Monday, 10 September 2012

  • Finally, I Can Walk

    It only took six months, but I can walk normally again.  Well, about as normally as I'll ever walk. 

    I finally was able to get to the VA at the end of the week for my steroid injections for my back.  And holy giant friggin needle, did it hurt!  First time I got the injections, the clinic on base sent me out to a private practice for the injections.  They knocked me out.  Not the VA.  Wide awake. 

    They gave me a topical anesthetic, but it didn't help much.  I still felt the big needle, and really felt it when they injected whatever it is they inject.  The pain radiated down my leg, about 10x as bad when the nerve was pinched.  I was so worried they did something wrong.  It still hurt like hell for a while after I left. 

    That feeling finally went away, and now, it feels pretty good.  It's still not quite right, but it's probably because I was favoring it so much for six months, I'm still favoring it though I don't need to.

    Hopefully this means I can start working out soon.  It's just a vicous cycle.  Back goes out, have to take it easy, and wind up putting on weight.  Extra weight makes back go out, which makes me have to take it easy, thus putting on more weight etc. 

    Of course, I was supposed to get physical therapy as well, but they're so backed up, they won't even bother trying to schedule me anything yet.  "You'll get a letter in the mail," that's what they told me two months ago.  So, it's at least a two month wait just to schedule therapy.  Sorry, but that's unacceptable. 

    Was actually able to get an appointment with my primary care physician for tomorrow, so hopefully, she'll clear me for some workouts.  At least walking and some ab work.  (Some folks go for the six-pack look... I went for the keg!)

    I'm hoping these injections last as long as the last set did.  Or at least long enough for me to get back into half-decent shape.  Here's hoping!

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Comments (10)

  • tendollar4ways

    I think I mentioned I had back issues which was a bulging disk. First time pain for 6 months and I walked like a bent over old man and the second I was bed ridden for 1 month. Pain was unbeleivable. I finally recoved and work my core muscles out and haven't had a problem in a few years.

    Know it sucks but it can get better but your situation might be different.
  • Megabyyte

    Ouch, I was cringing as I read that. Glad you're able to walk again, though, and hope you will be cleared for exercise. Yup, that would be quite the vicious cycle! Wishing you luck, grim!

  • whyzat

    I hope it works for you. I've hear those shots are really painful, but I also know that some people had had good results. Good luck.
  • MrTrololo

    Glad that shot is helping, back problems can be the worst!
  • Aloysius_son

    Here's hoping with you.

    .
  • Billy_Austin714
    Chiropractor has helped me tremendously the last few months. Good luck man. Back pain sucks. Hey, a college friend wrecked his dirt bike and broke his neck, paralyzed from neck down. Doctors said he would never walk again. He was a fighter (martial arts instructor actually, ) and he proved the doctors wrong. Took a couple years but he not only walked but fully recovered.
  • mtngirlsouth

    The VA is always so backed up. Rick says the needles they use to put the stuff in his knees is really big and that hurts too. I hope it lasts a long time for you and that you are able to lose the extra pounds. (I need to do so too.) 
  • PPhilip

    Why such a big needle? Maybe to inject more of the stuff into you. Maybe not watching it being put in can reduce the trauma?


    I would investigate other alternative treatments, the more options can be a pretty sensible thing to do.
  • big_fatslob

    Have you ever considered fasting? Finding a doctor who believes in it and doing a medically supervised fast can be very beneficial. My older brother did a 15 day fast lost 25lbs. My younger brother did a 10 day fast lost 20lbs. and now has lost 40lbs through healthy eating after the fast. I did a 7 day fast lost 10. And we were perfectly fine afterwards. It's not for everybody but it helps heal the body naturally if done properly.
  • grim_truth

    @mtngirlsouth - yeah, basically, I'm going to start working out on my own.  Start with walking and some light jogging, crunches, pushups.  I have absolutely no idea when the VA will start working with me for therapy.  With them, who knows.  Found a website and started counting calories.  The site makes it easy cuz you can search what you ate, and it'll put the nutrition info in for you so you don't have to do all the math.  www.myfitnesspal.com

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