Multi-level disc injury - frustrated rant

[shootingstar]

Keep us posted, Oak. Hang in there. Eat healthy, etc.

What else do you love to do besides jogging & cycling? (I know it's not the same, but still...mental life insurance is useful.)

[OakLeaf]

What else do you love to do besides jogging & cycling? (I know it's not the same, but still...mental life insurance is useful.)

Well you know the gear that lets people do things without using their arms is geared to people MUCH worse off than I. You can understand why I'm reluctant to go there. I am considering a portable massage table, that would at least let me read through the face hole.

[OakLeaf]

OK if I whine a little more? Ignore if not ...

The good news is at least I have a direction in mind. I started seeing a new PT three sessions ago, who's taking a different, more hands-on approach, releasing trigger points in my diaphragm (ow!) and intercostals as well as the more traditional muscles and doing more mobilization and stretching, less of the strength work that tends to aggravate whatever it isn't directly relieving.

Several people agreed that I'm most likely to be helped by an osteopath who practices Sutherland's techniques. The bad news is that the nearest ones are an hour and a half away over country roads that are just murder on my back. I have an appointment in a month. I'm planning to let DH drive, and lie down in the back of the car. Still...

The isolation is as bad as anything else. Basically everyone I know is from either cycling or yoga - I've tried going to some political meetings and stuff just to meet people, but I can't be upright that long. So the only people I have any interaction with all day are my husband and my therapists, and you guys and my FB friends.

I know I know I know a lot of people have it much worse. I just need to vent right now....

[indysteel]

I'm so sorry, Oak. While my isolation in the booming metropolis of Franklin, Indiana isn't quite as extreme as your situation, I definitely felt painfully bereft of my old cycling and running friends when we moved there. It's gotten better over time, but I still have far less interaction than I once did. I've cried many a time over it. So, I do understand at least part of your pain and sincerely hope that you find physical and emotional relief soon.

[redrhodie]

(((Oakleaf))). This sounds awful. I hope you find someone to help, and can get there in one piece. I hope you get your life back soon.

[2wheelr]

Oh, Oak, I'm so sorry to read about your troubles! My husband had 2 herniated discs a few months back, and for days he was flat on his back. He had jumped down from the rig and that was it-he was in so much pain he had to leave work. (That NEVER happens!) after spending 3 days completely on his back, he was able to move around a little but he couldn't drive, so he had to be driven into the city to see the doctor. Finally they prescribed PT and we have one around the block-she's fabulous. All the electrical stimulation, manual stuff,it did take some times but now he's back to work and doing well.

I hope your recovery comes soon for you. I'm glad you changed things up when it wasn't working. It's all about what's right for you and facilitates healing.

[Desert Tortoise]

Oak, sorry its been so rough for you. I know how you feel about not being able to do stuff and then isolation on top of that. I understand what you mean about others having it worse, but still, it hurts.

I hope the new PT works for you and the osteopath can bring more relief to you.

dt