So frustrated but improving

Ollie · #1 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 01:43 PM

Hi all.
One or two of you may already know that I have been suffering lower back problems for some months.

This has really been getting me down as I have been very restricted in what I can do. The last couple of weeks this got much worse, to the point where I have had to take time off work and haven't been able to get out at all with the camera. This is so frustrating for me as I'm usually a very active person.

It's even been restricting the amount of time I could spend on WAB as siting at the PC for more than ten minutes or so was too painful.

Anyway to cut a long story short I finally went to see a chiropractor instead of my doctor. The doctor had just given me painkillers and anti inflammatory tablets which although they helped me cope did nothing to cure the problem.

The chiropractor diagnosed severe inflammation of my lower back, spine area with what he thought were at least two trapped nerves. Anyway I have since had a further two sessions of manipulative treatment with the chiropractor and am feeling much better with less pain than I have had for several months. Got at least another couple of sessions with the chiropractor, probably more to follow by which time I should be back up to speed. I am also using ice packs on my back several times a day

The frustrating thing is I can look out the window and see what great weather we are having, seen a couple of small tortie butterflies in the garden and although I can walk in the garden bending with the camera is a no no at the moment. I realise this is for the best as I want to be fit for when the dragon and damselflies begin emerging in around a months time.

Anyway hope you are all enjoying this lovely weather and will see you all around the forums if not in person at any of the WAB meets I manage to get to
Roger

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 01:57 PM

You have my sympathies Roger, I damaged my back several years ago bending down to pull a plug from a socket. The pain was indescribable, doctor prescribed painkillers and time off work - the only time I was ever off work for any period of time. My partner had to dress and undress me as I could hardly move, and trying to sleep was a nightmare as I couldn't move in bed, even the slightest movement caused terrible pain. I recovered after a few months but still get a lot of stiffness, but usually if I sit too long and walking actually seems to help.

Good Luck,

Ron

Pete Collins · #3 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 02:01 PM

Roger,

Having suffered from lower back problems myself, you have my sympathy - I hope the chiropractor soon sorts it out for you. I know how frustrated you must feel at not being able to get out and take the photos you want - I remember how awful I felt about not being able to go for my usual long walks.

Anyway, I hope you are soon back to normal, and that in the meantime you can still join us here on WAB at least occasionally.

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 02:17 PM

Thanks for the kind words Ron and Pete. Ron I have had the same problems getting dresed. Getting socks on was the worse and tying shoe laces was completely out. Resorted to slip ons in the end.

Anyway thanks again both of you and as I said I'm on the mend
Roger

ron1863 · #5 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ollie

Thanks for the kind words Ron and Pete. Ron I have had the same problems getting dresed. Getting socks on was the worse and tying shoe laces was completely out. Resorted to slip ons in the end.

Anyway thanks again both of you and as I said I'm on the mend
Roger

Know what you mean Roger I couldn't do socks for weeks and was scared to sit for too long as I had to be helped up. As you say, the most frustrating part is being unable to do anything, especially go out. Hopefully your back will get better in time, my back took a few months until I felt confident enough to go back to work. My doctor advised me to try to keep active but not to bend, lift or make sudden movements. At the time the advice was easy to follow as I couldn't do any of them anyway. Still you can always take wildlife photographs out of the window.

Ron

Kayleigh · #6 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 02:41 PM

Sorry to here about your back problems Ollie..Just rest and hope it gets better soon..Have you have physiotherapy..If not its worth it..

Ollie · #7 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Sorry to here about your back problems Ollie..Just rest and hope it gets better soon..Have you have physiotherapy..If not its worth it..

Thanks Kayleigh. Following instructions of chiropractor at the moment but will definitely follow your suggestion up when the time comes.
Roger

FungiJohn · #8 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 03:42 PM

Sorry to hear of your back problems Roger. Hopefully you are now getting the proper treatment and care.

I hope things improve quickly and that you will be soon be able to return to do the things you love doing the most ... and providing us with your excellent images and advice here on WAB.

Take care my friend.

John

hobble · #9 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 06:06 PM

If you can lie down on the floor, carefully and lift your calves up and rest them on a dining chair, relax with your arms out too your side.
Try to do this several times a day, for 10-15 minutes.
On getting back up roll onto your side and get up slowly.
This will open and relax your back.
It's what we do when we have a bad back.

aeshna5 · #10 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 06:20 PM

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I know how frustrating back problems can be.

Ollie · #11 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 06:29 PM

Many thanks John, hobble and aeshna5 your comments and best wishes are truly appreceated.

First time in many weeks that I can sit at the PC in relative comfort
Roger

Wild-Woman · #12 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 06:29 PM

Poor Roger! I really hope your pain disappears soon. Very frustrating indeed.
Get well soon!

Jules

Pete Collins · #13 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ollie

Thanks Kayleigh. Following instructions of chiropractor at the moment but will definitely follow your suggestion up when the time comes.
Roger

I would recommend physiotherapy too. When I had my back problems I originally went to an osteopath - while that helped, I only really got things sorted out when I went to a physio. But I guess all injuries are different, and different therapies suit particular people/injuries.

And like both Roger and Ron, I struggled at times to put my socks on. Looking back, I can see the funny side ("A grown man, and can't put his own socks on!"), but it certainly wasn't funny at the time!

Ollie · #14 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Poor Roger! I really hope your pain disappears soon. Very frustrating indeed.
Get well soon!

Jules

Thanks Jules, and Pete I will certainly look down that route. For the time being though I am folowing the chiropractor's instructions to the letter. He has done more for me in a week than a doctor has managed in months.

Roger

matt_xyz · #15 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 06:52 PM

I hope you're feeling better soon Roger. I can imagine your frustration.

Matt

JeffH · #16 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 07:00 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of your back problems Roger - you have my sympathies (having suffered a prolapsed disc some 5 years ago

). I do hope your sessions with the chiropractor continue to improve things and that you're soon able to get out and about again.

Jeff

geordie graham · #17 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 07:08 PM

I have had severe chronic back pain for 10 years and providing the rest of my body stays healthy will continue to have for many years to come.Chronic pain is one of the most debilitating things and I would not wish it on my worst enemy.Unfortunately when you mention back pain you instantly get"trying to skive a few weeks off work".I would love to give these people a good hefty kick in the spine then tell to get on with it.Here`s hoping everyone gets some relief.

Graham

Ollie · #18 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 07:13 PM

Many thanks Matt Jeff and Graham

I am truly overwhelmed by the response. This is what makes WAB stand out from other sites. There is a true sense of caring on here and looking out for others

I am now retiring for a while to use an ice pack, will be back on line later this evening all being well

Thanks again Roger

badgerwatcher · #19 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 07:36 PM

Total sympathy, Roger. I had a trapped nerve about 15 years ago now. I've probably told you before, so forgive me if I have. I know how excruciating the pain can be. And I still remember the frustration, however kind people were in offering to help me, of WANTING TO DO IT MYSELF!!!!! I had to use a walking stick for a long time afterwards. I had to accept help for the silly trivial things like putting clothes on. I had to drink tea through a straw because I could only lie on one side for months and endless months, let my son wash my hair as I hung my head over the side of the bed, smell dinner burning downstairs and have no control over it. I had some private manipulation but ran out of money, so had to stop.
But it's a long way behind me now. I still have to be careful how I lift things, should have been before. I still have trouble reaching my feet. My back has got stronger gradually, and strengthening my stomach muscles with exercise made a huge difference.
You will get through this. Time is dragging endlessly now. But now you are healing. Soon it will be behind you. This is not forever. Hang in there.

tufftie · #20 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 07:43 PM

Hoping you improve soon - backs are not good been there. Had a slipped disc some years ago and nothing worked. The thing tht did work was some herbal tablets called CNS - see link below. They worked where even tramadol failed.
Raintree Health (UK) Ltd.

There is also PMG's methods on the alternative remedy thread

Ian Gray · #21 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 07:48 PM

I know exactly what your going through Roger and yes it's very frustrating, annoying, depressing........ I could go on. The good news is you've discovered what a chiropractor can do for you. I've had problems with my pelvis which twists and tilts which leads to problems with my spine and neck. I discovered the magic the chiropractors can do about 10 years ago and haven't looked back. I now live totally pain free, all I have to do is have a checkup every six months for some minor manipulation. It's not something I look forward to, especially the electronic machine he wires me up to at the start which is designed to relax my muscles but only succeeds in making me more tense, but he's worth every penny. Hope you have the same success.

Ian

Ollie · #22 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 08:59 PM

Many thanks for the kind words badgerwatcher, tuftie and Ian. and thanks for the link tuftie.

I was very sceptical about visiting a chiropractor but boy am I pleased I did. The one I'm using certainly seems to know his stuff and as I said he has done wonders for me in a week and I can see light at the end of the tunnel

Roger

jennyb · #23 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 09:02 PM

Roger, I also understand what you are going through. Back problems can be really debillitating. Touch wood, mine is a lot better these days but I have to be very careful. Keep your chin up - it will get better.

Jenny

Ollie · #24 (**permalink**) 31-03-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennyb

Roger, I also understand what you are going through. Back problems can be really debillitating. Touch wood, mine is a lot better these days but I have to be very careful. Keep your chin up - it will get better.

Jenny

Many thanks Jenny. Just reading all the messages and encouragement on here lifts ones spirits. I have my next session with the chiropractor on Wednesday and each session so far has improved me after getting over the initial soreness from the manipulation.

Thanks
Roger

ron1863 · #25 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 09:03 AM

Roger, I think that WAB could start a backache club