Back Pain

I posted this under the "Where have all the..." but I thought I'd put it here, too. You all may remember my postings about all of my back pain and stuff. Well, we think we finally know what's up. I went to the plastics guy and he said he didn't think it was my breasts (as was always thought to be the case) so I went back to my PCP and he said sometimes we never know what the problem is with back pain. So, he sent me to physical therapy. I went yesterday and before I tell you WHAT is wrong, I have to tell you I HURT TODAY!!!!!! Anyway, the physical therapist felt, pushed, poked, bent, twisted, lifted, and anything else that you can think of to my back. At one point she put her hands on my back and asked me if I could feel the difference in relation to each other when it comes to her hands. I told her that the one on the right side of my back felt about an inch or two higher than the one on the left. She said that both of her hands were on the top of my pelvic bone - the left side of my pelvic bone is twisted backwards and the right is twisted forward thus putting my sacrum in an odd position and twisting my entire spine. She also said that my right shoulder is lower than my left and the muscles in my upper back and shoulder are light a tightly pulled rubber-band. She said, "I can see why you're in so much pain!" And I am. I have physical therapy twice a week for the next 10-12 weeks and we'll see what happens. Interestingly, I told her that over the years, all my docs just kept telling me to lose weight and my back pain will go away but it's really gotten worse with my weight loss (135 pounds now!!!) and she said that it's because I don't have all of that fat keeping my spine and stuff in place anymore and the muscles are now in control and they're not used to it! So, we have to work on getting everything back in place and strengthen the muscles to keep them in place. We're starting with Kegels to strengthen the pelvic muscles and work our way up to the core muscles. Sigh...for now I'm just hurting. Michelle 340/205/???

Drat it, Michelle... thought you were going to get the breast surgery on the insurance company's dime. Seriously, I'm very sorry to hear that you are having so many problems with your back and worst of all - all the pain. I hope all the physical therapy really helps and get things more properly aligned for you. I had back issues pre-WLS (had back surgery 5 weeks before WLS, in fact) and I'm still fighting it. Mine are disk issues pushing on nerves into my right leg. If I overdo it, pain. I know how frustrating it can be. So, a big, big gentle hug to you... Kathy

Hi Michelle, I am so sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I, too, have back issues that put me on disability. And I was always told lose weight and it will help, but it hasn't. What your therapist told you makes so much sense! Hopefully with her work you will soon have some relief. I've been suffering the mid back muscle spasms the last month and it is no fun when you feel like you cannot even catch your breath. Who'da thought kegel muscles would help back pain...? Ready girls... one, and a two... up the elevattor to the count of ten, then slowlyyyyy back down! sending gentle get well stop hurting hugs your way... Barb

Hi Michelle, Sorry you are hurting. I am amazed at the diagnostic skills of your PT. She/he sounds very wise and experienced. It feels very hopeful to finally get in the hands of someone who 'knows' what is going on, doesn't it? Faithfully going will help a lot and doing the exercises they prescribe at home too. Hope you feel better soon. My back has been killing me also and I am toying with what is the next best move. I also have several discs pressing on nerves and degenerative disc disease and arthritis up and down the spine...I know ...TMI. I find if I exercise daily it strengthens the muscles that support my back and then it hurts less. But we have had a family crisis going on for the past 3 wks. so I have been a little less faithful to get to the gym. I'll whisper a prayer for your relief and maybe you'll do the same for me . Mary

A big yet gentle hug to you too Mary! I hope you can get back to your workouts so that your back feels better. I'll send some positive healing thoughts you way... (I suspect I do not have to send them that far since you were a patient of Dr. Lins. I know a few of his other patients here locally.) Feel better! Hugs, Kathy

Thankyou Kathy, I appreciate the kindness. Yep I'm just a sneeze across the river not too far at all. Mary