Off bike for a while [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

mary9761

11-25-2006, 06:23 AM

I'm not real comfortable right now so I'll keep this short. I'm off the bike (and right now my feet) for a while. Late in the day Thanksgiving Eve while playing with my grandsons, I had a sudden sharp pain in my back radiating down my right leg. It took me a while to get up off the floor, but I semi recovered. Later while getting on the bus to go home, the pain returned making it VERY difficult to climb the steps to the bus. It came and went but I got home. I got ready to go ahead to bed, took some ibuprophen and tried to sleep. I got some sleep, but looked and luckily found an old Rx for Vicodin from another time, took some then finally got some sleep.
I got up Thanksgiving morning fairly uncomfortable, it's painful to sit, painful to stand, painful to walk AND painful to try to rest in bed. Thought maybe it was a muscle cramp that I could ride out, NOT. I got on the trainer for a while, but it didn't help. Got cleaned up and dressed to visit family for Thanksgiving dinner but as soon as we got home, I found my heating pad and took some more vicodin. That is where I have been for the most part since.
When I got up yesterday morning, I wasn't feeling any better so I called for an appointment at the doc's and ended up in the after hours clinic. I was hurting so badly the doc couldn't even really exam me. She did say she thinks it's a major muscle spasm and likely something going on with my sciatic nerve possibly pinched. She gave me an Rx for more vicodin and a muscle relaxer. I've been in bed since I got home from hospital.
I'm MAJORLY bummed right now since the weather has been GORGEOUS in the 60's yesterday and supposed to be the same today and I'm stuck inside off my bike!! I can't stay on here for long as my pain meds are hitting again and my fingers hitting typos like crazy. So I'm heading back for my heating pad and bed.
I thought I'd post a quick note about why I have the red cross next to my name. I hope I get back on the bike soon. I'm less than 200 miles from my goal of 5000 miles and it's going to drive me bonkers NOT being able to ride. I hope everyone is healthy and safe and have a spin for me:(

kaybee

11-25-2006, 06:44 AM

Hope you feel better soon Mary!

KB

cosc

11-25-2006, 07:47 AM

Mary, I hope you recover super fast. You so deserve to feel healthy and well after reaching the soon 5000 miles on your bike!

Trek420

11-25-2006, 07:48 AM

Feel better soon, I hope you find a comfortable way to move around. I've read that in the past Dr's thought bed rest and really good drugs :D :p ;) :rolleyes: were the way through back and/or nerve problems.

Now the philosophy seems to be to get you back on your feet (or bike seat) as soon and as gently as possible. Take it easy but take the drugs and keep us posted.

Bikingmomof3

11-25-2006, 07:54 AM

((((((Mary)))))) I am sorry to hear you are in such pain. Rest, take the meds and before you know it you will be on your bike and reaching your goal.

BeeLady

11-25-2006, 08:54 AM

Wow - so close to 5,000 miles. I can only dream about that and you're within striking distance!

Hope you recover soon and can get back to it.

BleeckerSt_Girl

11-25-2006, 08:58 AM

Poor Mary!!!!!

Please feel better soon!!!!!

pooks

11-25-2006, 09:00 AM

All right, this will not do. You are my inspiration so you absolutely MUST get well fast so you can get back on that bike!

Take care, and I'm sure because you have a most excellent doctor you were told to eat medicinal chocolate, right?

Good luck!

lkrider

11-25-2006, 09:01 AM

oh...so sorry. (I feel less inclined now to whine about yucky weather and flat tires as I was.) It seems so unfair when we are doing good things and our bodies randomly let us down. Please rest hard so you can play hard again soon.

maillotpois

11-25-2006, 09:48 AM

Feel better soon, Mary!!! Not riding stinks.

Trekn Teresa

11-25-2006, 10:00 AM

Mary,
Hey there!
I do hope you will soon be feeling better and I know your determination to get back in the saddle again...getting your miles accomplished. In the meantime...please take care of yourself, and as others have already said- take your medications, try to get comfortable, relax, rest up..and you'll be good as new!

(((sending you some hugs))) Can you feel 'em?
~ Teresa ~

Toni

11-25-2006, 11:49 AM

Mary,

Drugs are our friends (when used as needed, of course). Hope you are feeling better soon. 5000 miles...... WOW!!!!! Hang in there.

Offthegrid

11-25-2006, 12:32 PM

I hope you feel better really soon ... back pain is the worst.

If it IS sciatica, then I hope you can take comfort in the fact that it often gets better without surgery (see recent NYT article). But that doesn't really help right NOW when the pain is intense. I had a bout with it this summer, and now I don't have any pain or problems at all.

{{{ Lots of hugs }}}

Geonz

11-25-2006, 01:35 PM

Don't feel any worse than you already do about not riding, and hoping, hoping that if you're gentle on yourself, this will pass, and that you'll find ways to be moving and active that don't **hurt**, even if it's not on a bike.

I'll get up early and ride before work for you on Monday ... (for you... it has NOTHING to do with that Howard guy or ladyjai :) :) :))

May your nerves UNPINCH... {{{{{Mary}}}}}

momof4greatkids

11-25-2006, 02:12 PM

Mary, you are an inspiration! 200 miles til 5K! I am so sorry you are sidelined for this time, but w/ibuprofen, vicodan, heat and rest, I am sure you will be back in the saddle in no time. It is heartachingly difficult to take time off the bike, especially when the beautiful weather beckons. Be gentle with yourself during this time and take good care of yourself, you deserve it!

Colleen

Geonz

11-25-2006, 03:05 PM

(could be worse... could be May ...)
4800 is a darned good goal, for that matter!

Tuckervill

11-25-2006, 03:29 PM

Mary, I had flashbacks just from reading your description. I've had my back worked on twice and the second time was worse than the first. It happened just like you said, all of a sudden, but it was becasue I was wearing HIGH HEELS.

If you're not better in a day or two, go ahead and see someone else about it, will you? I suffered for 3 months and surgery was the only thing that helped. Maybe a bit of PT can get you on the bike again.

I hope you get better soon!

Karen

mary9761

11-26-2006, 09:55 AM

Thanks everyone. I thought that I'd pop in again for a minute while I can sit without too much pain. I appreciate all the kind words from you all. I think I'll be trying to get another appointment tomorrow or go to the ER as I'm not really getting much better. My heart goes out to the rest of you who are and/or have been off the bike due to injuries/illness. This BITES! It's another gorgeous day outside and I've spent the better part of the last almost 4 days flat on my back.
I keep having flashbacks of being stuck in bed for several months after falling down the steps in '88. I just got my life back and have been improving my health and I most DEFINITELY DON'T want to back where I came from physically or mentally. I hope that the doc can figure out what this is, and what caused it so I don't do it again to reinjure whenever I get it healed. In the meantime I can watch my spot drop like a lead sinker. :(

ridethewind

11-26-2006, 10:08 AM

Hey Mary...here's hoping this is just very temporary and you can get back on your bike soon. I had a similar experience a couple of years ago. Have no idea what I did, but it was so bad I could not even get into a car to go to the doctor at first. Turned out x-rays showed I have arthritis in my lower back. The doc prescribed p.t. and that helped a lot. I still have a low-grade ache in my back, but--knock on wood--no recurrence of that terrible pain. Hope you get some relief soon.

margo49

11-26-2006, 11:53 AM

Thoughts and prayers your way...
Endless cups of tea, is my complementary prescription.
(If there is no one to *make* them make yourself a big thermos-full and pour it out cup by cup)

LBTC

11-26-2006, 09:14 PM

Mary,

I'm sending healing hugs and butterflies your way to take away your heartache and backache all at once.

Give yourself time to heal. And enjoy beauty to help lift your spirits.

With your will of steel we know this won't hold you back for long!

Namaste,
~T~

ridethewind

12-04-2006, 01:05 PM

Hey, Mary.....how are you feeling now? I hope the back is much better.

____________________
Jean

mary9761

12-04-2006, 05:47 PM

Thanks for asking Jean, I'm actually not any better. In fact there are times I think it's worse. I did finally see MY doctor today and he's ordered an MRI ASAP so we can see if it's a bulging disc or what is going on. We've changed my meds from Vicodin and flexerell to percocet and valium. I went through a week of prednisone hell but it didn't do any good either.
I still have trouble getting comfortable sitting, standing, walking or even trying to lie down. I'm taking things a day at a time. It's so frustrating. I dug out my cane and used it for the first time in nearly 2 years to get to the doctor's office on the bus today. The pain meds seem to be making me drowsy, but I'm hoping they can let me sleep tonight.
My Doctor said we'll get the MRI, check the results and the next step will be to see a neuro surgeon depending what it shows, possibly injections or surgery if it's necessary. I'm trying to watch Heroes right now and then I hope I can just pass out for the night, it's been a LONG day.

Bikingmomof3

12-04-2006, 07:32 PM

Keep us posted Mary. I am sorry you are still in so much pain.

twin

12-04-2006, 08:03 PM

I hope you start to feel better and can ride soon. Congratulations on the miles you have and might have.

ridethewind

12-05-2006, 04:08 AM

Sorry to hear you aren't any better, Mary. Back pain is a real bummer. I hope the MRI will pinpoint the problem so the doc will know what needs to be done to fix it. Hang in there.

_____________________________
Jean

cosc

12-05-2006, 04:29 AM

Mary I'm so sorry your still in pain. Worse bummer than ever being sick during the holidays. I hope Dr. can figure a way to help you feel better quick. It's hard for me not being able to ride in the winter weather, but I shouldn't be down when I'm healthy and feeling well, Huh? I'll keep you in my prayers.

HappyAnika

12-05-2006, 09:02 AM

Hi Mary, I'm sorry you're not feeling any better. I've been in a similar situation, I had some twisted vertebrae at the base of my spine pinching my sciatic nerve. All of the pain was in my back and middle, luckily no leg pain, but I couldn't walk, stand, sit, lie down, I was miserable. I went to see a chiropractor and within hours I was feeling unbelievably better. Went back the next day, then two days after that and within a week I was almost back to normal. I was scared about seeing a chiropractor since what you see in the movies can be scary, spine cracking and popping, but it was just some gentle re-alignments that did a world of good. They also gave me some simple stretches and exercises to do at home which really helped. I hate to see you writing about taking vicodin and going to the ER, in recent years I've been increasingly fed up with traditional western medicine (treat the symptoms, not the cause), and have started looking more into homeopathic, osteopathic and wholistic remedies. This isn't to say that vicodin and ER's aren't valuable (vicodin was my friend after tearing my ACL and having two surgeries), but its not always the best route. Just my 2 cents. I hope you're feeling better soon, like I said, I've been there and I know how miserable it is. Best wishes for healing soon :)

Ninabike

12-05-2006, 09:03 AM

Mary, I just got back on the board today and saw your thread for the first time. So sorry to hear about your back problem. I'm sure the doctors will find the source of the problem and, whatever the treatment will be, you are such a strong person, you will handle it and continue to be an inspiration to us all.

All the best.
Nina

bikerchick68

12-05-2006, 12:31 PM

Aw Mary... I'm so sorry to hear you're hurting so much... this has been a horrid bike year for me too... my mom's health was not good and I had my own series of health issues including 2 surgeries and a cut hand that resulted in a BAD infection and no using it for the last 3 weeks now. Sheesh, this getting older thing blows so far...

Hope the docs figure out what's going on soon and can help you get pain free and back on the bike... 4800 miles is amazing lady! Last year was good for me and I was only at 4000... this year barely over 1000. Ouch.

Gentle hugs and positive vibes for healing headed your way...

eclectic

12-05-2006, 01:05 PM

:( :( :( sorry to hear that you aren't riding for awhile :(

Hope the pain is subsiding and you heal quickly :)

bcipam

12-05-2006, 01:42 PM

Mary - right now I feel your pain literally!

The Friday before Thanksgiving my buddy and I went to Disneyland. Had to stand around a long time waiting for fireworks. My back started hurting and got worse and worse. Next morning I was crippled. Although it hurt like the ****ens - it didn't keep me from riding the next week since I had off from work (it did keep me from doing any house work, laundry, yard work etc. Riding came first).

This last Friday, after I got home all of a sudden my left leg was on fire. The pain was so intense I got scared. I am very high pain tolerant. After my collarbone repair and my colon cancer surgery I took no pain killers but this pain was something else. Something more than I ever felt before.

So I called my buddy and had him take me to the ER. Since I could not localize the pain and it appeared to originate in my groin so I thought maybe my recent cancer surgery was the cause. The hospital conducted tons of tests - some not very pleasant. They couldn't find anything wrong and sent me home with a presciption for VIcodin.

Have to say although I hate taken drugs Vicodin ws my special buddy this weekend. All I could do was curl up on the couch and take it. I couldn't even straighten out as when I did the pain intensified. Now the pain was more localize... my hip? My knee? My shin? A blood clot? Was hard to say.

Made it to the ortho. surgeon today. Today my pain is in my shin. It's moving down my leg. The doctor measured my weakness and surprising my left leg is barely functioning. I could not walk on my left heel, or pushed the doctor's hand back with my toes, or keep the toes curled. Strange!

The doctor took x-rays and you can easily see the degenerative changes at L1 - L5. Tomorrow I go in for an MRI. The doctor gave me a cortisone shot in his office. Doesn't appear to be doing anything unfortunately and now my back hurt where I got the shot.:(

Funny story - I knew the doctor was going to give me a shot, I figure a shot, you know a small needle, some pain killer etc. The nurse out this huge horse syringe - I swear it was 8 " long! :eek: Next thing I know, everyone is looking at me strangely - appears I past out. My stomach was alittle queasy. The doctor gave me the injection. All I can say is I hope it was worth it cause I don't want to do that again!

Bottom line - I have "old lady who's too fat and does too much and has a bad back oh what can I do?" disease. Oh well.... :rolleyes:

bikerchick68

12-05-2006, 03:58 PM

AutumnBreez

12-05-2006, 06:23 PM

I wish you the best Mary! I swear by chiropractors, saved my mother and myself. So serious...give it a try.
You will get to your 5000. Don't go overboard once you feel bit better, it's easy to overdo it. Take care, ABCL

mary9761

12-06-2006, 06:22 AM

thanks ladies for all your responses. I don't know about chiropractor yet as my insurance doesn't cover anything like that. As it is, I'm going to be limited to what is done even when they figure out what is going on. It's draining enough with the pain, but I really don't like the doped up feeling either. I'm going to try to take this time to maybe catch up on some sewing gifts that I'm WAY behind on, but sitting is not that comfortable, plus I think I need to be careful operating the sewing machine. :P Don't need to sew my fingers into a toy while drugged up. Just really sick of laying around. I just finished my new HiViz safety orange vest for when I can get back on the bike. Maybe people will quit calling me pumpkin man.
Ok, I'm getting silly now so I'm going to go again. I hope you all stay healthy and have a great holiday.

bcipam

12-06-2006, 10:50 AM

yikes bcipam! keep us posted on that MRI... my mom is currently staying with me while recovering from a laminectomy for degenerative disc disease... she had the neck fused in 04... hopefully this will "fix" it for a long time now...

the good news? Recovery from fusion gave her back motion and life without pain... and so far on the back, it's looking good... we'll have a better idea in 3 months... total heal time...

Oh yeah.. and by the way, it's genetic... I told her I would have preferred the gene for a small butt and thighs... she assured me that gene does not run in the family...

Bikerchick - I might be asking you some more questions about your mom's surgery. It was suggested to me and frankly I am scared silly about it. 1) I vowed no more surgeries and hospital stays, I have had enough and 2) cutting on my back - just plain scary.

This has all just happened sortof out of the blue and I hope is an acute problem. I had a MRI today but had to leave it early because the pain in my leg was too intolerable. I'm going back tomorrow after taking after pain meds (yes someone will be driving me) to see if I can complete the MRI. I'm just hoping this won't keep me off the bike. I can sit without much problem. I figure I can cycle as well. What sucks is standing and laying down (such as for the MRI).
* * *

MAry just keep doing what the doctor tells you to do. Hopefully the problem will resolve itself.

One word/just my opinion: I am so against chiropractors - just handling injury claims for so many years I've seen the damage they can do. Yes I know folks swear by them and for minor issues, I think the massage they perform works great it's just when folks start going to them for neurological issues as oppose to sprain/strain. You can understand why some insurers won't cover chiro. services. If your insurance covers PT, that is more helpful. Good PT done under the doctor's careful eye, can resolve most sprain/strain issues. Neurological problems (such as my pinched nerve) cannot be rsolved through manipulattion. As you can imagine, moving things around when there's swelling and nerve damage can do no good!

It's like this... if you have a broken arm, you wouldn't have a chiro. manipulate it - you would leave it alone and let it heal. Same with neurological issues. Rest is best.

bouncybouncy

12-06-2006, 11:02 AM

heal fast mary!

i am still hopefull for your goal! I remember when you joined te...you are a determined woman!!!

hey...maybe we can have a virtual trainer ride...donate our miles to mary!!! or am i just high on ibuprofen???:p

mary9761

12-08-2006, 09:54 AM

Bcipam, I'm sorry to hear you're having more problems. You have had way too much on your plate to be worried about more problems. I hope they get you back on the mend again quickly!

Well, I must say I'm not surprised but very disappointed to find out it could be MONTHS before I get my MRI to find out what's going on in my back. Gotta love my insurance (NOT!!) When I wasn't hearing anything about getting my MRI this week as my doctor wanted, I called to see if it was scheduled yet. I was told NO that it wasn't scheduled and that THEY don't schedule them. The person who answered the phone said, the Doctor writes up the orders, they forward them to the department that does the CTs and MRIs and that it could take MONTHS to get one!!
I called the department again today and was told that they didn't have the orders yet that the office had to schedule the test. Sooooo I call the doctor's office back today AGAIN and tell them I was told they were supposed to make the appointment and was told that if the other office didn't have the paperwork that the DOCTOR hadn't made out the requisition yet!! All I know was that my doctor told me he wanted an MRI done THIS WEEK!! Well, it's Friday and it doesn't look like THAT'S going to happen. I don't care who is supposed to do what all I care about is I don't want to turn into a couch potato again while I'm waiting. This is so frustrating, I want to get my back healed so I can take some burdens off my mom and be able to watch my grandsons again. Tomorrow is supposed to warm back into the 40's again so I'm going to be cooped up NOT being able to ride AGAIN!!
Now I'm waiting for my meds to start working again and go lay down again. They say they are going to give the doc a message that I'd called asking about my test and have him call me. I won't hold my breath waiting for them to actually follow through with something they say that they're going to do, I might as well crawl into a cave and disappear as believe what they say. Sadly I'm not a football player who can go directly from the playing field with an injury and get tests run in a timely manner. I just tired of being tired and hurting and getting the run around. Sorry to vent again.:(

bcipam

12-08-2006, 10:22 AM

Mary - it's interesting and maybe insurance plans work differently but I saw the ortho Tues and had my MRI Wednesday (although I also had to go back Thursday as I couldn't complete the first session due to pain). My doctor called me last night after getting the MRI screens and I see him next Tuesday, meet with the surgeon most likely Wed. and Thursday and will hopefully have surgery in the next week or two. The Doctor's office did everything for me. I just had to show up.

I think I'm blessed with the plan I have. Between this and the cancer surgery - it's really come through for me. I have a PPO plan with United Heathcare in case anyone is interested.

Are you on an HMO? Regardless, insist on getting the test sooner. Ask the doctor's office why they don't do the scheduling (note my doctor's office not only did the scheduling but ran everything first thru the insurance plan to make sure everything would be covered).

If you are having the same pain, I can't imagine waiting any longer!!! Become the "squeeky wheel" sometimes its necessary!

mary9761

12-08-2006, 10:53 AM

I'm on the indigent program at our local county hospital so yeah, it's an HMO of sorts. Just getting in to see the doc is like pulling teeth. I'm just frustrated that I'm either in pain right now and or I'm in pain AND doped to the gills. I called the office several hours ago and of course the doctor hasn't called. The office will close in a few more hours and it will be another weekend confined to the house when I'd rather be riding. Last night I was dreaming of riding to my weekend ride and riding the route that I normally take to and from. I dreamed of leaving the group a bit earlier to get a head start and the riders passing me along the way.
I'm lucky to have any coverage at all, but it seems so many times that every time we need to be seen (wait hours to be seen for a few minutes since they schedule a dozen people to see the same doc at the same time) then wait for hours in the pharmacy to get our meds (often one window open to dispense meds for everyone) It doesn't matter if you've just been released from the hospital, just gotten out of the recovery room after surgery etc, you have to wait to get your meds. They close the pharmacy often before you get out of the emergency room and then you have to come back the next day and wait for hours again. It's just frustrating and I feel like an ungrateful whiner right now. I know there are so many people in worse shape in so many ways than me.. I know that a lot of this is the pain and meds talking and I shouldn't even be complaining. I've just come so far, I don't want to go back to where I was 18 years ago and that's what it feels like right now.

HappyAnika

12-08-2006, 11:07 AM

Ok, so BciPam has a bad opinion of Chiropractors, to each his own, but there are plenty of bad MDs, PAs, and PTs out there too. Simply put, I love my chiropractor.

Mary, if your insurance doesn't cover chiropractors, you might want to look into seeing a DO, Doctor of Osteopathy. They go through the same training that MDs do, they take the same board examinations, they are surgeons, orthopaedists, radiologists, cardiologists, all of the -ologists that MDs are, but they go through an additional type of training called Osteopathic manipulative treatment which is a hands on approach to diagnosing and treating all kinds of symptoms. Most insurance plans will cover DOs since they are essentially identical to MDs. Check out http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=ost_omt for some information. I can't imagine being that type of debiliating pain for months waiting on an insurance company. This might be an option to get you some helpful treatment while you're waiting for an MRI. Best of luck!

bcipam

12-08-2006, 12:33 PM

Mary - just make sure you get a DX before doing any physical treatment to make sure you won't injure yourself further. I can imagine if you have a cyst like me, PT or manipulation probably is not going to work or help.

Be patient and be strong. I would hate to be waiting so long to get help. You must be miserable and you have earned the right to whine. I feel for you and pray and hope you get help and relief soon. Until then, rest and relax. Let the back heal if it can. Big Hug. Please take care.

mary9761

12-14-2006, 05:13 PM

I wanted to give a quick update. I finally received an appointment card in the mail today for an Open MRI Monday at 1pm. I have a doctor's appointment that had already been scheduled before the back injury. I hope that they have some results by then so we can get to FIXING whatever is the problem. I'm sick of hurting and being doped up at the same time. I've got to get better so I can get back to watching my grandsons.

silver

12-14-2006, 06:28 PM

Hi Mary! I'm sooo sorry that you are still having trouble with this. I do hope tha tyou get some answers with the MRI. Take good care of yourself!

Geonz

12-14-2006, 07:31 PM

Gosh, and I just posted at BJ asking... but I know they want to know too. THinkin' of ye!

(P.S. I posted one of my fav'rite holiday greetings on my blog... link in my sig...)

Michelemarrano

12-15-2006, 09:18 PM

Hi Mary!! I live in Columbus, OH and I've been reading about your back pain. I regret you're in pain and your riding, which has been so impressive, is on hold. In 2000 I herniated a disc in my back and surgery, etc...was being discussed. I took it upon myself to go to the Y and swim for an hour each day--at least in the water I felt "normal" again. In order to avoid additional injury by turning my head out of the water to breath as I swam a freestyle stroke, I wore a mask and snorkel so I did not have to lift my head out of the water. I was able to keep my entire spine stationary as I swam laps for an hour. In three months I was injury and pain free, no surgery, and I went back to working out with weights and riding again in 3 months.

My preferred exercise is bicycling (50 miles/week is my training goal) but I know the pool is always there for me should I be incapacitated. I hope this helps, XOXOX MH

RoadRaven

12-17-2006, 12:36 PM

Oh Mary
I have an inkling of how devastatingly frustratingly horrid this must be for you

I was off my bike for most of September with chronic back pain which fortunately came right with a course of strong anti-inflammatory tabs

Everything hurt - sitting, standing, stepping, lying down... and that was only a few weeks

My thoughts join the others here with hopes for quick relief and respite from the pain and discomfort... and a speedy and full recovery from it all...

silver

12-19-2006, 12:26 AM

Mary, this is silver's estrogen laden hubby:

I hope that the MRI identified something definitive.

Eight years ago, I had a similar problem with no "obvious" cause like a bulging disc.

So, my MD gave me a steroid pack that worked for a couple days, but then the pain was back. I had x-rays, but not MRIs, that showed nothing. Therefore, my MD's conclusion was it was time to "grin and bear it". He also gave me some meds that made me emotionally volatile - swinging from emotional to aggressive at the drop of a dime.

One day, in an act of desperation, I apprehensively made an appointment with an acupuncturist and a chiropractor :eek: . The acupuncture didn't do anything, the chiropractor cured me :D .

The chiropractor x-rayed me standing up (the MD's x-ray was laying down). The MD was looking for a bone spur or disc problem; the chiropractor was looking for a skeletal misalignment. The standing x-ray showed a very clear spinal misalignment that twisted my hips and pressed my right hip against the sciatic nerve. He 'pounded' my hip back in to place over a period of thrice weekly visits for 12 weeks. Ugh!

Eight years later, I still get regular adjustments and consult my chiropractor at the first signs of pain.

I wish you the best on this...it's a shame that insurance is such a complication.

silver

12-19-2006, 12:29 AM

This is silver's hubby again:

I'm may not be a doctor, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night...;)

I believe that you can check for a serious misalignment by standing on two identical scales at the same time (maybe at Bed Bath and Beyond).

Theoretically, a balanced body will weigh the same on both scales; the more difference between the two scales, the greater the misalignment.

Might be an easy self check without spending money:confused: .

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-19-2006, 05:07 AM

mary9761

12-19-2006, 04:38 PM

Thanks again everyone, and Silver's estrogen laden hubby :D I did finally get the MRI yesterday and have an appointment tomorrow with my doc so as much as I really hate having tests showing something wrong, I hope they see something on the MRI as well. I want to get my life back.
I'm recouperating again from a really BAD day yesterday after running out of meds because of no refills and red tape with the doc's office. Finally got a new script but I was in terrible pain by the time I got home. Thankfully between exhaustion and the meds I passed out. I'm doing better this evening.
I'm going to make sure I take a good dose of meds in me before I head to the doctor's office because one never knows how long one will have to wait there.
The plan as of right now at least is for my doc to look at the results of the MRI then referr me to a neurosurgeon for their consult/decision of what will be the best course of treatment. I just hope this doesn't drag out like the first time I injured my back years ago. I know this is worse though because when I had the compression fractures in 1988, I didn't have the leg pain.
I'm ready to get healed and send the poop faery back to where ever he/she came from (don't ever want anyone else to be visited by them either) we've had way too much illness/injury/surgery/financial situations in our family all at once here in the past few weeks.
Depending on how I'm feeling physically when I get home tomorrow afternoon/evening, I'll try to post whatever update I get from the doc. If it ends up I need surgery, I want it over with ASAP as well. I just need to get back to my abnormal (nothing is EVER normal in my family)
I hate the fact that now even for small amounts of groceries that I would have ridden my bike to get or have walked for I have to call someone to come and get me. Quite the reminder to myself and hopefully my family to see just how important my bike riding is/was.

BTW I just tried the scale thing, one regular non digital and the other digital it wouldn't work. I kept getting an error message on the digital and I was too tired to keep fighting with it.

Anyways thank you all again for the thoughts and prayers. May you all have a safe and happy holiday season. I apologize to any who may be having problems that I may have missed during this time. I have been limiting my sitting time at the computer as sitting is one of the more painful activities with this. I'm trying to catch up on some WAY overdue christmas toys for my neices and nephews that were started a couple years ago before I started watching my grands and lost that time to work on my dollmaking. Luckily all but a bit of it is already sewn and only needs stuffing and/or assembly. I'm hoping to finish it and if I get a chance I'll show you all what I'm doing to bide my time when I'm not flat on my back playing solitaire on my cell phone. I used to have all my art doll and play items on a picturetrail site, but I didn't pay to keep it up so the photos aren't online anymore. In my other life before cycling I was and to an extent still try to be a cloth doll/figurine artist with many originals. Most of what I'm working on right now are originals.

maillotpois

12-20-2006, 06:38 AM

Good luck at the doctor's Mary. Let us know how it goes.

I would probably try to get by without taking any meds to go to the doctor's just so they can see how excruciating it is and you can describe it better. But I know it's a lot of pain.

bcipam

12-20-2006, 09:24 AM

Mary since surgery is most likely in my future - I look forward to your reports especially if you do have surgery. The prospect scares the begeezus out of me and frankly I can't stand thinking about another year not being able to ride.

Let me know what the doc has to say.

Question re your pain meds... I've been taking them as sparingly as possible each day - just to take the edge of the pain so I can work and sleep. The pain meds however has really messed up my system. Has this happened to you and if so, how are you dealing with it? Milk of Mag has become my best friend! :(

Tuckervill

12-20-2006, 03:33 PM

Pam, some of those narcotic-y pain meds mess up my system, too.

I had back surgery x 2 at L4-5 about 10 years ago. The first thing they did after I started PT was put me on a stationery bike. If I had been a cyclist then, I know I would have been able to ride after I had recovered. It wouldn't have taken a year, either. Of course, YMMV. But I don't think you'll be looking at a whole year of being unable to ride. You might have to curtail, or work up distance slowly, but not ride at all? I don't think so.

Vibing for a good outcome for you and Mary,
Karen

foamy-rules

12-20-2006, 03:39 PM

hi mary

sorry to hear about your back pain,i can relate as i injured my back 3mths ago and have just started back riding regulary. it is amazing how much we need a strong back with strong core muscles. by hurting my back it showed me how weak my core muscles were and now i have been on a strength program to ensure that i am less likely to injure my back again. all i can say is drugs, massage therapy & acupuncture had the best effect.

chin up & you'll hit your goal very soon

mary9761

12-20-2006, 06:18 PM

I saw my doctor today and the results are in.. I DEFINITELY have a bulged disc and pinched sciatic nerve.

From the MRI report

A. There is grade 1 anterolisthesis of L4 and L5.

(Layman's terms sort of ) In anterolisthesis, the upper vertebral body is positioned abnormally compared to the vertebral body below it. More specifically, the upper vertebral body slips forward on the one below.

The amount of slippage is graded on a scale from 1 to 4. Grade 1 is mild (20% slippage), while grade 4 is severe (100% slippage).

B. There is mild anterior height loss of vertebral bodies T11 and T12 with minimal degenerative change at this level. No associated bone marrow edema or bony fragments.
(I'm guessing this is likely one of my original compression fractures from my accident in 1988)

C. There is disc desiccation at L4 - L5 and L5 - S1 with mild space narrowing at these levels.

Basically I've been told L1 through L3 - L4 basically look normal with no disc compromise.
L4 - L5 show degenerative disc disease with a mild stenosis (pinching) of the nerve root
L5 - S1 is a diffuse bulged disc, lateralizing to the right (why I have the pain in my right leg) This is where the real damage is.

Our next step is a new course of another prednisone type and a referral to a neurosurgeon to see what he feels is the next step we need to do be it surgery or what.

It's been a LONG day and I'm probably going to be laying down soon to rest and will likely try to be online a bit more tomorrow.

My doctor says that I will likely be able to get back on the bike eventually, but being a cyclist , he did say that whatever bike I get on that we make sure the fit is right to keep pressure off the lower back etc. I told him that right now I'm on a comfort bike so I'm for the most part in an upright position and that when the time comes I'm comfident that Jimmy at The Bike Line will make sure we've got the bike adjusted correctly if there needs to be any changes made.

Thanks again for all the good thoughts, prayers etc. I have gone back to the original dose of antidepressant that I'd been prescribed some time back and that I'd cut in half (with the Ok of the doctor) since my cycling had improved my mood etc. I'm hoping that it's going to help elevate my mood from the deeper depression I had started to fall into.

I don't know how soon I'll be able to see the neurosurgeon but I'm hoping it's sooner than later. My DH has some health issues we're checking into as well so the stress from it has NOT helped my stress from my injury or other things that the POOP faery has dropped on our family for the holidays. Here's hoping the POOP FAERY is FLUSHED away and NEVER bothers anyone else!:mad:

Take care and I will check in again tomorrow when I'm a bit more rested.

Mary

Bcipam - re the fun stuff narcotics do to your system... the doctor prescribed colace (a stool softener) that can actually be purchased over the counter. Doctor also told me to keep an eye on any OTHER changes in bowel or bladder function as that can be signs of other (increased severity) changes in the nerve being pinched. Good luck.. I have a feeling surgery is in my future as well unfortunately as I have to get better asap so I can get back to watching my grandchildren.

bikerchick68

12-21-2006, 08:54 AM

Mary... I'm glad to hear that you at least now know what is wrong...
hopefully it can be corrected without the surgery...

bcipam... keep me posted and let me know as your surgery approaches... I've been thru this twice with mom... one was a fusion of the neck and the one 11/16 that she is recovering from was a laminectomy... I'm here to answer any questions that I can...

Hoping you BOTH get better soon...

Triskeliongirl

12-21-2006, 10:50 AM

Hi Mary, I am so sorry you are going through this, but knowledge is power. At least you now have a definitive diagnosis and can start taking appropriate steps to be healthy. Someone suggested water exercise. Ask you doctor if that is a good idea, or if he can suggest other movement (stretching, yoga, etc.). that is safe for you to perform now. I think anything you can do to stay active will help you get through this. Maybe even a recubment bike may be an option. Good luck at sorting it all out, and try to keep your spirits up. -e

DrBadger

12-21-2006, 11:56 AM

Hey Mary-
Sorry to hear that you are still feeling so poorly, but at least you know what is causing the pain now. I know exactly what you are experiencing. 6 years ago i fell and herniated the disc between L4 and L5, I was a senior in college trying to finish and apply to graduate school, so I put up with extreme leg pain for ~ 6 months before seeing the neurosurgeon and having a micro-discectomy. I would not recommend waiting. See the surgeon, and if he thinks that surgery is your best option I would recommend getting it done sooner rather than later. The longer you wait the more possibility there will be permanent damage to the nerves, no fun.

The surgery it self was really not that bad... over night in the hospital, but the first time I got out of bed following surgery the leg pain was gone! Granted, now I had pain in my back from them cutting and digging around... but I was glad not to have the pain in my back!

As for the pain meds... I don't deal well with them either, and find that they make me quite depressed as well. For the 6 months I was in pain I was on therapeutic doses of Naproxen (Aleve), it is stronger than ibuprofen, but isn't a narcotic. I think that I was taking 2 Aleve (440 MG) 3-4 times a day under Dr supervision. This is what a prescription dose would be, but we were using the over the counter meds.

Good luck getting in to see the neurosurgeon soon, and keep your chin up. If surgery is your best option it isn't that bad, and you will be out riding again in no time (maybe on the trainer at first to protect the back from falls). I am back to an even more active lifestyle than I was pre-surgery.

PABadger

bcipam

12-21-2006, 12:35 PM

Mary

Pam here checking in. Well I guess your DX is not unexpected. After the first of theyear I also get to do the cortisone injections (in the hospital) to see if I get any relief. I'm hoping that's just the ticket. Right now my pain (with alittle help from the pain meds) has subsided and last night and today have been the first days I could walk normally, not all gimpy. I'm hoping your back calms down soon and you get some relief.

I'm wondering about your riding. My doctor said it was good for me and I have to say, I do feel well riding and afterwards, have hours of relief but I'm not positioned up on my bike, I'm fairly bent over, stretched out. The doctor said (and it appears to be the case) that flexing the back right now is a good thing. Have you tried that or is it just too painful?

We basically have issues at the same location but different DX - yours being a disc budge and mine being stenosis due to arthritis . But I can see bending and stretching will take pressure off the disc. Sitting upright would put pressure on the disc.

* * *

PABadger - I'm a firm believer in Aleve and have tried to take that for relief but unfortunately it'seither just not strong enough or isn't working the way I need, as I still have pain while on it so I'm still struggling with the Vicodin although right now down to 1 tab a day (1/2 in the am 1/2 at night). Kind if hoping to get down to 1/2 in the pm soon. My system is getting better I think cause I cut down the dosage.