Guest guest Posted April 2, 2004 Report Share Posted April 2, 2004 Tammy, My neurologist told me " your back is really screwed up " after he saw my MRI. (This was about 2 1/2 - 3 years ago.) What news...like I could already figure that out - had alot of pain, not only a herniated disc, but spinal stenosis and spondilithosis. After I freaked out, he recommended a great spinal orthopedist to see. Long story short, after trying PT, traction, more PT, Vioxx, and Ultram, I told him I was ready to get it fixed. So I had a spinal fusion 2 years ago May. It is amazing because now my back is just perfect and I bend and move with gusto like before...it was so wonderful to be on vacation, bending over to pick up shells... I do wear in-shoe orthotics, but nothing would have stopped a herniated disc...so much for gardening that year! I have made up for it much since then! Pilates is wonderful - I am just doing the Essentials of Pilates, learning the basics until it can become second nature. Lying on the floor to start and stretching my spine in the pilates positions feels so good - really good to know how to properly align myself. The hardest part of it all for me is the coordination of the breathing - I keep wanting to medidate, and this is not that kind of breathing. Breaths to inhale and breaths to exhale for the certain positions are unlike anything I have done before, and sort of feel " backwards " , but I go with the flow. An incredible feeling of calm comes over me when our session is over. Really great too, no special equipment needed, the Fitness Center supplies the mats. Our class is held to no more than 6 so we get some individual coaching from our instructor. As part of my pre-surgery and post-surgery therapy, I got into aquatic exercise....and this is what I still do and love the best. It is non-weight bearing and so many different things to do. Nothing more than a swimsuit required. Our center has 2 pools now so sometimes now I go in on my own for additional time. The peace of the water is wonderfully embryonic and with the current on I get a good workout. I am glad I had PT before hand to learn what is good for back strength and then also a program was designed for me with CMT to work all muscle groups. In between my mattress and box spring, I have a piece of plywood - also helps in a good night's sleep and is good to stretch out on the bed. ~ Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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