Okay, I have broken down... (Full Version)

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ShaharThorne -> Okay, I have broken down... (2/9/2014 4:29:30 AM)

...at times my left knee will start hurting, waking me up in extreme pain. I would take Tramadol and usually go back to sleep. I do the same thing for my back.

This morning, the knee acted up. I took my pills and then I did something else...I grabbed my knee brace. I swore to myself that I would never wear it but here I am, strapping it on like a pro, like it was a part of me. It declaring that I am indeed crippled and disabled.

The other day, my back brace came in. after figuring out how to put it on myself, I was in it. No lower back pain.

I am now picturing myself as a disabled vet. I am going through the same shit...PTSD, battle wounds, putting on devices in order to have a life. Now I share something with my brothers...all 3 of us got fucked up by the military, only I can't get any medical discharge from it.

I could call the doctor tomorrow and see if he can give me a shot on Wednesday in the knee. Meanwhile, I just keep taking pain pills and keep my braces on. Right now, the pain is subsiding and the pills have not kicked in yet.

Time to soldier on...



angelikaJ -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/9/2014 7:38:34 AM)

This is just my opinion and I am not trying to diminish your feelings.

But to me: it seems a better option to use the braces more and your pain meds less.

Wearing the braces does not make you disabled.
Injuries may have caused the condition that led to your pain.
Your disability comes from your pain and the lessened quality of life you have with it.

But the braces don't define you as disabled anymore than a pair of glasses do.
The braces are only there to help you have less pain and function better.




shiftyw -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/9/2014 7:57:17 AM)

Well, I'm no Dr.
But my doctor did tell me not to use my lower back brace TOO often, pretty much only up to 6 hours a day, otherwise it can worsen an injury since you never gain your own strength back.



windchymes -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/9/2014 9:13:03 AM)

If you broke a bone, you wouldn't question putting a cast or brace on it, right? Sometimes other body parts like muscles, tendons and ligaments need a little rest and some help & support, too, so they can get better. [:)]



kalikshama -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/9/2014 10:43:02 AM)

I think you're over complicating this. I'm your age, height, and a vet. My knees bother me if I get over a certain weight and my back bothers me when I don't get enough exercise.

I had to lose 10 pounds to get into the military, which was the first time I had ever dieted, and since then I've been yoyoing, but every food choice I make is *my* responsibility, not that of the USAF, or the recruiter who handed me that stupid cabbage soup diet.

Every time I decide to blow off exercise, that's on me.

I didn't fret over my knee supports, but put my energy into finding exercise I could do that wouldn't aggravate my knees, and when they were really bad, focused my weight loss efforts on what I ate rather than exercise.



ShaharThorne -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 4:20:39 AM)

This morning just a little back pain, the knee is fine after wearing that brace most of the day yesterday (took it off when I took a nap). I only take pills if it is hard for me to move about. I did dishes yesterday after supper and my back started hurting but instead of pills, I sat down...standing on my feet for more than 15 minutes causes the back ache.

I am seeing my MHMR NP today, going over my mental health drugs and all that good stuff. I love her to death because she reminds me of a few ladies on here...tough but loving. Today we will discuss taking me off of Artane for my shakes because Medicare part D is no longer covering it (it is a drug for Parkinson's patients).



Rawni -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 4:44:57 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: kalikshama

I think you're over complicating this. I'm your age, height, and a vet. My knees bother me if I get over a certain weight and my back bothers me when I don't get enough exercise.

I had to lose 10 pounds to get into the military, which was the first time I had ever dieted, and since then I've been yoyoing, but every food choice I make is *my* responsibility, not that of the USAF, or the recruiter who handed me that stupid cabbage soup diet.

Every time I decide to blow off exercise, that's on me.

I didn't fret over my knee supports, but put my energy into finding exercise I could do that wouldn't aggravate my knees, and when they were really bad, focused my weight loss efforts on what I ate rather than exercise.


So basically, you have had success with YOUR challenges, but someone else that hasn't is doing it wrong because they don't exercise or may be overweight? As if those things are the only factors in feeling good and not over complicating things? Is that what you are saying?

So right now... I shouldn't be in pain and should be up doing a jig? [:D]

Exercise is great! I worked out four hours a day, at least. I loved it. I weighed ninety to ninety five pounds most my life. I was a dancer... a runner, a fast one and loved movement of any kind. I worked some real physical jobs and had a great attitude. However, flying across a room or two and not landing well... I have found it difficult to keep up with what I used to do. I move as much as I can. I don't complicate life or anything else and am happy... go figure. The thing is, my pain levels didn't change one bit with weight change. My thyroid went off and I went up to 147. I am now between 120 and 125. I am actually in more pain now, than I was when bigger and please don't tell me more exercise unless you know my medical history.

I am very glad it works the way it does for you... with whatever you have going on... but just because it does, doesn't mean that is the way it is for everyone... with varying physical issues. You can't compare yourself to others like that. Well, you can... but in my view, that just isn't right and people don't need the correction that appears to be diminishing their own experience because you had a different one.

I am sorry to call you out like this, but you know, after years of advocating for the ill and disabled and seeing how deeply they can be hurt or effected by the attitudes of other people that may be speaking some truth, but not something that fits everyone, it is hard not to say something. There are emotional aspects of life and limitations changing and processing that can take some time, but there are no simple answers for some. [;)]



Rawni -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 4:47:57 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ShaharThorne

This morning just a little back pain, the knee is fine after wearing that brace most of the day yesterday (took it off when I took a nap). I only take pills if it is hard for me to move about. I did dishes yesterday after supper and my back started hurting but instead of pills, I sat down...standing on my feet for more than 15 minutes causes the back ache.

I am seeing my MHMR NP today, going over my mental health drugs and all that good stuff. I love her to death because she reminds me of a few ladies on here...tough but loving. Today we will discuss taking me off of Artane for my shakes because Medicare part D is no longer covering it (it is a drug for Parkinson's patients).


Doing dishes is very painful for many with back issues. I asked a number of people with known back issues if doing dishes hurt them. They all said yes. I couldn't figure out why, nor could they. Finally, I found the answer. I have remodeled more kitchens because of this, than I care to admit. I raise the sink one to one and a half inches and no longer suffer like I did. A few others have been able to do this and they too are not suffering as much unless they stand there too long. That slight bend is a killer, though you may not even know you are doing it.



ShaharThorne -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 5:09:46 AM)

Same thing happens to Mom...and she does get on my ass if I don't do the dishes (especially if both of us are in pain). I did wake up in pain earlier and took a couple of Tramadol and laid back down in a different position. If the pain gets too much, I go see a chiropractor and get adjusted back into shape. I am suppose to see a pain management doctor but he went ahead and approved the back brace for me (he burned my nerves a couple of years ago so he knows that I am hurting at times). My regular doctor prescribes the Tramadol for me, with Norco from the PM doctor (no Norco yet until I see him).

Both of us have had MRIs done and we both got degenerative bone disease in our backs, with compressed discs on me (which is why I hurt half the time). This past week, my right hip has been hurting and I have been putting bio-freeze on Mom's hip (I fear that when she broke her right fibula in May, she might have done some damage to her hip as well).

Wednesday, I have to have a TSH/T4 bloodwork done. The doctor is trying to pinpoint what dosage I need for my hypothyroidism. As I tell my Mom, I am a walking medical case, mentally and physically. Scars all over my legs and body from accidents and surgeries. At least I don't have to worry about popping ovarian cysts, heavy bleeding and my gallbladder.



kalikshama -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 5:19:38 AM)

quote:

So basically, you have had success with YOUR challenges, but someone else that hasn't is doing it wrong because they don't exercise or may be overweight? As if those things are the only factors in feeling good and not over complicating things? Is that what you are saying?


I'm hearing hoof beats and thinking horses, not zebras. When one is morbidly obese and has knee pain, the place to start is to get weight off that knee.

Furthermore, the body is meant to move, and when it doesn't, bad things happen to it.



ShaharThorne -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 5:32:04 AM)

Can't even do squats and I am the one who arranges the food in the fridge. Hating that bottom shelf is an understatement. If I was a Catholic, I would not be able to rise from kneeling (good thing I practice candle magick).



kalikshama -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 5:35:17 AM)

quote:

I did dishes yesterday after supper and my back started hurting but instead of pills, I sat down...standing on my feet for more than 15 minutes causes the back ache.


What kind of shoes are you wearing and do you have mats in front of the sink?

When I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen, I wear my sneakers, which are Asics Gel, approved by my brother-in-law, an orthopedic surgeon who went to Harvard.

I've worked in kitchens with the big black anti-fatigue mats and they helped a lot to prevent back pain. I don't want to spend that kind of money for my kitchen, so have pretty $10 mats from Walmart in front of my sink and my stove.

[image]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jGHoR0EnL._SY300_.jpg[/image]



Rawni -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 5:44:45 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kalikshama

quote:

So basically, you have had success with YOUR challenges, but someone else that hasn't is doing it wrong because they don't exercise or may be overweight? As if those things are the only factors in feeling good and not over complicating things? Is that what you are saying?


I'm hearing hoof beats and thinking horses, not zebras. When one is morbidly obese and has knee pain, the place to start is to get weight off that knee.

Furthermore, the body is meant to move, and when it doesn't, bad things happen to it.


How would you recommend that be done when the thyroid is out of whack and a proper dosage hasn't been found yet? Add that to medications that are needed, that cause weight gain and cause cravings or other issues, as well as emotional things that cannot be easily dealt with with everyone. There is a bigger picture here than your correct assessment in some situations, allows for. Also with degenerative bone disease, how is one to safely exercise enough to actually lose that weight?

So basically, rubbing it in that someone needs to lose weight, works how? You aren't seeing the whole picture, just a bit of a picture, maybe not even this one.

You are correct in a simple situation, but this is not one of them. Nor is mine. We could actually have bone on bone with degenerative bone disease. You move the wrong way with that and you are going to shatter bone that has been thinned, etc. The body does need to move and bad things will happen if it doesn't, but when bad things have already happened to that body, bad things can happen if you do move in the wrong ways. It isn't simple and is complicated... which may be unacceptable to some people, but just as much of a truth to the sufferer as your perception is to you.



ShaharThorne -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 5:56:07 AM)

No mats because they will slide on the floor (some kind of vinyl) and the shoes I usually wear inside are canvas slip ons. Can't afford any special shoes that can help with my back. I just got a pair of 9W tennis shoes from Christmas that I have been wearing when we go to town (when it is cold). If I get a regular buggy, I have to watch out and try to get my shopping done in a certain amount of time or else my back starts spasming (and that means muscle relaxer when we get home).

This is a 14yo trailer house so the kitchen, bathroom and utility area has some kind of vinyl. There are rugs in the bathroom and laminate flooring in the living room, hallway and utility area (Mom ripped out the carpet a couple of years ago and laid this flooring down for easier cleaning. The carpet was filthy from Dad tracking mud in before he passed on in '07). Only the bedrooms have carpet now and we got 2 rugs, one in the hallway and one dividing the kitchen from the living room.



jlf1961 -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 6:10:27 AM)

There is a research center that has been working on genetic manipulation of a living organism. As soon as they can genetically alter a human body to spec, I am going to volunteer.

Specifications:

200% more muscle mass than the average human male.
10000% stronger bones
Immune system that will destroy arthritis.
10000% more efficient circulatory system.
10000% more efficient lungs
Increase height to 6'11 3/4"
Increase appendages with same ratio.
Increase mental processing ability 2^15%
Change aging process to 1 year in every 50.
Most importantly, increase my tolerance for stupid people to the point where I dont want to eliminate them from the gene pool instantly.



kalikshama -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 6:11:37 AM)

I had vinyl in my last apartment and these mats stuck to the floors, in fact, I had to rip them off when I moved.

I saw a boatload of specialists for my knee a few years ago and they all said:

1. What kind of shoes are you wearing?
2. Lose weight
3. Do these exercises (will see if I can find and attach)
4. Don't do certain exercises (which included squats)



kalikshama -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 6:16:46 AM)

Attempting to attach knee exercises sheet.

[image]local://upfiles/1052865/9F47EE55B00D4303BE8227D154226954.jpg[/image]



kalikshama -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 6:24:03 AM)

I also got Jim Johnson's "Treat Your Own Knees: Simple Exercises to Build Strength, Flexibility, Responsiveness and Endurance" from my library. It's too simple to be worth $10 - if you can't get it from your library let me know and I will get it back from mine and sum up the exercises for you. (Some of them are the same as the sheet above.)

http://www.amazon.com/Treat-Your-Own-Knees-Responsiveness/dp/0897934229/ref=sr_1_1

This remarkable little book may change the way you think about knee pain. Instead of focusing on pain symptoms and where they originate, the author focuses on what your knee does - and how to improve those functions with simple exercises. The only anatomy lesson you need is to know where your quadriceps and hamstring muscles are - front and rear of your thigh respectively.

He identifies four functions in your knee: strength, flexibility, proprioception/balance, and endurance. If you have unexplainable knee pain, you probably just need to improve your knee function in one or more of the four functional areas. The author suggests simple exercises in each functional category.

To develop strength, the single most important muscles to develop are your quadriceps. There are many exercises you can do to strengthen your quads. The author suggests a very simple floor exercise.

To develop flexibility, the author suggests a quad and a hamstring stretch. The exercises he suggests can be done standing or on the floor.

Proprioception might be a strange word to you. It was to me. It is probably best described as a combination of coordination and balance. Can you accurately sense what your knee is doing? Does it react appropriately to changes as you move? This is what proprioception is all about. The simple and interesting exercise the author suggests to improve proprioception is simply to stand on one leg for 30 seconds. Then switch legs. (It's ok to have a wall or chair to help catch you if you start to fall.) You might find this exercise easy to master. If so, the author suggests doing the exercise with your eyes closed. This may require considerable practice!

The author suggests that you can build endurance simply by walking or stationary bicycling.

And that's the entire program for treating your knee pain. Some readers may feel letdown or short-changed. What about all the anatomy lessons other practitioners give you? What about issues relating to your tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage? What is the theory behind this skimpy program?

Chapter 6 gives you the surprising answers to these questions. The author reviews many scientific studies on knee pain. The studies (based on X ray or MRI testing) show that the existence and/or severity of knee pain/disability have little correlation to the amount of knee deterioration. Many people with severe knee deterioration reported no pain, and some had their symptoms decline over time. The factors most closely linked to knee pain/disability were muscle strength, obesity, age, and psychological health. The author is a physical therapist and not a dietician, gerontologist, or psychologist. His knee program does as much for your knee as science suggests physical therapy can do.

The author recognizes that surgery and medications seem to help a lot of people, but the available research suggests that most people will benefit from the low-tech solutions he offers.



ShaharThorne -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 6:32:09 AM)

I have been thinking of kettle bells (I recommended them to RS last year and he swears by them now) to help with my back core muscles. I do have a core ball but getting it out to work on WITHOUT the kiddos being here is hard (they think it is an oversized soccer ball). I have been thinking of possibly getting a panniculectomy done because of the rashes I get under my belly (the doctor knows about them and recommends I keep spraying antifungal foot spray to stop the rashes). I get the rashes under my breasts as well but I don't think Medicare covers titty lifts...LOL!

Lets face it...I got a knee injury since '86 that is acting up now with gout, I am morbidly obese, can't afford a gym (I used to lift weights when I was in the Army to keep myself toned), my back is out of whack, my thyroid is fucked up, can't stand for more than 15 minutes or walk on concrete for a short period of time, prone to rashes and dealing with bipolar, PTSD and fibromyalgia. My libido is shot too...so no sexual games or even a sexual partner. I am dealing with a lot here. Oh...and my MMORPG is messed up so there goes my stress relief!



sunshinemiss -> RE: Okay, I have broken down... (2/10/2014 6:35:21 AM)

Thanks for the info about knees... I do several of those exercises when my knees act up, and you can't ride a bike with knees that are whomperjawed! I'll be trying out some of those!



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