Lat view 6 mo ago.
Auto part



Fun stuff, eh? :dunno: :dizzy: And I haven't even got the F'd up cervical views to show you! :blink: This along with the more frequent and severe arthritis flares I've been getting has had me quite frustrated of late!

Anyway, I'm not looking for sympathy or "poor 'Ol chomps." I Just didn't want anyone thinking I was doing all this whining over some minor little wussy shit! I've been living with varying degrees of chronic mild to acutely painful shit of one sort or another for the better part of the last 25+ years!

And while I almost always manage to get to work! I even manage to get out and do a fair amount of fun shit like MTB, Snowboarding, hiking, kayak etc. But, I also (apparently) spend a fair amount of time with a,.. for lack of a better word, Serious,.. maybe even grumpy, pissed off look on my face! I guess I don't notice it because I'm just trying to focus on ignoring the pain and getting thru my day at those times! That sometimes takes a LOT of concentration to accomplish! So,...???

Hence my attitude towards the numb nuts strangers when they give me that, "Smile, it's can't be that bad" shit! I love to laugh and have a good time! But I have never been one of those ppl who walk around with a shit eating grin, happy go lucky all the time!

...Sincere apologies to those of you who are "happy" all the time! (I hate you all BTW!) ;) lol!

It's been a long time since these physical problems have kept my down for more than a few days, and missing all the damn fine snowboarding the last 3 weeks, (...best damn season here in MI for decades! This Jan. set an all time record for snowfall by more than 20+ inches!!) All this has understandably had me even more frustrated, angry and on edge!

...and since my family doesn't understand the attraction to going out in the cold for hours/days at a time, I get absolutely NO sympathy there!

I just needed to rant 'n' rave a bit over my frustration, and I figured if anybody would understand my disappointment and anger over this, it would be the people here! (...sarcastic jabs and "F.U. Wussy" cracks and all!) :laugh: :thumbsup:



-edit-
I feel I should also add that Snowboarding? This is one of those things that when I'm out shredding it,.. I definitely have that shit eating grin glued on my face!!!! :D And because prior to the return of these physical problems? I was finally in a position to get out a LOT more than I could the last two seasons! That's why missing out lately has had me in such a foul, pissy, whining little Beee-atch mood! ;)
 
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#32 ·
Saw the Ortho Spine specialist yesterday. As I suspected, I am probably going to opt for surgery! He said I have 3 options.

1. Do nothing! Which is what I've been doing, so est no bueno!

2. Steroid injections & PT. Which in the best case scenario, only works for less than 50% of people, AND would likely take several months before I could return to work. (...I've only got 60 days left on my FMLA if I want to keep my job!) Not to mention it's temporary and even if it worked? It would need to be done again in a few months!

3. Surgery. Probably be out another 2-4 weeks after! (...not sure if I would be cleared for return to full duty after, or light duty! Forgot to ask!)


I was planning on seeking a second opinion before letting anyone do any cutting, probably from a neurosurgeon but, It's a holiday week! I will probably have no chance of getting an appointment within the next week, and I don't have time to waste any more of my FMLA time off. (...Goddamned workman's comp bureaucracy!! Wasted a whole month fuckin' around with that shit!) :dunno:

I hate feeling rushed into making the choice to opt for surgery, but if I don't make it soon, I wont have enough time left to get cut on, recover, and get back to work before losing my job!

So there 'tis! :blink:
 
#34 ·
He said he would be doing the minimally invasive type? Only about a 1 inch incision! Lamienectomy, move the nerves aside, remove the portion of the disk pushing on the nerves!

He said that removing the portion of the disk pressuring the nerve would work well to alleviate the shooting pains in my L leg, but would do nothing for back pain! :blink: :dunno: :blink:
 
#36 · (Edited)
Have you looked into spinal laser surgery. Or you know just getting robot legs?
Those would be cool! Think I could still find a good boot fitter after? Hell! Would I even need boots with Robot Legs? :laugh:
 
#38 ·
I am still arguing my back problems even after the liable party admitted it was there fault, the specialist is all but useless saying i am exagerating my symptoms, which is a crock of shit, some days i am right as rain other days/weeks i can barely move...

I had a crushed L2 in October 2009 and this has been ongoing ever since...!

He is now saying it is NOT an orthopaedic condition, and that there is no more he can do, but he offered no solution, so now we are looking for alternatives, and specialists in the area of nerve damage.

The funny thing is, after all is said and done, i actually have an UP24, and his report for the court, actually states that i have no sleep issues. Even after i shows him the data collected over a period of 3 months showing my sleep (lack off) he is just bloody useless...!!!



 
#41 ·
Whelp!! Im scheduled for surgery on the 21st. With any luck afterward, I will be able to walk again without crying!! :blink:

My medical leave will expire by 1st or 2nd of Sept. So if I can get cut, recover and get cleared for full duty by then, I won't lose my job! :thumbsup: :dunno: It'll be close, but Im even more concerned about having enough time to reverse all the appalling muscle atrophy (...and weight gain!) resulting from 3-4 months of inactivity in time for snowboarding!!

:hope::hope::hope:
 
#43 ·
Yup. Well, if nothing else. If I can tolerate some exercise soon afterward,... Walking, maybe some bike riding, etc? I will maybe be able to avoid all the boredom binging! :dunno:
 
#47 · (Edited)
you, too, can do eet!

I lost almost 30lbs lately mostly with changing my diet. Quit drinking, eating late, started breakfast, read all food package labels, no fat, cholesterol or red meat, lots of fresh fruits and veg. Seems obvious but it works.

Frozen fruit pops are pretty epic in the summer. Fudge bars (the frozen ones) also somehow have no fat in them, the only chocolate on earth to be so.
 
#48 ·
Slow n permanent

IMO, most importantly it's to know yourself, be honest to yourself, and make plans accordingly. You’re the enthusiastic type of guy, thus I assume, you make big plans, intend to change everything? That’s good, if you’re also the very strict and ascetic type. If not, chances are high that you’ll keep up some month (weeks?), get frustrated, and revert to old habits.

If you’re someone who has to fight the inner lazy dog, try to change your habits slowly - but permanently - by reducing and substituting rather than big “I change my entire life” plans - for diet as well as exercise. If you belong to this group, trick yourself.

Sure, it would be best to just eat fresh n healthy… but it’s unlikely that you’ll be satisfied with only chewing raw carrots… don’t overdo. Usually the main meals are replaceable by healthy stuff rather easily, but "hidden calories" and all the extra calories from "side-dishes" are a problem. Reduce the amount and substitute bit by bit. e.g.
- substitute industrial flavored yoghurts (there’s an insane amount of sugar in them) by plain ones, add some fruits and a bit sugar yourself, then you have control over the amount of sugar.
- Replace soft drinks! If simple water is too much of a reduction and you don’t want to abstain from sweetish drinks… there’s a very common thing in Switzerland, we call it “Sirup”, but haven’t found a suitable translation as your “syrup” isn’t the same. Basically it’s highly concentrated fruit or berry juice (lemon, strawberry, raspberry are very common here) which you add to water to get it favored -> you’ve control over the amount, can slowly get accustomed to a less sugary taste and reduce the amount of “Sirup” you add to your drinks.
- If you’re a “lying on couch=need to eat something” type, substitute chips/cheese/whatever fatty stuff by fresh fruits, or dried fruit chips, or if you prefer salty stuff, get salted sunflower or pumpkin seeds WITH husks. Sure, they have fat as well, but a) compared to chips they contain unsaturated fats and b) they take a lot of effort to eat. They keep you busy, the amount of intake is reduced a lot but your brain still has the satisfaction of eating.

As for exercise, there are so many everyday actions you can convert into little exercises:
- Take the stairs instead of the lift (will result in strong legs, good for snowboarding!)
- Walk instead of taking car/bus. I never take a bus in the city to get to work. This results in 40min of (fast pace) walking every working day (I usually smile when I see ppl geared up with training suits n walking poles heading to “work-out” with their walking groups on weekends but take the car for every odd meter the rest of the week :)).
- If the distance is too far for walking, take the bike. Think of getting a e-bike. It’s still better to move on an e-bike than the being overstrained by a normal bike -> frustration-> give up and take the car again mechanism.
- Carry your supplies instead of taking a cart (sure, wait till your back recovered!)

If you don’t have the mindset to permanently go to a gym, join a local club (floorball, basketball, soccer, badminton, whatever team/single opponent sports you like). It’s less likely to have “oh screw it, I’m too lazy to work-out in the gym today” moments as you have the social pressure to go to the trainings/games as there’s a team/opponent waiting for you. Social pressure can go a long way :).

In short: make realistic n slow, but permanent changes.

Good luck with the surgery! :hope:
 
#49 ·
Good luck Chomps, remember that those pain meds are gonna cause weight gain also. Don't let it discourage you, stay tight on your diet! You're probably gonna need to drop down to maybe 1500 calories max. Try myfitnesspal, it's a super easy way to track what you eat. Do any movement you can to get your heart rate elevated and remember that each day is a battle, but the process is a war. Win the war.
:thumbsup:
 
#50 ·
Luckily, some of us are so lazy that we can't be bothered getting off the couch to get the junk food. It's worked for me for 40 years.

Actually, for me negative association does it. I sit down and think about what the money for the crap food could have been spent on. that bag of chips is 10% of a lift ticket next year. Or a night out to trough it with the family is 10% of a new board. For you, every chip is something that might keep you from next season.
 
#52 ·
Hey man I've already mentioned it but will put it out there again.

Tons of water but I know it is hard for you to walk so position yourself close the head.
"Protein" start eating tons of protein. This will fill you up, your limited activity you don't need nearly as many carbs. You will also be surprised at how full you feel. Veggies and fruits as well. The fruits help fill that sugar your craving and that need to have something sweet.

The rest worry about after your mobile.

Also not sure here but I don't think you can be let go for a work comp claim. Your work comp shouldn't run out till you've been released by the Dr.
I was out of work for 3 months on my claim many years ago with my back issue. Contact your WC claims and find out more details.
I don't want to say it or have it sound negative so plz don't take it other than positively. You can always find a job somewhere. Letting this take rent in your brain does nothing but add stress and un-needed pressure taking away from your healing. Hope that came out ok.
 
#53 ·
As someone who has gone from 188 to 135 to 285 down to 165. I've seen and done a lot of things to control my diet.

Here's the big thing. Fuck High Fructose Corn Syrup. It's in everything you wouldn't think it is in i.e. Bread, "natural" yogurt, I mean everything. Cut that crap out. Preservatives are also a killer. Cravings are a result of our body becoming used to preservatives, if you can go back to a more natural whole foods diet without any of these you'll notice that they eventually subside, the issue I ran into when I detoxed this was migraines like no other for about a month and a slight attitude swing.

Red meat is huge, well mainly beef. I cut beef out of my diet 5 years ago and that allowed me to drop 10lbs in a month and stay that way. I still eat Elk, Venison, and Buffalo but as the cost is higher I don't do it as often maybe once or twice a month.

Carbs of course will kill you unless you're highly active, you won't be so nix the chips, breads, potato salad, and mashed potatoes.

Take up grazing. Handful of nuts here, some carrot sticks there, celery here and there, just eat good food here and there so you're never totally hungry.

Water is key. I drink a gallon of it a day if not more. This just keeps the digestive track going as well as flushes out the toxins. Watch yourself on soda as well as those "fruit" drinks as they load those too up with High Fructose Corn Syrup.

A lot of it is going to come down to self control. Also I'm not sure if a hand bike will benefit you while on your back but if it's not too much strain this can be a great method of exercise to keep your upper body going. Also look into various yoga stretches that you can do for your arms, hands, feet, and parts of your body that won't be in pain.
 
#54 ·
Fuck High Fructose Corn Syrup. It's in everything you wouldn't think it is in i.e. Bread, "natural" yogurt, I mean everything.
That's one of the main things I remember about food "over there", that pale white textureless bread that doesn't deserve that name (and fruit juce and yogurts which tasted nothing like real, just unbearable sweet.)

Chomps, if you live in a city, whatch out for a German or Swiss bakery. They should have good simple plain pure bread (the very dark one, Pumpernickel, might be over the top to start with as its sour dough isn't for everyone). Both countries have such a huge selection of great whole-grain bread! I'm a huge lover of eating bread as dinner. Good brown bread with crunchy crusts, with smoked trout, bit of raw onion and horseradish - yummy! Or with goat cheese ad bit of fig mustard - heaven! Or with fresh cheese mixed with lots of herbs topped with raw tomato n onion or raw leek, or mix chopped tomato with onion n garlic n bit olive oil n salt n pepper and put it on you bread... there's an endless list of stuff that tastes gorgeous you can put on good tasty bread instead of ham n mayonnaise.
 
#55 ·
I can't wait to figure out what's going on with my back. I'm so tired of being in pain every damn day of my life for the past 2 years. fml. Can't get X rays until I get a doctor's referral which is bs imo. grumble.
 
#60 ·
Speaking about laxatives, my friend told me a story from his last vacation in Vars, french alps. One day someone stole his water while he went to toilet, it was in mountain bar/cafe. Next day he bought some extra bottles of water, put laxatives in it and droped randomly in same bar/cafe, ofc it was stolen again :D
 
#64 ·
Fuck!! I will guve more details later, but whatever's goin on my back keeps getting worse. Im in the ER right now as I type this. Woke up and cried and screamed in pain for 2-3 hours!!!

Somebodies gotta do something about this pain!!!!!! :blink:






I was 9 the last time something hurt me bad enough physically to make me cry! Scream, yell, grunt, moan curse,... Sure! Plenty of times!!
I cried for hours this morning! :huh:
 
#66 ·
Well, at least Im not screaming anymore. (...I literally screamed myself hoarse in pain this morning.) yes GD! LITERALLY! :D The ER was just short of useless. I had to get my 83 year old mother with her artificail hip, to drive me to the ER! One muscle relaxant injection & 2.5 hours later? Her 20 yo Saturn breaks down in the rain on the way home.

Two cripples trying to climb into the cab of a tow truck?? Soooo much fun!

Car is toast!! Back is toast. All ER can do is refer me to a nuerosurgeon who already turned down my workman's comp! He's supposedly the best, but he doesn't do workman's comp!!

FUCK ME!!! 12 days until my surgery with a dr who's NOT listening when I tell him things are worse than when he saw me 18 days ago!! :blink:
 
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