Multi-level disc injury - frustrated rant

[Catrin]

(((Oakleaf))) I hear your frustration, and well remember what it felt like! It sounds like our situations were similar...

I don't know if this will help, but I remember well that about 3 months into my whiplash recover I was very depressed because I couldn't see how things could improve - and all of the things I loved to do caused problems. It took 8 months but I am back to my usual activities - and just returned to mountain biking. I never dreamed it would take this long, but it finally came.

Hang in there, it is hard to deal with a lingering injury and neck stuff appears to be prone to that. My neck still isn't 100%, and I don't expect it ever will be. If I overdo things then I still get a bit of inflammation in my neck where the whiplash was the worse but I know the signs and back off so it doesn't progress.

I hope this helps at least a little. Sending you hugs and good healing vibes. Do you think it might help to see another PT or specialist?

I love Veronica's idea about being a rest stop for riding buddies

[maillotpois]

I'm so sorry.

When I had to be off the bike for 6 months for a medical issue, I actually found that being on the forum, hearing about people cycling, etc., made me feel worse. So, for me, the idea of hosting a rest stop would not have been a positive thing. But that's me. Only you know what will work for you.

Have you exhausted options with medical professionals? In other words, have you gotten second, third, fourth opinions? I know you say your PT is awesome, but maybe just consulting with someone else, or a different orthopedist, might be helpful?

[jessmarimba]

I'm so sorry

Backs are so weird like that. Your recent setback may not have even been caused by anything you can pinpoint. I know some mornings I just wake up and it's a "hurt" day, unrelated to anything. I feel very lucky I've found the pilates/massage/therapist woman that I work with because some days I'm convinced she knows my back better than I do.

Just thought I'd mention, having a hammock (with no spreader bar, hung tightly enough that I can lay level across it) has really, really helped in relieving pressure for me. To the point that I rave about it all the time so I apologize if I've brought it up too often here Since you're supported evenly with no pressure points it seems to release nerves and muscles that get aggravated by my normal posture.

Also sort of random, but you may want to think about things you carry on a normal basis. I don't even carry a purse most of the time any more because even that slight imbalance seemed to have exaggerated effects.

Hope you're doing better soon! *careful hugs*

[OakLeaf]

Thanks all. I'm feeling a little better emotionally right now ... I can't forget to be thankful that at least I can run. It would be really bad news if I couldn't do any cardio at all. For DH as much as for me - that just makes me mean.

I've read that discs can take six months to heal. It's probably normal that progress isn't linear - maybe -

[Crankin]

I hope you are feeling better, Oak. I've had minor back issues, so I can only imagine what you feel like. On the other hand, I did not deal well with not being able to ride for other reasons, so I hope you can concentrate on your rehab and eventually return to riding. I second the advice to get another opinion.

[Catrin]

(((Oakleaf))) don't you hate it when healing doesn't progress in a linear fashion? Hang in there, and nothing wrong about venting here when it gets too frustrating. Can you get a second opinion, or see a different PT just to see?

[yellow]

Hang in there, girl. Caring properly for your body is a life long, hard thing to do. A lot of people don't, and don't often appear to have problems. Then there are those of us who do yet seem to have the rotten luck. I know, it doesn't seem fair. I think of it as using my body as it was intended to be used. I have some parts that don't work so well, but I learn to work around them as I go along.

I too work with a physical therapist that is probably like jessmarima's PT. Mine is a manual PT. She tried me on the pilates reformer but even the loading from the shoulder pads fired up the nerve pain and numbness. We work on mobility a lot, and I'm always searching for something to make it just a little bit better. In the meantime I am grateful that I can do what I do (can't ride a bike for more than 1-1.5 hours or ride in a car comfortably for more than an hour but can run 50 miles. Go figure). It's way better than it was before surgery but I think I've finally figured out that it will never be what it was when I was 30. So I'm just going for the biggest RAWR I can while I can. Never know when I'll be reduced to purring on the couch contentedly!

((((( <3 )))))