Life Update

[amalthia]

Last November on vacation while swimming in the ocean a strong wave caught me and swished me around like a dish rag and spat me out. Since then I've had lower back pain, nothing bad enough to need pain killers but it's always there. I kept waiting for it to go away on it's own but decided today that I've waited six months and made an appointment to see a doctor. I'm guessing it's a herniated disc and I'm hoping the doctor will have physical therapy exercises that can help.

But seriously waves are terrifying.

I'm wondering why I waited so long...my husband said I should try the physical therapy exercises he got for his back pain and that may be what ends up happening, the doctor giving me the same exercise sheet my husband has. However, in this instance I think I'd feel better knowing what exactly is wrong and what the doctor's recommend as treatment. My main concern is what if I make things worse using the wrong exercises. My husband says if this appointment pushes us past our deductible I should look into going to physical therapy too and have someone guide me through the exercises.

Two nights ago I slept in a BAD position and for the last two days the pain has been worse than normal which I think is what kicked me out of complacency into taking some action. I even bought a knee pillow for sleeping.

I think this is the year I've been getting all of my physical stuff checked out which is why we are so close to reaching our deductible for the year. I think it's safe to say I'm no longer a fresh spring chicken!

Comments

[ride_4ever]

That is a lot of uncomfortableness. Hope you can get some relief from it.

Also, that ocean waves thing really does sound terrifying to me. Following a near-drowning experience, just the thought of swimming is scary for me.

[amalthia]

I think after this last experience I'm going to be far more cautious about entering the ocean if the waves look stronger than normal. Or wait until I see a whole bunch of people in the water.

[princessofgeeks]

Good luck!

[amalthia]

Thanks!

[grey853]

The ocean is gorgeous from afar, but when you're in it, the waves can do a number on a person. You're just a bit of flotsam to a wave.

I'm sorry you've been in such pain for so long. I hope the doctor can find out what's wrong and give you the right therapy to relieve it.

Good luck.

[amalthia]

I hope they have the right exercises that can help too!

[isis]

Good luck! I had a herniated disc gosh 10 years ago?!?! and it sucked, but good PT will make the difference.

[amalthia]

thanks for the good luck wishes! It does help to know that with time and some good PT I have a good chance of recovery.

[calystarose]

*hugs*

[amalthia]

Hugs back!

[kuwdora]

oh no, I hope you're able to see the doctor and get some insight into the pain and that PT will help! That's so scary and frustrating.

I have been trying to do more body maintenance the last few years. I banged up my knee real good in 2016 when I was running for the train. Also fractured my foot on the same leg a few years ago. If I don't move them enough or in the right way during the day, I end up in pain in the middle of the night. Bodies and aging, aughghgh.

[amalthia]

I'm also hoping they have some good PT options. So much truth to the bodies and aging! I don't mind aging necessarily but kind of wish my body wasn't crapping out in weird ways. Also, ouch on the knee pain...

[yourlibrarian]

Strange that I should see your post today. Was just talking to a friend yesterday and she told me she hurt her back in exactly this way a few months ago. Hope you get some relief!

[amalthia]

I hope your friend doesn't wait 6 months to seek help if her back is still hurting! I think for people who don't grow up near oceans it's not completely obvious that those waves can mess you up if you time things badly on diving under the waves. At this point, I still plan to go back to that beach but I'm not getting in the water unless I see a whole bunch of people in the water without boogie boards! I have a backup beach that is safer for swimming on days when the waves are too powerful.

The beach I got injured at has a life guard that regularly yells through the megaphone to get out of the water if you don't know what you're doing, on days when the waves are particularly high/dangerous. I think one time I heard the person say people do end up in the hospital with broken bones...That convinces most parents to pull their kids out of the water. :)

[yourlibrarian]

That's what she said, was that she had been indecisive. She didn't say if she had gone to the doctor, just that she injures herself more easily at her age. It does surprise me though, I wouldn't have expected those sort of injuries to be so common from being out in the water.

[amalthia]

I'm also noticing that I injury myself more easily now that I'm on the other side of 40. I'm 90% certain the same tumble I took in the ocean if it happened in my early 30s I would have been fine.

[jasmasson]

Oh no! Hope the dr was helpful? The ocean is wonderful, but occasionally can make you realise just how helpless you are compared to nature’s power. ❤️

[amalthia]

the doctor was helpful. I have a print out of exercises I can start while I setup an appointment with a physical therapist... It was also reassuring to hear that based off my symptoms there is a good chance all I will need is a little physical therapy.

[jasmasson]

Good news! ❤️

[sakana17]

Oh, no, sounds painful & frustrating. I hope the doctor gets you the right path to no (or less) pain. Our bodies should last longer, dammit.

[amalthia]

Thanks for the well wishes. It would be nice if our bodies lasted longer in better condition!