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

About a month ago, on September 24, I hurt my back at work. This threw my whole life into a tailspin. I has finally got the perfect job to help me go back to school. I was a stock person for a department store. I went into work at 3 am, and was done by 9 or 10 am. I was signed up for school- University. I was going to be a teacher. Then I hurt my back. I've been in bed for the last month and a half almost, in so much pain that I literally pray for death every night. In the dark of night, when the pain is great, and my future looks dim, I wonder why bother continuing. I can't work, I can't sit at the computer for more than 15 minutes at a time without being in pain, and no pain medicine works. And the one thing that brings me more joy than any other thing in the world- dance, is something now forbidden to me by pain so extreme that I cry. I never cry.
So what do I have to live for anyway?
Everything.
All the things I still want to do, the places I still want to see, the people I still want to meet(including my soulmate- I just know he's out there somewhere!), and most of all, all the stories I still have to tell. I still want to be a teacher, and a writer. I still want to do so much, that I simply cannot give up, no matter how bad the pain gets, nor how long it takes me to achieve those goals. No matter how dark the future seems, no matter how lost I feel, and alone, when no one seems to understand or comprehend the physical and emotional pain I'm in, I have so much left to accomplish that I simply cannot give up.
I WILL NOT GIVE UP.
I WILL NOT.
Or as Tom Petty says, "I won't back down. You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down."

You know I'm pulling for you hun & hoping you find something that works on that back pain. Have you considered accupuncture, I've heard that can work on some back pain?

Hello cali_gal42,
What is causing the pain? Is it inflammation, a slipped disk, or a pinched nerve?

I have seen how profound a difference accupuncture can make in a very severe case of arthritis. It might be worth looking into.

Ah, good to have you weighing in Maverick! Yes, it's important to know what the source of the pain is first, before treating it! I hope you something that'll help!

& find that "find" that I could've sworn I typed there.

Hi Jaz'd.

Well, if it's inflammation there are some dietary changes and supplements that would most probably help.

There are some supplements that would quite possibly help the nerve sheaths to regenerate in the case of a pinched nerve.

In the case of something being really out of place and wreaking havoc on all the surrounding areas, accupuncture, gentle yoga stetches, or a chiropractor might be the best way to go.

I wouldn't resort to surgery without a second, third, and or fourth opinion.

Whatever the cause, I hope you feel better soon.

Yes I'd definitely get a proper diagnosis, before proceeding, if it's a pinched nerve, then Maverick's right about supplements helping...surgery should be a last resort.

*flies in*

Full sympathy cali as I have myself been bedridden a lot recently. Youve got a lot going for you, and when your back's better I know that you'll come bouncing back. You know what you want and I think you'll get it.

Hi Cali
what a bummer, to get a job and hurt your back in such a short time really sucks. But I can see you are a tough lady and you will beat it, and before long you will get going and get writing. The head stuff is so important and your head is in the right space.
I think I told you that I had back trouble a few years back. The pain is excruciating and the only real cure is to stay as still as possible as long as possible.
Here in Cornwall winter has come too soon and it is really cold and wet. However I am busy with my university course and manage to keep from being bored. But I do miss my walks along the cliffs.
Take care my dear friend and may you soon be well

from Kif

I’m so sorry to hear what’s happened! Finally you found a job, and then you hurt your back! That’s tough!!!
The way you described the pain it must be really terrible! I have a backache now and then, especially when I have to learn for exams. Luckily nothing severe – as soon as I change my habits (i. e. sitting at the desk all day long) it gets better again. Still, the pain I have in my back now and then let’s me presume how much it must hurt in your case! One and a half months is really a long time . Hope you’re on the mend and that you have the opportunity to come online now and then, to get at least a little distracted from what’s going on.

Looking forward to hearing from you! All the best!

katkodl

Thanks everybody for the concern and well wishes.
I wish I knew what was wrong with my back. Because I can't prove it happened at work, they won't take care of it, and I can't work, so I can't afford to go to a doctor to find out what is wrong with it. But after a month and a half, I'm applying for disability (hopefully only temporarily), and they are sending me to a doctor. I'll at least find out what is wrong, but not till December 19th.
I would love to try acupuncture and/or chiropractict help, but can't afford them, and don't know at this point whether they'd be able to help. I have tried massage, and screamed quite loudly when they touched me. It is just too painful to be touched, and rubbing is worse.
Right now, I just have to be able to lie down whenever and for as long as I need to. Every morning I wake up and wonder if I will be able to get out of bed. It is a huge joy to be able to, but it soon disappears when I have to lie down again shortly.
I watch too much television, and am reading a lot of books. My mom goes to the library once a week, at least, and I read a book or two a day. I read fast.
The worst though, is the days when I wake up, and feel fine. I think to myself, it's over. I'm ok. Then I stand up, or bend over, and the pain is back, making me want to faint with intensity.
I do what I can for as long as I can, then I go back to bed with a good book, and pray for an end. Any end.
Tryin' to keep my chin up,
Cali gal

Gee, sounds rough hun! Best of luck making it to Dec. 19th!

Stupid US health system!
*Gentle *