h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Aargh! It hurts to walk. I keep walking because I know if I don't, I will be chair bound. I am taking medication for arthritis, but it doesn't do much for the muscle cramping that causes the problem walking.

Saturday afternoon I stepped wrong and hurt my hip...again......then my shoulder popped and was extremely sore. I imagine some of the problem stemmed from the four hour ride in the car and then the activity Friday night. At any rate, my walking ability was cut to barely moving. Lord C. decided I needed to be at home so we left at five and were home by nine. I spent Sunday in the recliner--except for brief necessary trips. Monday was a bit better and so far today I have been able to get up and about a little more.

I had been having trouble with arthritis pain prior to the latest incident and was using a cane in my left hand. Since it was the left shoulder that popped (possibly a calcium deposit), it was impossible to use the cane at that time. I am getting a bit better as each day goes by.

Thanks for listening.
Lady C.

Ouch

Sorry to hear you've been having a nasty time - and that the visit had to be curtailed.
Hope you're a lot more comfortable very soon.

& Do get better, you hear!

Okay, you got a virtual one from me. Now go sidle up next to Lord C for a much better RL cuddle. {Besides, it's more appropriate he does it than me. I just hope the thought counts, from one friend to another.}

B4amiraclecureisdevelopedorChristcomesback

Ouch! Have a and some

Glad it's getting better again.

More healing for you, Lady C.

I, too, am glad it is getting better. Lady C. And keep moving.

The latest update on the back problems.......

My friendly neighborhood general practitioner had about eight x-rays done on my spine and hips. She reported that although there is arthritis in both hips, she feels the mobility problem is coming from a condition called spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal cord causing a pinched nerve. I am to have an MRI on the 15th which hopefully will pin down the exact cause of the pain. Meanwhile, I am on pain medication, which allows me to walk a bit. At least I can get out of the house now. I'm hoping we can use a more conservative approach to the problem than back surgery. The thought of surgery scares me to death!!!

Thank you all for your well wishes and concern. It truly helps keep my spirits up.

When I hurt my back 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with a herniated disk and spinal stenosis. My doctors all said that surgery was a solution of last resort. A week of steroids and then continued naproxyn along with physical therapy to learn core strengthening exercises led to a gradual improvement. I really got better when I started taking brisk daily walks and lost 45 pounds.

You can recover from this, Lady C!

My injury is between L2 & L3. Let me know where yours is.

I can't speak highly enough about core-strengthening exercise! It really works.
The big problem comes when you're in so much pain that exercise can't be contemplated - you get into a chicken and egg situation.
I'd say that if you can grit your teeth and get started, the rest will follow.


Got some not-great spine news myself the other day - osteopenia in most of my lumbar vertebrae

from me too, Lady C.

Whatever you have to do to get better...

I want my Sis back.

I really want to avoid surgery if at all possible. I have a friend who is a physical therapist and I am thinking about asking her about the core strengthening exercises you recommended, Teuchter.

Right now I am taking Lortabs for the pain and using a walker. The weight is coming off, but very gradually. At first I was sitting--a lot--it hurt to walk. Since I do have some pain reliever though, the walking is more comfortable. Now I just need to build up some stamina.
I can get in and out of the tub (shower) by myself now. I view every little thing as an accomplishment these days. We take so much for granted.............

My next door neighbor--age 44 is going to have to undergo hernia repair in a few days. He's really young for this to be a problem already.
(Or maybe not--what do I know?)

Will keep you posted as soon as I hear something from the MRI. This is going to be lovely--I'm claustrophobic.

to everyone...........

Marilyn

I have heard about your broken leg Lady C and wanted to give you my best wishes for a speedy recovery



GB