Spending New Years in the hospital

[Swan]

Thanks, ladies! I'll be sure to take it slow. My physical therapist recommended cycling, yoga and swimming as means to help my back, and since I'm already doing two (swimming and cycling), I think I'll do well with therapy. Yoga seems a little frightening without an instructor, though, so I'll just do gentle stretches each day.

I'm still not on my bike, but I'm well enough that I was able to spend time with my bike by cleaning her up more than the usual wipe down before and after rides. It was a very satisfying way to pass the time. I've also noticed that since I started riding my bike, a lot more people are doing the same thing in the immediate area! I saw two high school kids, for instance, and the old couple I was biking with... None of them were wearing helmets, but it's really exciting to see people pick up cycling way out here.

Actually, all this stuff is probably really boring to slugg through, right? Maybe I should just start a bicycling blog...

[goldfinch]

Not boring at all! We all learn from each other's journey.

[Swan]

Thanks goldfinch

I've been referred to a PT clinic, and I'm hoping that I'll be able to get into aquatic therapy. *crosses fingers* The doctors and physical therapists I've seen thus far have all agreed that cycling will be very beneficial to my back pain, provided I don't hurt myself doing it. I'm so relieved about that! I have an appointment on Wednesday at the PT clinic, so we'll see how it goes from there. Since being home, my back seemed to get better, but I over the past two days I think I've overdone it a bit as it's beginning to hurt quite a lot again... maybe PT will sort me out

[Swan]

PT on Wednesday, but today I was able to move around as normal, with only a few twinges of pain (and a weird throbbing in my leg? hmm).
No matter how much I want to, I know I shouldn't push myself to get on the bike right away, especially since yesterday was a very painful day. I don't want to ruin myself just before physical therapy... but then I also don't want physical to put back my progress if something goes wrong. All in all the weirdest thing about wanting to recover is that I want to recover so I can start cycling again. Why can't I want to get better just to get better? Ha! This sport has ruined me (and I love it)

[Catrin]

....All in all the weirdest thing about wanting to recover is that I want to recover so I can start cycling again. Why can't I want to get better just to get better? Ha! This sport has ruined me (and I love it)

Good luck with PT (for both of us) It is also glad to hear that someone else has been assimilated I hear you, and I love it as well!

[Swan]

Good luck with PT (for both of us) It is also glad to hear that someone else has been assimilated I hear you, and I love it as well!

Hey Catrin! I hope your PT is going well... : )

Today I was given a 30min massage (w-ow!) and treated to electrical shock therapy for 15 with a nice heating pad for a blanket. It was pretty comfy! I must say, though, that while I felt much better during the therapy, shortly after leaving my back felt worse and worse until this point where it isn't possible to walk (again! dagg nabbit!). I had a sneaking suspicion PT would do this... I go back again tomorrow and Friday, so hopefully things will look up then!

[Catrin]

I've not been there yet, I see Bill Friday morning bright and early. I hope he can help, if not I've the name of a good chiro who specializes in shoulders.

I am glad to hear that you at least received some temporary relief and they can resolve the problem for you.

[Swan]

PT is a nightmare. I really don't think the therapists know what they're doing, as I always end up in extreme pain and crying within the first few minutes of every appointment. I don't want to keep going, and I can barely convince myself to keep doing the stretches they put me through when it hurts bad enough to cry like a baby. I felt like I was getting better before, but every day after PT, even after the hotpacks and EST and massages, I feel worse and worse. My back is almost as bad as it was when I had to go to the hospital, but I'll spare anyone that reads this the long-winded horror story of my PT experiences. I'm just really frustrated and upset and I don't want to bother with this anymore, even though I want to heal up.

[Catrin]

{{{{Swan}}}} sending you lots of very gentle hugs, I hope they can give you relief soon! Have you considered going to another physical therapist? There are certainly a range of skills and experience out there...

[goldfinch]

Ask them why it should hurt so much and if it is "normal." Call you doctor and ask the same questions.

[luvmyguys]

More gentle hugs . . .

Dh has had to do physical therapy for more than one issue, and he finds that often, it does hurt at first, and then it gets better. That said, asking the doctor if the pain is normal is a good idea.

[emily_in_nc]

It shouldn't hurt to the point of tears! The PT I had after I fractured my pelvis and had surgery to pin it back together in '05 didn't even hurt that bad. It was challenging and there was "discomfort", but not to that point. Definitely talk to the PT about your concerns.

[Melalvai]

Did you mention the throbbing in your leg to anyone? Is it still throbbing? With forced inactivity because of your back pain, I'm concerned about blood clots.

I read "The Pain Chronicles" and it sounds like a lot of time, PT is still guesswork. Don't feel guilty about taking charge of your health and saying "no" if you think it is wrong. I strained my lower back recently and the OMM treatments have either not helped or made it worse. (I think I'm the one who made it worse, trying to do different activities thinking that would make it better, but that coincides with the treatments so I am not sure!)

[smilingcat]

Agree with Goldfinch and others!! Do talk to your PT and to YOUR DOCTOR about the pain and especially the throbbing pain in the leg. PT maybe overdoing it and your body may need to go slower with PT.

Tell your PT and your doctor of the pain you are having!! Tell them everything about the pain and discomfort you are having. Remember, they can't feel your pain or see your pain.

[OakLeaf]

Oh man (((((Swan))))). Ask your PT why it's hurting you so much - why you're not getting relief - and/or how soon you should start feeling better. How closely are they working with your doctor?