Hmmm..........

[Back2Me]

Did a LOT of yard work today. My back feels literally like it is going to break in half. I was seriously like I WISH I could take a few damn vicodins or something for this extreme pain going on. For years I only used them after long days working on the lawn. I guess I am just screwed now?! This really blows. How do we deal with this now? I would like some long timers maybe to help with this one. Give me some advice or something. I took 4 Advil before the work and 2 tylonol after but yeah. I really wish I would not have turned into a damn out of control addict with this stuff because they did help when not abusing them. But I know :(
On the bright side 30 is right around the corner! And I have not had ANY real cravings this entire time. I do not coincided this a craving I'm just trying to easy this crazy pain.
I know when I start lifting and running again my back will not ache like this after yard work It will still hurt but not this bad. But getting to that point will take the entire summer of working out. I have not done ANYTHING in like 2 years that's why it's so weak. But still boy does it hurt!

[selfinduced]

Hey Back2me, CONGRATS on reaching the 30 day mark!!!! This is such a huge turning point where the pills are concerned. Don't have much more to offer re: pain control that hasn't already been said above. I know if you get in really bad shape they can give you toradol but as you said once your core is back to fighting shape you'll have a much easier time. Massages when you can get them also will do wonders. Anyway, just wanted to pop in to tell you how excited I am to see your 30 day achievement!

[ariley13]

If this is an ongoing thing, another thing you could look into is trigger point injections. They inject steroids into the areas where you are having muscle spasms. I know that a lot of people get relief from that because it reduces the inflammation.

[Back2Me]

Yeah strength training is going to be be key I believe. I have been through this before, but it does take some time to get the strength. Like I said it will be at least until the end if the summer maybe the end of fall and a lot of work. But what else have I got to do lol.

I have too many watch dogs to ever let me take anything anyway even if I really wanted to ( I would not and have never lied about my useage and they all know it) so the second I said boy I wish....I was jumpped on pretty hard :)

[atthebeach]

Hot soak with Epsom salts, hot or cold compresses, stretching.have you tried physical therapy, chiropractor, core strengthening, acupuncture, massage therapy, hydrotherapy?
Rest it. It will feel better in the morning.good job on the yard work. I am sure it looks good.
Congrats on your almost 30 days.
Hope it feels better soon.

[VICourageous]

Hey Back! You are sounding so good..I can relate to the pain issue..I have a slightly disabled R shoulder & back..It does stink for me too, since I went up the latter from the hydo/oxy to the Dones..But I got prescribed some Mobic.(meloxicam) It is anti-inflammatory so I do not use it too much because the havoc on the system..I have to agree with ariley too..The Dr has a whole lot of stretches for my Hub to do because of serious back issues. So be that said, I am glad you are doing really good..No cravings that is the best News I have ever heard on here!! Ya you do Rock!

[clean_in_ks]

I'm right there with you!  There are MANY times I have that conversation with me, myself and I (and usually my hub has to hear it again, too lol)
Man, I wish I wouldn't have abused pain meds....so I could "go back to the ole days and just take "one" to get rid of this pain."  (but you see, I KNOW FOR A FACT, I can't un-experience anything....and it P*sses me off but not as bad each time.....so that's progress, huh?)

That's one CRITICAL reason, for me, that ALL my sources have to be permanently GONE.

Since you are just about to hit your 30 day mark......you are still having rebound pain and your body truly will adjust to a different level (as you already are aware and mentioned".  But......since I'm an addict.....words like "gradual"....."take it easy"......."set a time limit on how long you're gonna do this or that"......just haven't sunk in my stubborn head.

I was bedridden for a VERY long time, so I know why I get pooped out and hurt with just about every new chore I attempt to do.....even if it's something I really "want" to do.  If I overdo it......I pay the price.  It's a process for me.....accepting NEW limitations......and working on the self-discipline I need to stretch, strengthen, work up to.....all that.....I STILL don't do that worth a hoot.  But......the "price I pay" after the fact is quickly teaching me.......even tho I don't much like the dang lesson!!!

Words like "calm", "moderate", "balance", "just a little"......you get the point.  Those are my goals.....but the "price of pain" after I overdo it is a GREAT teacher, too  lol.  All of recovery is a process I guess.......I just couldn't do so much for SO long that my heart is yearning BIG time to do things I used to be able to do before all my medical stuff occurred.  So, for me....I have to remember that "patience".....truly is my attitude WHILE I WAIT and make sure I have realistic expectations.

It's hard.........dad gum hard.........but I'm a titch better!

P.S.  If you get motoring around faster than I am.....will you come plant some flowers in my flower bed, please?  hahahaha!

[ariley13]

I am not a long timer but I have a horrible back and can relate. I have such bad back pain I have a hard time walking some days. All I can say is advil, heating pad, and hot bath. They don't do much, but it's better than nothing. Take it easy, but not too easy my friend. Inactivity will make it 100xs worse.