Off bike for a while

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

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

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. :(

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.

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)

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~

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


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Jean

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.

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

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

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.

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Jean

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.

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 :)

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

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...