Nothing to do with firearms, just a little "bad back" vent.

K

Kentucky Rifle

New member
Well it's 12:27 AM in Kentucky, and I can't sleep. You see, several years ago I was run over from the rear when I was walking by an angry young man who should not have been driving. My lower back hurts like hell and I dislike pain pills. They make me feel strange. (Or have other weird side effects. The docs on the board will understand.) I think I've tried them all. The absolute worst was Demerol. I don't think I'd take that drug again even if I was close to death. Anybody else have a bad back? Or maybe know what it's like to have constant pain? Intense pain sometimes for weeks? I've had the operations...they didn't work. It hurts right now more than it ever did. Pain is a funny thing. I can't ride my motorcycle or even tie my own shoes right now. Quite depressing.
Don't mean to bring anyone down. Does anyone understand?

Will


------------------
Mendacity is the system we live in.
 
Yeah, I can relate. I used to have lower back pain that would make me want to cry. And I would have cried if I thought it would have done any good.

Fortunately, the back problems went away on their own. I know what you mean about the side effects of pain killers. I hate the sensation of being "on" them. And coming off them is even worse.

Good Luck! I hope it gets better.

------------------
Just one of the Good Guys
 
Good Guy,
Thanks.
It's hurt for years. Every second of every day, to some extent. Sometimes just a little and sometimes it hurts so bad that I see little "lightning bolts" in my peripheral vision field.
Ah well...what the hell.

Will

------------------
Mendacity is the system we live in.
 
Mine wasn't nearly as bad as yours sounds. It was sporadic for several years. Horrible stabbing pains that would drop me to my knees at times. But not continual like you say.

The only way I found to mitigate the pain was lying flat on my back on the floor, motionless. I had to sleep this way much of the time too. A soaking in a scalding hot bath brought temporary relief at times.

Back pain really zaps your life forces. Keep your chin up! You'll be in my prayers tonight. 22:12 PDT

------------------
Just one of the Good Guys
 
You've described my dad's life, Will. My heart goes out to you because I know what HE has lived with for so many years.

Keep your chin up and your powder dry.


------------------
"Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the government's purposes are beneficial. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well meaning but without understanding." -- Louis D. Brandeis
 
WLM,

Glad to know I'm not the only one, "spindolosis", and minute fractures in my lower spine and a couple of "bad disks", and hey I'm only 31! ;)
Went to the doctor, gave me some anti-inflammatories, told me if neccessary they could give me an injection every three months and if that didn't work an "operation". Well I don't abide needles, and was told by every source avaliable to NOT have back surgery.
My solution? A mixture of stretching, strength training exercises, low-impact aerobics, SWIMMING, and the loss of ~10 lbs around my middle.
Did you know that if you carry 10 lbs. on your belly, its the equivalent to carrying 100 lbs on your back?
Don't know if any of this will help, but seriouslly try swimming. Worked so far...Knock on wood!

Will a prayer from a lapsed Catholic do any good? ;)

Jon
 
CrocIJA; 10 lbs=100? Wow! I must be the strongest man in the world! :D
Seriously though, I had heart surgery 6 years ago and while there`s not too much pain anymore, I`ll never be the same.
WLM; No sane person likes pain killers. Have you tried acupuncture? I don`t have any experience with it but I`ve heard some good things. Just a suggestion.
 
Oh, boy ... yours is lower back, mine is neck (5th CV??) as the result of a fall down a flight of steps with a whiplash-like injury that's led to continuing degradation of the bone cap.

When it goes "out" (my terminology), I would kill for relief from the pain. Painkillers are useless and I loathe taking pills of any kind.

Physiotherapy gives me eventual relief, but it takes at least three sessions over 5 or 6 days -- and it doubles in pain after the first one! I'm then forced to take a valium just to get a night's sleep.

Even on a good day, I have to be REALLY careful about pulling the trigger on a heavy "kicker", and shooting prone is murder if the stock's a tad short or the scope a bit close.

You have my deepest sympathy (and I mean that) -- constant pain will wear even a saint down eventually.

B

[This message has been edited by Bruce in West Oz (edited June 26, 2000).]
 
WLM,
I'm with you on the pain pills...I hate them also but I can only go so long without taking another one (about 48 hours) and I HATE the side effects....Oh, man!
I'm presently taking MS CONTIN 30MG tablets.
Hang in there my friend. ;)

------------------
"Lead, follow or get the HELL out of the way."
 
I understand fully. Been off work for 7 months now due to back injury that occured at wotk. I have four leaking disk. :( :( :( :(
It takes me 10 minutes just to get out of bed in the morning, income is down, can't go shooting as often, and my "little guy" doesn't work right anymore. :mad::mad.
Needless to say, it takes everything I have not to get overly depressed.
BOY DO I RELATE...............

------------------
ALL CRIMES ARE HATE CRIMES.

SGTAR15
 
Have you tried working with a chriopractor? I find they work wonders for me. Particularly if I can get in when I feel it starting to go bad.

I also take Gluclosamine/Chondrotin (sp) tablets. Its a nutritional supliment made from shark cartlidge that helps heal and rebuild connective tissue.
 
About six years ago, on an EMS call, my partner and I fell with a 300+ lb
patient when the stairs collapsed under our combined weight - probably more
than 800 lbs.

I cracked L4 & L5 and squished a couple disks into pancakes ( ;) ).

The Director of the Orthopedic Dept at Wilford Hall Hospital (big Air Force
deal) said I would be in a wheelchair “in two or three years, so get used to
the idea”.

My wife, a Registered Massage Therapist, worked on my back almost daily for
months. Keeping the muscles relaxed (loose) permitted movement I
otherwise couldn’t handle.

I walk today, in my opinion, because of her.

I’m not the guy she married, but I walk and teach CPR - which ain’t too bad
for a guy almost as old as Uncle Art! ;)

The pain is never gone, but occasional ibuprofen keeps it manageable.

I understand, WLM, and I sympathize and empathize with you because your
problem is more severe than mine. Do what you need to do and remember
the e-mail lines are open ‘round the clock. ;)
 
Been there and done that! Neck, upper-back and lower back.
Neck goes into knots then the headachs start if I don't whip my head around and make things pop!

I finaly said,screw it, and started working out. Lift weights at the wellness center three or four times a week and walking.
At first it killed me even at light weight.
I might as well be the one to finish me off. So far ,so good! My shooting is better.
Ya'll take care.
John
 
Well, well, well!
So, someone else DOES understand.
I very much appreciate the good thoughts, suggestions, and prayers.
After I put the post on the board last night I felt a little embarrassed. I try very hard to keep things like this "inside".
All I can say is THANKS. You guys made the load easier to bear. Last night I was at the end of my rope.

Thanks again,

Will
(No signature line THIS time!)
 
WLM,

Have you looked into alternative treaments? Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments have had beneficial affects for some. Also, and don't laugh, meditation when properly employed helps to reduce pain significantly.

------------------
So many pistols, so little money.
 
I feel for you guys. I've survived so far with no serious injuries (knock on wood).

My mother had to go to a half dozen chiropractors before she found a good one. I think a lot of chiropractors are quacks, but the ones who REALLY know what they're doing seem to be able to do a lot of good.
 
With respect to finding a good chyro. Its been my experience that the fall into two major catagories. 1) White coat types who are Dr. wanabees that cater their practices to Accident/Insurance victim scenarios. 2) Holistic/Alternative Medecine types.

You are probably better off with type 2 even if they can be a little flakey once in a while. They usually listen to you better. Expect you to provide honest feedback on pain levels and pressure points during the treatment. A good adjustment is a very interactive thing. The type 2's usually combine streching, ice/heat, physical therapy tools (ultrasound, tense(sp)) and ergonomics to attack the problem from a variety of discplines.

If you like examples here's one. I saw a type 1 for a while and got little relief; he wanted you to come in on a regular basis for a extended period of time. Found a type 2 who looked at my shoes and told me to get new ones (too worn on the outside of the heels) and to put my wallet in my front pocket. 50% cure and he never touched me. The adjustments just make it better. Now when my back hurts I first check my shoes. He wants me to come in only when I feel things starting to go south. Usually one or two treatments (two or three days apart) along with a little TLC on my part is enough to fix the problem for another 3 to 6 months or until I do something stupid. Guy charges $30. If you are big guy make sure you find a big chyro.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top