Between a rock and a hard place....
I'm stuck..... really stuck.... I"m 3 years post-op and a very big proponent of exercise and fitness, I worked incredibly hard to be fit and healthy and maintain my weight loss. My mind is still very driven to be active and fit and I will tell anybody, they've gotta move to lose/maintain, that I do know to be the truth.... but...... this past July, I wa**** with a big blow.... two partially herniated discs in my back that are degenerative and arthritic.... after an MRI and several "injections" I fear that my body has just plum worn out... and I'm only 27 and with the inactivity, my weight has fluctuated upwards, even with adjusting my caloric intake. My doctors have told me that I need to lay off the strenuous exercise and be careful with even lifting groceries, nothing over 5 -10 pounds...... I feel so broken. I've asked what could have been the cause of my back issues, and the doctors have come up with several, hereditary and being at my previous weight for so long is finally catching up with me (talk about a blow). I'm mad at my body but my mind is still there, wanting to do more. I've tried bits of lower impact exercise only to be faced with near immobility the next day... inside I'm screaming.
I don't know if anyone has gone through this or is experiencing severe back pain.... but is there hope?? What do you do to cope and yet stay healthy and fit?
Thanks for listening.
~Shannon
Sorry to hear about your back issues. It's disheartening to hit a roadblock after you've made such dramatic lifestyle changes. This website features articles authored by physicians regarding exercising with back pain. It may help you talk through the various options with your own physician about what type of exercise would best benefit you given your back pain. Swimming is the first thing that comes to mind since it's non-weight bearing.
Best of luck to you.
Cassie
I'm sorry to hear about your back. I suffered for many years with back issues. I herniated 2 discs about 15 years ago. I was in constant pain, until I lost weight - now my back issues are manageable. I see a chiropractor when I throw my back out, and monthly for maintenance. I also have degenerative disc disease.
You should talk to your doctors about what exercises are best for you. I am thinking yoga may be good for you - the stronger your core, the better. Yoga isn't very strenuous, but boy, what a workout!! Discuss with your doctor first, of course, but if you do take classes, let the instructor know about your back issues - they will be able to help you with alternative poses if need be.
Good luck!!
I might have to go looking for a chiro doc it sounds like from you and Scott's response.
I can't thank you enough for the support and great advice. I'm going to fight through this no matter what.
~Shannon
Link to my running journal
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1303681
4 full's - 14 halves - 2 goofy's and one Mt. Washington!
It's weird to have the motivation but your body just can't.... I don't like this feeling at all. Especially when we fight so hard to lose our weight and be healthy....
Thank you so much again!
~Shannon
I took a 12 week intro to Tai Chi class - I found it a little boring to be honest - very slow paced, but it may be good for you. Try finding a video - you could learn it from a video. Good luck!!
