Thanks CB

I just wanted to put a public thanks out there to CB.  He recently posted about coming off of pain meds for his back, because he felt he was getting too dependent on them.  I've been on prescription meds for my back for about 5 years, unfortunately while weight loss has helped some, it hasn't solved the issue of me having a herniated and bulging disks.    So after reading his post, I made appointments with my doctors to find out about other "non-drug" approaches to pain managment.   Well today I came home with some lipoderm patches, and a TENS unit.  I still have meds if I need them, but these other things will be my "first line" of attack.     The one thing that becoming 500 lbs has taught me is that it's better to deal with an issue, before it becomes an issue, then to wait till you have an issue and try to fix it.    So with that..>THANKS CB!!!!!! Scott

Fred I want to also thank you for the support you have given me thru my problems.  I still on the pain meds but have really been watching them.  Hopefully I will get my trial stimulator installed next Tue. if the insurance comes thru.  If not I am going to look into what you have had success with. Today the Doc cut my pain meds back about 50%.  I have been very carefull to only take them when I really need them, not when I want them. What is the Lidoderm patches.  I have not looked into them.  I was on the Duraset patches for awhile but they did no good.  They are suppose to last 72 hours, but after 24 hours .... nothing. Scott I am glad to see you have come to grips with all this.   It is amazing how many people suffer from chronic back pain.  I think we have beat the hell out of our spines with our weight and now the damage is starting to show up. Thanks again Fred for your support to all of us who suffer with chronic pain. Dan

Hey Dan,  I actually injured my back in an accident, but my doctor was sure that if i didn't weigh as much the injury would have healed or it wouldn't have taken such a toll on me.  I think it's what you said in your post, yes we've lost the weight, but we now have to deal with the effects of that weight on our bodies.  Scott