Like most guys (I think)...I'm whiny. Cut me deep...no problem. Whack off a finger... I'll deal with it.

My back has been hurting/spasming for 4 damn days! Broke a crown off on Friday....prob get in for that soon. Not a huge issue.

Plz...help with my back! Using TIMS and heat as well as stretching.....


I feel like a real wimp...but I'm dying here people. I'm talking 2 hrs sleep per night unless I take drugs...not what I want to do.

Any suggestions welcome..

 

Well unfortunately you probably will need to take drugs but I would suggest ibuprofen or naproxen sodium in conjunction with hot showers and preferably with a shower massage attachment. Getting a massage by your wife or from a chiropractor would help too and using something like Flexall really helps take the pain away. I am sure you are aware that those drugs are over the counter and also go by the non generic name of Advil and Aleve and both are great as a short term solution with advice from your doctor or pharmacist. I hope you feel better soon a bad time of the year to be hurting.

 

Hope it not this but here is something
Your Complete Sciatica Resource | My Sciatica Exercises
google this and see if what you have, I was out of work 6 weeks with that.
sciatic pain
Get well soon. Are you in Kingman?

 

I had never heard of the sciatic nerve until they told me mine was pinched While my back hurts a lot, the sciatica mostly shows up in my leg and foot.

Heat seams to help more than anything on my back and neck [several herniated discs] A back brace strengthens your back allowing you to work harder [if/when needed] Sometimes there is no getting around the use of drugs although I rarely need the dose the doctors seem to think I need.

 

A few years back, I found myself in a similar situation. I tried to man up and for 5 days continued to work as normal hoping that my back spasms would subside. On day 5, a Saturday, I got up, went into the bathroom and I could not stand up straight - I was crooked. On the internet I searched for a chiropractor with Sat. hours (I had never been to one before). Showed up 15 minutes before they closed at noon. X-rays revealed a slipped disc in my lower back. He put me on a table and did things I was sure would cripple me for life. Finished and offered me a hand to get up. I stood up without an ounce of pain. My jaw dropped - I went from being unable to stand at the counter at check-in to being able to do jumping jacks, simply amazing. Actual treatment lasted a month with frequent adjustments until tendons healed and held the disc in place. But I am now a believer in Chiropractic care. I stop by once every 6 months for a "tune up".

He said, that if I had stopped in to see a regular doctor, they would have been scheduling my surgery on that day.

 

If you have sciatica pain then you either have a pinched nerve or a ruptured or herniated disc. Very painfully but very operable. Don't wait, get to a doctor and get your MRI, and go through the physical therapy then get the the injections (most likely they won't work) then get the operation and end up with total relief.

I went through this twice! Fully recovered and can lift heavy stuff and do regular work. AND I LEARNED THE HARD WAY HOW TO LIFT PROPERLY!

 

Thank you all...no not sciatica or a disc issue. I know what thats like (through observation of others...not actual experience). I spoke with an NP when trying to make an appointment with my regular doc (who I find out is leaving! 3rd one in 3 yrs!) and she said it was likely just strain from overworking it after my knee had healed and I started getting active. We got all busy in the yard last week, and the next day...this. Guess I shouldn't have shuffle hoed, raked, and shoveled quite so much.

Anyway, heat, rest, stretching, and naproxen are my agenda for the next few days. The shocky TIMS thing helps too. Still have some vicoden from my knee surgery....but that makes me really loopy even though it helps me sleep. It also has other side effects I don't really like.

Of course I have a nice case of pinkeye to deal with also.

I was really hoping someone would have a miracle cure. Like "Ok, first find a possum, then........".

Oh...and yes pugsl...I am in Kingman (shhhhhh... don't tell anyone). Does that make the advice different? "Ok, first find a scorpion, then.......".

 

Oh! OK, Then just take the meds and keep up the complaining. That's what I do. Moaning and groaning helps.

 

Lol Norm....not around my house it seems. I may get a sympathetic look just before the door closes though.

 

Sounds like you pulled something, Vic. That can take a while to heal up. I think what you need, is a muscle relaxer, which will also knock you out, but will speed up the healing. In the meantime, try and keep your chest out and shoulders back, to help keep your back straight. A back brace would be good, too (as someone else said).
Hope you feel better soon!

 

Nothing to do with your back but know Kingman, Used to live in Phoenix and daughter lived in Bull Head. Went through there a lot and was pit stop.

 

I thought it was called a TENS unit
I've got one in the stuck in the closet somewhere. I used it some about 15 yrs ago and while it does help with the pain, I thought it was more of a distraction than a cure. But distractions and keeping your mind focused on other things ]besides the pain] do help! I don't know about vicoden but I often break lortab in half - I like having a clear head It's best to take naproxen with food as it can be hard on your stomach.
Glad you don't have disc problems or sciatica!

I know what you mean! my last 2 doctors died

 

Been there, Done that.
A bucket full of SYMPATHY headed your way.
Have used Vicks NyQuil as it has a muscle relaxer ingredient.

RR

 

TENS/TIMS/BENS/KENS....something like that.

Vicks Nyquil? Maybe I can get some sort of discount on that....(Vics....Vicks???)

At least my terrible sense of humor is still intact.

Just got up from 2 hrs on the heating pad...and other than eyes that look like a demon from the depths of hell....feeling pretty good. No, not going to push it. Besides, it's only 50 degrees outside. Was actually 27 when I got up today. WTH is up with that? It's only mid-November!!

Again...thank you all. I'm still hoping for a miracle possum treatment of some sort.

 

..... but first you have to find that miracle 'possum

rest and time is what helps the most

 

Great...eyes still all messed up...back hurting...and may have a mild case of the flu.

Slept almost 18 hrs today and going back again. This really sucks.

Someone send me a magic possum.

 

May be off for most of the next few days. I'm really feeling like crud. Back a bit better (have had a brace on for 5 hrs), eyes still feel like tomatoes. Using the rinse and ointment...but still sucking. Flu symptoms mostly gone....but can tell I still have an infection of some sort.

May try walk in doc tomorrow.

Sorry to keep telling you my problems. But you guys are really my closest friends. I feel like a real p***y...(sorry Becky). Guys are such whiners when they are sick.

 

Gunguy, complain all you want, we'll listen. Sorry to hear that you in such dire straights. Think positive, YOU WILL GET BETTER.


PS...Maybe this will make you feel a bit better. At the very least it will make you feel better that you don't live here and have your problems.

[SIZE=2][SIZE=2][SIZE=2]http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-m...n-buffalo?bffb

[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE]

 

OMG no way I could live there Norm. But oddly, I heard on the news that Flagstaff AZ get's more average snow than Buffalo? Not sure I believe that...but I know it gets damn cold both places. We wrote off Flagstaff when we were looking to move when I went out to get morning coffee and it was -4F and the clerk told me a guy had frozen to death on the side of his store that night.

Really beautiful town in the warmer months.

 

That's alright Vic! I know men are big whiners when they're sick, lol!

They said, what's happening in Buffalo, is because the lake waters are still warm, and the arctic air that's going over it, is causing all that snow. I wouldn't want to live there for nothing.
Rick Johnson lives there. I wonder if he's in the area getting all that snow?

 

Guy's I would not want to live any place else but her in Western New York! Sound strange?

Let me list the reasons.

1. Big town conveniences with small town flavor.
2. All the sights and sound of the big cities but you must look for them as opposed to being hit in the face with it.
3. These snow storms are an inconvenience at worst and only those that are stupid will lose their life. The damage is minimal compared to other parts of the nation.
4. No hurricanes as in the South East coast and Florida.
5. No earth quakes or fires as in the West
6. No water shortages as in the Southwest
7. No tornadoes as in the Mid-West
8. We have big league sports, Football and Hockey (although I sometimes wonder) and minor league baseball (its better than major league)
9. Very good ski resorts (that's what the snow is for)
10. World class educational institutions
11 World class art (Albright-Knox art gallery) and theater.
12. Any place is within a 20 minute drive to any other placed (but we still complain about traffic)
13. A revitalized (soon to be world class water front on Lake Erie). Geographically we have the best water front bar none in the nation. But it needs to be developed.
14. No racial problems (although we may have a incident or two)
15. And talk about helping each other in times of need such as this snowstorm. I doubt any city can equal Buffalo. I know since the Blizzard of 1977.
16. Best value in housing in the country.
17 Our summers are fantastic...not too hot but a bit humid at times.
18. We do have high taxes, but we get our money's worth in those taxes, with services.
19. Low cost of living by comparison to most other areas.
20. If you want big city entertainment, Toronto is just an 1 1/2 hrs away. And about the same distance and away is the "little grand canyon" of the east in Letchworth State Park. Along with Allegheny state park and just across the PA border is Allegheny National park
21. Almost any kind of ethnic cuisine you could ask for
22. Famous for our chicken wings (That is one item that bugs me)
23. We tend to be about 10 years behind the times with the rest of the country. But we like it that way
24. It's also a fact that when big companies need to re-locate executives to Western New York, it's a given that it's considered a move up in life quality.

Any body can boast about their town and true I'm bias but those items I listed are not just a boast, it's fact. And as far as this snowstorm goes we Buffalonians have a habit of self depreciation and a perverse sense on pride in our snow storms. Ask anybody who is a true native (even if they are no longer a Western New Yorker) about it.

 

I grew up in Buffalo, through grade 5 and until college in East Aurora NY. Got little desire to go back...

-Don't miss the snow
-Don't miss the high Taxes - Personal, Property, and everything else
-Your taxes are high to support NYC at the expense of upstate
-You have a 8.75% sales tax rate vs 6% here
-Gas is consistently $.25 per gallon more expensive - I filled up at $2.49 gal on Sunday
-My sisters Property tax bill is more per month than my current Mortgage
-Food is more expensive
-Electricity is more expensive
-The Buffalo Bills continue to disappoint me

On the plus side

-I do miss the ethnicity of the area and the ability to get differing fare when needed
-I crave the wings as anything outside of buffalo called buffalo wings are not buffalo wings
-I got married on the downtown waterfront at the Hilton - so a special spot
-I received the Key to the City from the Mayor for taking Wedding Photos at City Hall - another special time
-Miss the "Canadian Ballet" although I am older and probably would no longer partake

But in general, I miss the place, but could not afford to move back there. You have to live away, to appreciate how much it cost to live there I guess.

 

The specifics you noted are true, but in the overall picture our cost of living is lower than any other larger or medium size city. For instance, I have a 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, large kitchen, living room, family room, and although a half basement it is large, and a large yard. I paid $85,000 back in the late seventies and it's now worth about $160,000. A similar size home in a comparable or larger city and not nearly as nice a neighborhood, would be 2 to 3 x's that amount.

True our sports team do disappoint (Chicago Cubs, Ny Mets, need I say more) but we love them none the less.

What must be considered here is the comparison. Any small town may cost less to live in but will also have less to offer. Not a bad thing but less, notwithstanding (man I love that word!). My comparison is with medium to large towns offering the same things as Buffalo without the extreme natuaral disasters looming over one's head. I mean disasters that can take away everything you own including life and limb.

But again we can all defend our birthplace or hometown. I can go on and on with the good things about Buffalo, but then I would be boasting.

OK I thing I derailed this topic enough.

PS...That's pretty neat that you're a former Buffalo resident. And the key to the city. Makes me proud. Especially since I know what kind of guy you are from your post and help.

PPS...Just by coincidence a friend of mine a displaced Buffalonian now living in Texas sent this to me. I just had to include it here. Just a bit of 1st historys of Buffalo that many don't know about.

 

Hey...this is my damn thread! j/k

Anyway, update....back is way better (I can bend over....yayyyy)...eyes are the same or maybe a bit worse. Felt better yesterday...still sensitive to bright light some, then this morning...ehhhh. Tried for a doc appt...no joy. Dunno whether a "Doc in a Box" (ex's term for them) would be worth it. What are they gonna say....here's an ointment, use 3 times a day, wipe eyes and discard the wipe? Doing that now.

Wife was fine in 2 days after her bout. Back to work and everything.

Yep...I'm still whining. At least I can do a few things around the house and got a full nights sleep last night....for once.

 

I can relate I went to the eye doc first thing this morning and my eyes are still dilated I had some kind of infection in my eye a long time back and they gave me steroid drops put in. Not sure a family physician would know what to prescribe.

Glad your back is doing better!

 

Yeah Mark...the ointment I have was actually for my cat (OH farm boy/Navy make do mentality I guess...lol) but it's antibiotic and steroid. Looked it up and same as what they prescribe for people (not that my cat's aren't little furry people!)

Man I hate the dilation exam.....felt all messed up for hours!

May have to see if an ophthalmologist can take a look. Wonder if insurance covers that? I know they don't cover vision in general.

 

My eye exams [and drugs] are covered under medicare but I have glaucoma along with one of those long college word infections that is in remission. Don't understand why I still have to medicate my right eye 3 times a day when I don't have any usable sight in that eye.

 

Better to have no vision in a problem eye than no eye at all?

Yeah, found out a disease is covered...just not regular eye exams or vision prescriptions.

Doc thought the cat med was kinda funny...his FiL is a vet. Gave me basically the same stuff in drops instead of ointment. Said it should clear up in 2 days or less.

Ever try to put ointment in a 14lb young cats eye? Better be wearing welding gear.

 

I wouldn't want to do anything to a cat if the cat wasn't in agreement! We have 2 outside cats, they don't like me all that much even though I feed them everyday BUT they love my wife - and she's allergic

Good to hear your eye problem will shortly be history I can put up with a lot of ailments [like I have a choice] as long as I can push them off to the side and keep on truckin ...... but when it gets up in my face and won't leave me alone - I get whiny too

 

Glad to hear things are getting a bit better Gunguy. My daughter is veterinarian and many of the drugs are similar or same as human drugs. She also prescribes her own drugs that match what the human doctor would per scribe. Several years back when I had my back problems she told me what the doctor would prescribe and wanted to give it to me but I said no. I told she may be a good doctor but she's still an animal doctor not a human doctor. She laughed and said 'You'll see". Doctor prescribed the same identical stuff she was going to give me. But the difference was that it cost me about 3 x's as much. But I still would not do it even now. However, now she is certified to do acupuncture and the pressure points are the same for any animal. That I'm willing to let her do if the time ever comes.

OUCH!



Actually I did have it done by a colleague of her's years back. Did help.

 

Well, only took almost 8 hrs to get the drops. 1st Walgreens was 2 hrs behind on inputting faxed orders, ok understand that on a Fri afternoon. Then after my fourth call (2 national help line, 2 local) and another visit to the doc (who had already transferred their phone to the answering service, since they were "closed") turns out they didn't have the med and transferred it to the other same chain store in town. Ok, go there and the pharmacist tells me...oh we have an insurance contract issue , so it will be $102 for the 5 ml bottle. WHAT???? It's not a cancer drug!

Transferred the scrip to a CVS w/o checking to see if they actually had it! Go to CVS and wait for 30 min in line (late Friday ya know?). Find out they no got's! Very helpful there and found that the Kroger chain (Smiths out here) had it and were processing as we spoke. Went there and was out in about 10 min, including picking up some stuff for dinner. $5 for the meds.

Not bashing....but Walgreens (at least out here) really needs to get their stuff in one sock! Big Kudos to CVS and Smiths/Kroger!

Already feeling better...amazing I know! 2 treatments of what the doc told me to do....and improvement!

Ok, maybe they went to school for 8 yrs for a reason?

 

When my grandson was little he would have said 'you had a great adventure'

Some eye drops can be expensive, 1 of mine has a $45 copay - I don't remember the full price. Fortunately the eye doc always gives me samples of that one
I assume the grocery store pharmacy accepted your insurance and walgreens wouldn't

 

Yeah, you got it Mark. I don't know how it works exactly, but apparently for almost 2 yrs Walgreens can't reach an agreement with the provider. I mean it's only retired military healthcare (Tricare it's called). Hey, whats a couple of hundred thousand potential customers I guess? (Just in this state.) Though CVS, WalMart, the grocery stores and the independents probably like it just fine.

 

Just got flu shot. Target took wives insurance ok but mine had to go to CVS.

 

Got mine earlier in the week pugsl...prob a bad idea timing wise...had mild flu symptoms along with the other issues here.

Wanted the shingles as well (the stories I hear are freaking me out!!!) but have to get a scrip since I'm still below 60. So I'll wind up paying anyway I guess, unless a doc will do it over the phone.

 

Spoke too soon I guess. Prob going to Doc in a Box tomorrow or back to the eye place? Know I'll never get an appt at regular doc office. Eyes feel somewhat better...but whole face feels swollen....maybe from the steroids in the drops? Real sensitive to light as well.

The 100 mi round trip to get recall work done on the car was just loads of fun today. Ever spend 2 hrs just walking around a parking lot? Felt like I needed a sign asking for help. The conversations at the diner with the WWII vet and then later the Korean vet were very nice though.

 

If I remember correctly the steroid drops do make your eyes more sensitive to light [it might even say so on the bottle's box ??] I've never had any swelling from eye drops.

Waiting for anything has never been very high on my list of things to do

 

Yeah, this is getting weird. Felt pretty good when I woke up, could almost see normally. Decided to stop the prescription drops since yesterday morning (just saline/lubricant/allergy off the shelf stuff and warm washcloths) and eyes feel and look better. Felt pretty good this AM, but face feels "puffy" after 4 hrs of being up.

Jeez, I hate to go to a Doc in a Box who will only refer me to an ophthalmologist which will take 2 weeks at least, and charge $200 for the privilege.

I think I'll give it another day of R&R before any more visits. It's only Tuesday...

Mark...remember when Jerry Lewis looked so bad on the telethon? Steroids for his issues. Didn't think drops would do the same, but maybe? Just letting them get out of the system for now. BP is ok according to the local WM and drug store machines (my time killers yesterday).

 

Trying to remember but I think the steroid drops also dilate your eyes. How long did the eye doc say to use the steroid drops?

While I remember the labor day telethons - I never did watch them much.

 

It's a antibiotic /corticosteroid combination. He said improvement within 2-3 days...and it seemed to help the first day, but that may have been the sample pack of lubrication drops he gave me. No improvement after that.

I'll prob have to do the Doc thing tomorrow, if it's not better.

At least I'm not whining now...more just stating facts.