Multi-level disc injury - frustrated rant

[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 )))))

[Bethany1]

Hang in there. Neck/back injuries take a long time to heal and yeah, may be be even chronic. However; you can get through this. It's like one step forward, two steps back. Don't give up and give your body time to heal. Easier said than done, I know. If it hurts stop.

If you need to see other docs, do so and know your options. Get the help you need.

With neck/back injuries, have you thought of a recumbent if needed? I've ridden a couple and enjoyed them. My back is bad and sometimes I think one would be perfect. Was drooling over one at the LBS today. Yes, they are totally different, but I hate for you to think you'll never ride a bike again.

Thinking good thoughts and ((((HUGS)))).

[redrhodie]

(((Oakleaf))). This really sucks. I hope you get better quickly.

[malkin]

I had a disk event about 13 years ago, and yah--it takes months to get through. The course was pretty up and down too; I'd feel a bit better then have a set back pushing a grocery cart or something else mundane. All the sciatica, tingling, numbness could come and go and defied all my attempts to figure out what helped and what made it worse.

Hang in there, keep up the good work, and you'll get better.

[jessmarimba]

Ahhhhh jinxed myself by reading this! My back is seizing and I can't go from sitting to standing without serious pain. I hope it calms down soon because I have to fly in the morning...

So no, I will vouch that back pain recovery is absolutely NOT linear