Hangging in there with my back!

After giving it some time I decided to NOT SELL the kayak and hang in there with my back issues. I just cant bring my self to give up on something I love so much.
My back is considerably better. Thanks to all those that showed concern.
I'm back!!! pardon the pun

Chuck

Awesome news Chuck!  Glad to hear that your back is feeling better!
A couple of minutes a day with a Pillates ball can do wonders for a F'd up back.  So can some regular paddling. 

Hope to see you in the water soon.

-Spot-

Glad you not throwing in the towel!  Backs ain't no joke and its really hard to get along without one .

As an aside, I have a knee that is essentially completely shot and just needs to be replaced.  Periodically, it goes on tour without me and leaves me in screaming agonknee. <sorry>

Went to the Dr. Friday because I did not sleep and could not walk. It was worst than usual and lasted waaay too long (almost a month). To shorten an already too long story, he prescribed some gel that sounds like something from Dr Who. 

Voltaren

I don't know whats in that shit, but I went from I could not move to no pain at all. It's really kinda scary how well it worked and I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. But it hasn't.   Went to a website or 3 and they have PLENTY of scary side effects, but most of the reviews sounded like me. You put it on and the pain stops

I don't know if its appropriate for you, but a couple of the reviews mentioned back pain. If nothing else, it's worth asking your Dr. about.


Here's a few consumer reviews

Way to gut it out Chuck!

This place has a lot of good stuff. The Smart Roller is awesome.

http://www.optp.com/


 

Hey Chuck,

I feel your pain - truly I do.  Lidocane patches and fortunately the VA covers that for me.  Daily soaks in the hot tub don't hurt either.

And yes, I use a Pillates ball too.  And daily stretches, walks around the block.....

But the thing that helps the most is a 50/50 mix of Aspercreme and Icy Hot.  You don't need much and be careful what you touch after putting it on (don't ask me how I know) so remember to wash your hands right after (and before peeing).

Greg

Was hoping you would stay in the game. Lots of us here with seriously fouled up backs. Heck my lower spine has lost a disk and a vertebrae and been fused, and i still paddle when i can get away.

It will become a way of life, not only living with it, but beating it at it's own game and living life on your terms, not it's terms. Plenty of good information out there to help you along, too.

Just remember to not be too proud to ask for help when you need to load or unload. I think it's an unwritten code for yak fishermen to help each other load their boats, 'cause i've never had to ask for help, it's always been offered. Then again, that alone speaks volumes about the quality of the people we have as members, too.

Pilates balls, huhn? VA nevr told me bout those........

great news chuck!  hope  you can find ways to make loading and unloading easier. That's where i always get my back...

Just have to do shorter trips. take care of it

I'm up to 70 pounds lost and i can tell you it's been a miracle on my back. I had major back surgery in '95 and felt like i was kinda going downhill since then, especially after gaining 80 pounds!10 pounds from my 200 pound goal...yeehaw!

If you need to lose some just do it, it's  hard and takes a year+  to really feel the benefits but you will. Good luck man. Now get your butt down here and fish in my tourny, I'll load yer yak for ya.

Ling Bangers link turned up a great book for self help, too;
http://www.optp.com/Treat-Your-Own-Back_802-9.aspx

Good deal man!

Right on Chuck!

Way to get back at it.  My lower back, and my tailbone in particular, gives me a lot of pain.  I found this seat cushion makes kayaking comfortable. 


There are other similar products, but this is the only one with which I have first hand experience. I went from being in great pain if I sat in the kayak for more than 2 hours to being able to sit for 7 hours comfortably with this addition to my seat. 

-Craig

Way to get back at it.  My lower back, and my tailbone in particular, gives me a lot of pain.  I found this seat cushion makes kayaking comfortable. 


There are other similar products, but this is the only one with which I have first hand experience. I went from being in great pain if I sat in the kayak for more than 2 hours to being able to sit for 7 hours comfortably with this addition to my seat. 

-Craig

I have the same cushion and it works great for me as well.  Picked it up at Next Adventure for like $20 if I remember right.   

For me it is the difference of being on the Yak for about 3 hours to being on it all day 8 + hours.  It comes with two Velcro pads that do a good job of holding it in place too! 

Its the passion that drives the healing.  Keep up the good work Chuck! 

awesome news! i'm hoping i'm next.  MRIs are coming soon for me. I can't do much of anything and i'm on medical leave

awesome news! i'm hoping i'm next.  MRIs are coming soon for me. I can't do much of anything and i'm on medical leave

Isaac, that sucks.  How'd you manage that?

same deal as the ORC. Xrays were inconclusive, and thusfar regular chiropractic visits have been useless.