I’m not sure if running had a negative affect on my body, or if my disc got worse on it’s own. I have a hard time believing it was the running as I didn’t get much more than a 15-20 minute jog at best on five separate days spanning two weeks. Frustrated by my inability to do anything normal that a 40-something year old adult should be able to do, instead of continuing to live helplessly I tried to take care of things around the house. I paid the price. My back is simply a mess and I have been in horrible pain over the past month.
It’s funny when people ask how I’m doing, whether or not I’m running again. I live in constant pain 100% of the time. Most days I can’t get by without a wicked painkiller. I’ve tried all avenues: massage, chiropractic care, therapy, pills, epidurals. Enough is enough! I cannot live through all of these sleepless nights any longer. I cannot deal with this pain for another six months, or three months, or one.
I called a surgeon and went in for a consult. Surgery is scheduled for July 11th. It’s a simple procedure, a mere 1 hour in and out. I’m told I can resume my normal activities – as well as exercise AND running – immediately. The doctor did caution me not to do any heavy lifting, digging, or bending to lift anything heavy for at least 2-3 months, but I can get back to my life after this surgery is over.
What has been most frustrating for me is all of the unsolicited advice from so many well-meaning people. Pretty much all of them have never had to deal with what I am going through, but they “know a friend”, etc. who has a story. Thanks, but no thanks. Until you have experienced the pain and frustration that I have been dealing with for the past 15 months straight you have no idea what you’re talking about.
At this point I could care less if I ever run again or not. There are a ton of other healthy activities I can pursue. What I do care about is being able to throw a softball with my daughter, being able to reach into the washing machine and transfer wet clothing to the dryer without excruciating pain, being able to reach down and pat my dog on the back without wincing in pain. I want my life back.
Three more weeks.
Good luck. I hope that the surgery eases some of your pain and you can get your life back.
Although you didn’t mention it, I’d imagine it’s not easy maintaining the LV site and the other editing and producing if your heart isn’t into running right now. Hopefully you’ll find the fountain of youth in a few weeks, I’m still looking.
GOOD LUCK!!! I’ve been where you are however it was back in 2001. I unfortunately was NOT a candidate for surgery since I had too many issue’s in my spine. I did however go through rehab and my own home therapy for about 3 1/2 years. The human body is AMAZING! I hope to hear that it’s not long before you are stronger than you ever have been before since I know that is possible! I would recommend that when the time period of lifting heavy is up get back to lifting weights and work on strengthening your back muscles!
Oh Jill – I hope you get relief soon. My husband is in EXACTLY the same boat (not surgery yet, but ongoing and frustrating back problems). It is awful. But I am so glad you have a possible solution in sight.