Re: My life as of today

[Guest guest]

Of you have no choice about working would a brave of something help?

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 21, 2008, at 1:05 PM, " lvjamaica2004 " <lvjamaica2004@...> wrote:

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

I meant to type brace. Darn iPhone

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 21, 2008, at 1:05 PM, " lvjamaica2004 " <lvjamaica2004@...> wrote:

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

Hello. I don't usually post in the group because I'm very shy. But i had to

reply to what you said. I can definately relate to the panic attacks. I have

them if I try to go somewhere other than home. I'm so afraid I'll get out there

and be in pain and won't be able to get home soon enough. and to top that off,

i'm now having panic attacks if I try to take certain medications like pain meds

because I had a reaction to one and now I can't take them or meds to help with

anxiety. It's messed up. I am older than you are, but I too would like to be

able to do the things I used to do. I was a veterinary technician for 10 before

my injury and it was my passion to help animals and make them well. I miss my

job so much and I was the higher wage earner in my family. My kids have had to

go without and it makes me sad. They are older and they understand, but it still

makes me sad for them. I miss riding horses and roller coasters most of all. I'm

kind of a thrill seeker and Iove that feeling you get in your tummy on the

downside of a tall roller coaster. But back to the panic attacks... I can pretty

much keep them under control if I stay home and everyting in the household stays

calm. I'm awaiting a discogram next month to determine if I need a fusion. I had

a fracture at T12, and I'm having issuee from L4, L5, and S1. Ya know..It's

amazing that one day your sitting in your car at a light on your way to work,

and the next thing you know, your life is turned completely upside down. I was

rear-ended and haven't been the same since. I tried to keep working for about 3

months not knowing I had a broken vertebrae. But then one day, I just couldn't

do it anymore. I just turned 43, but I had the wreck over a year and a half ago.

Now my back always is painful and my right leg, and it goes numb all the way

down to my big toe. In a sense, you kind of get used to living with it, but it

gets old real quick. Well, I won't ramble on anymore. I guess t could always be

worse. =)

My life as of today

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

Dawn

I feel for you 100%. I'm 32 and have been feeling like 80 since 21. However,

there is a book someone recommended to me I'm reading right now. It's called

" The Power Of Now " by Eckhart Tolle and it talks about what he calls the

" painbody " .

This is the pain in our body taking over and us becoming identified with it

and therefore us becoming the pain. I know it sounds like a bunch of mumbo

jumbo at times but I do think there is some truth to that. Then again this

very much depends on the pain level as well.

If it's high it's impossible not to become the pain. I manage sometimes when

the pain level is lower though...Really good reading if you're interested.

I'm sorry for your bad day and hope you'll get a break soon !

stucky

On Sun, Dec 21, 2008 at 10:05 AM, lvjamaica2004 <lvjamaica2004@...>wrote:

> I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

> and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

> Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

>

> People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

> daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

> because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

> that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

> in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

> truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

> swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

> much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

>

> I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

> some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

> had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

>

> We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

> pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

>

>

>

--

stucky

[Guest guest]

I am glad that someone understands. I have problems at L5 L4 and S1. The pain is

mainly in my right leg. I hope we can chat more. I love talking to people who

knows exactly what I am going thru. Dawn

From: Mc <bethlynnae@...>

Subject: Re: My life as of today

spinal problems

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 3:56 PM

Hello. I don't usually post in the group because I'm very shy. But i had to

reply to what you said. I can definately relate to the panic attacks. I have

them if I try to go somewhere other than home. I'm so afraid I'll get out there

and be in pain and won't be able to get home soon enough. and to top that off,

i'm now having panic attacks if I try to take certain medications like pain meds

because I had a reaction to one and now I can't take them or meds to help with

anxiety. It's messed up. I am older than you are, but I too would like to be

able to do the things I used to do. I was a veterinary technician for 10 before

my injury and it was my passion to help animals and make them well. I miss my

job so much and I was the higher wage earner in my family. My kids have had to

go without and it makes me sad. They are older and they understand, but it still

makes me sad for them. I miss riding horses and roller coasters most of all. I'm

kind of a thrill

seeker and Iove that feeling you get in your tummy on the downside of a tall

roller coaster. But back to the panic attacks... I can pretty much keep them

under control if I stay home and everyting in the household stays calm. I'm

awaiting a discogram next month to determine if I need a fusion. I had a

fracture at T12, and I'm having issuee from L4, L5, and S1. Ya know..It's

amazing that one day your sitting in your car at a light on your way to work,

and the next thing you know, your life is turned completely upside down. I was

rear-ended and haven't been the same since. I tried to keep working for about 3

months not knowing I had a broken vertebrae. But then one day, I just couldn't

do it anymore. I just turned 43, but I had the wreck over a year and a half ago.

Now my back always is painful and my right leg, and it goes numb all the way

down to my big toe. In a sense, you kind of get used to living with it, but it

gets old real quick. Well, I won't

ramble on anymore. I guess t could always be worse. =)

My life as of today

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

I'm so sorry you are in so much pain tody... I hope it is not too

cold where you are. Probably though huh? seems to be cold all over

the country. I know how you are feeling.... I've had plenty of heavy

doses of people not understanding what I was going through. It's

rough to go through and very disheartening, and I am so sorry you

have to go through this too. It is amazing there are so many of us,

and you are right, not many of us know another person personally that

are going through what we do. And know that we wish we could do as

much as they can. I do hope your pain eases up for you Dawn, try to

keep yourself rested Okay? Love & (((((Hugs))))) Take care.

Sue

>

> I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays

me

> and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

> Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

>

> People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

> daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

> because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

> that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we

are

> in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy.

The

> truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to

hike,

> swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do

so

> much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

>

> I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I

wish

> some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking

it,

> had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

>

> We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

> pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

>

[Guest guest]

My right leg is also painful. My ortho doc said I have now lost a reflex in my

right ankle area. My leg often feels like it's just kind of dead and hanging

there. some times it feels real heavy and my fot kind of drags. i'm not looking

forward to the discogram, but it has to be done. i totally understand what your

going through. Lately though, my ankle has been painful and it keeps swelling

and going back down. this started the day before Thanksgiving. Sometimes the

swelling is half way up my calf. Talk to ya soon.

My life as of today

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

Hi both,

I know exactly where you are coming from.

I started to have the same pain, right down to my right foot a few

years

ago. I saw various professionals about the problem, but it took some

time

before I even had an MRI scan, showing two herniations between L4 and

L5 and

L5 and S1.

Then I had the injections and the heavy drugs (fentanyl patches were

the

worst). I had to keep working, which was almost impossible, as the

drugs

were making me very drowsy. I did have two months off work to get

used to

them, but then had to go back.

Nothing changed for a while, until, I too, was rear-ended at about 60-

70 mph

while I was stationary! That just made things worse, so eventually,

about

fours months after that, I went for fusion from L4 to S1. That was

May

2008. I still get pain and haven't got full movement back, but I've

been

told the bone graft could take another 12 months to completely heal.

I

started on sevredol after the op, which was pretty strong, but now

I'm come

off that (slowly) and take less drowsy drugs (although I'm still on

naproxyn, DHC, duloxetine, gabapentin, paracetemol) that allow me to

function much better.

I went through lots of pros and cons for having the surgery and I

know every

case is different. But, so far, I'm very glad I went through with

it. My

life is more normal and the pain is not so bad that it makes me

scream

anymore.

I'm 39 now and this all started when I was 36, but I feel much better

now

than three years ago. Part of my decision to have the surgery is

because I

am relatively young and the body is young and strong enough for a

good

recovery. I loved snowboarding and roller coasters and now I'm on my

way to

be able to enjoy those kind of activities again, hopefully in the

near

future.

I didn't get panic attacks, so I can't comment on those. But I do

empathise

with you and understand what life can be like. It does seem like

there is

no end to it all and nobody cares about helping you. Eight visits to

my GP

with just a " oh, it's only a muscle, it will get better, you need to

bend

more, like this _push_ " really knocked my faith in traditional

medical

routes, but I kept on and managed it in the end. The people on this

board

are great and understand and are usually there with an encouring word

or

two.

That was a very brief synopsis of my last three years and at times it

felt

like time was standing still and nothing would ever happen. I hope

you guys

get some relief from it all soon.

Gareth.

>

> From: Mc <bethlynnae@...>

> Subject: Re: My life as of today

> spinal problems

> Date: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 3:56 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello. I don't usually post in the group because I'm very shy. But

i had to reply to what you said. I can definately relate to the panic

attacks. I have them if I try to go somewhere other than home. I'm so

afraid I'll get out there and be in pain and won't be able to get

home soon enough. and to top that off, i'm now having panic attacks

if I try to take certain medications like pain meds because I had a

reaction to one and now I can't take them or meds to help with

anxiety. It's messed up. I am older than you are, but I too would

like to be able to do the things I used to do. I was a veterinary

technician for 10 before my injury and it was my passion to help

animals and make them well. I miss my job so much and I was the

higher wage earner in my family. My kids have had to go without and

it makes me sad. They are older and they understand, but it still

makes me sad for them. I miss riding horses and roller coasters most

of all. I'm kind of a thrill

> seeker and Iove that feeling you get in your tummy on the downside

of a tall roller coaster. But back to the panic attacks... I can

pretty much keep them under control if I stay home and everyting in

the household stays calm. I'm awaiting a discogram next month to

determine if I need a fusion. I had a fracture at T12, and I'm having

issuee from L4, L5, and S1. Ya know..It's amazing that one day your

sitting in your car at a light on your way to work, and the next

thing you know, your life is turned completely upside down. I was

rear-ended and haven't been the same since. I tried to keep working

for about 3 months not knowing I had a broken vertebrae. But then one

day, I just couldn't do it anymore. I just turned 43, but I had the

wreck over a year and a half ago. Now my back always is painful and

my right leg, and it goes numb all the way down to my big toe. In a

sense, you kind of get used to living with it, but it gets old real

quick. Well, I won't

> ramble on anymore. I guess t could always be worse. =)

> My life as of today

>

> I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays

me

> and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

> Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

>

> People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

> daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

> because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

> that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we

are

> in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy.

The

> truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to

hike,

> swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do

so

> much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

>

> I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I

wish

> some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking

it,

> had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

>

> We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

> pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

You are not alone, it takes everything I can muster up to get in the shower.

When I take a full shower it hurts so bad that I am totally out of breath when I

get out, I tend to hold my breath when I make a move that causes pain. When at

its worst, I have to take two half showers, I have sat on the edge of my

bed almost in tears reeling from the pain and spasms. It is so unfair to have to

deal with so much when we see others around us without a care in the world. This

started on my when I was about 37 and destroyed a disc in my neck, having to

have emergency surgery, been going down hill ever since. I find is so

frustrating trying to convince people I am not faking, even though now theres no

question about my pain because it shows so much, but then I am asked well what

are you doing about it? I refuse to let them cut on me anymore until they can

come up with better odds of success.

I hope you can find your way, I know I didn't help you with my words, I guess I

just wanted to let you know I think we all feel kinda the same about

our suffering. You are not alone.

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

________________________________

From: lvjamaica2004 <lvjamaica2004@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 12:05:24 PM

Subject: My life as of today

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

God help us each and everyone.

From: Lambert <glambert28@...>

Subject: Re: My life as of today

spinal problems

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 8:04 PM

Dawn,

You are not alone, it takes everything I can muster up to get in the shower.

When I take a full shower it hurts so bad that I am totally out of breath when I

get out, I tend to hold my breath when I make a move that causes pain. When at

its worst, I have to take two half showers, I have sat on the edge of my

bed almost in tears reeling from the pain and spasms. It is so unfair to have to

deal with so much when we see others around us without a care in the world. This

started on my when I was about 37 and destroyed a disc in my neck, having to

have emergency surgery, been going down hill ever since. I find is so

frustrating trying to convince people I am not faking, even though now theres no

question about my pain because it shows so much, but then I am asked well what

are you doing about it? I refuse to let them cut on me anymore until they can

come up with better odds of success.

I hope you can find your way, I know I didn't help you with my words, I guess I

just wanted to let you know I think we all feel kinda the same about

our suffering. You are not alone.

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

____________ _________ _________ __

From: lvjamaica2004 <lvjamaica2004>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 12:05:24 PM

Subject: My life as of today

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

That was one reason why I researched for a group that deals with spine

disorders. I knew if I talked to other people who are going thru the samething I

am, that I would get some sort of support, even thru a computer! Technology is

great!

 

Your words do help because it is easier to talk to someone who is going thru the

samething then to talk to someone who is not because they do not know.

 

I wish I had not taken my painfree days for granted and when those days that I

did not feel like getting out of bed because I was pure lazy, I wish I got my

but out of bed and enjoyed life. Now I would give anything to get out of bed!

 

Dawn

From: Lambert <glambert28@...>

Subject: Re: My life as of today

spinal problems

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 8:04 PM

Dawn,

You are not alone, it takes everything I can muster up to get in the shower.

When I take a full shower it hurts so bad that I am totally out of breath when I

get out, I tend to hold my breath when I make a move that causes pain. When at

its worst, I have to take two half showers, I have sat on the edge of my

bed almost in tears reeling from the pain and spasms. It is so unfair to have to

deal with so much when we see others around us without a care in the world. This

started on my when I was about 37 and destroyed a disc in my neck, having to

have emergency surgery, been going down hill ever since. I find is so

frustrating trying to convince people I am not faking, even though now theres no

question about my pain because it shows so much, but then I am asked well what

are you doing about it? I refuse to let them cut on me anymore until they can

come up with better odds of success.

I hope you can find your way, I know I didn't help you with my words, I guess I

just wanted to let you know I think we all feel kinda the same about

our suffering. You are not alone.

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

____________ _________ _________ __

From: lvjamaica2004 <lvjamaica2004>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 12:05:24 PM

Subject: My life as of today

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

thank you for the reply, Gareth. How limited are you now since your surgery?

That's what scares me the most. How much range of motion do you really lose? Do

the spasms in your back go away? I'm sooo tired of spasms. Thanks again. lisa

My life as of today

>

> I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays

me

> and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

> Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

>

> People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

> daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

> because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

> that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we

are

> in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy.

The

> truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to

hike,

> swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do

so

> much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

>

> I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I

wish

> some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking

it,

> had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

>

> We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

> pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm so glad you decided to post with us, there are a lot of geat

people here, with lots of info and wisdom. That sounds terrible about

your leg. I was in an auto accident too years ago. So I started

this back in 1994. My neck was injured, have had four surguries,

two on my neck, and two on my back. My back is from arthritis though,

and I have it bad in my neck, and every where else. What kind of

tests have you had so far?

Have you talked to your doctor about the problems with your meds? It

just seems like there would be something that could help you.

Sometimes people need to be started out on very low doses of

medications. I hope the anxiety stays down for you. I just worry

about your leg and your back.... It just seems something should be

done right now.... And I just wish there were something I could do

for you because I know how you feel.. I hope things go okay for you

with the dr. and tests and all. And if you have other questions,

there are a lot of answers here. Take care & God Bless

Sue.

-- In spinal problems , " Mc "

<bethlynnae@...> wrote:

>

> My right leg is also painful. My ortho doc said I have now lost a

reflex in my right ankle area. My leg often feels like it's just kind

of dead and hanging there. some times it feels real heavy and my fot

kind of drags. i'm not looking forward to the discogram, but it has

to be done. i totally understand what your going through. Lately

though, my ankle has been painful and it keeps swelling and going

back down. this started the day before Thanksgiving. Sometimes the

swelling is half way up my calf. Talk to ya soon.

>

> My life as of today

>

> I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She

pays me

> and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat

broke!

> Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

>

> People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects

our

> daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

> because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know

has

> that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say

we are

> in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy.

The

> truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to

hike,

> swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to

do so

> much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

>

> I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I

wish

> some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking

it,

> had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

>

> We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in

extreme

> pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well dawn I think I told you this but I had exactly the same issue in the same

place and an now pain free in my right leg. No more numbness. Just the recovery

from the surgery itself.

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 21, 2008, at 6:28 PM, Dawn Blackwood <lvjamaica2004@...> wrote:

I am glad that someone understands. I have problems at L5 L4 and S1. The pain is

mainly in my right leg. I hope we can chat more. I love talking to people who

knows exactly what I am going thru. Dawn

From: Mc <bethlynnae@...>

Subject: Re: My life as of today

spinal problems

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 3:56 PM

Hello. I don't usually post in the group because I'm very shy. But i had to

reply to what you said. I can definately relate to the panic attacks. I have

them if I try to go somewhere other than home. I'm so afraid I'll get out there

and be in pain and won't be able to get home soon enough. and to top that off,

i'm now having panic attacks if I try to take certain medications like pain meds

because I had a reaction to one and now I can't take them or meds to help with

anxiety. It's messed up. I am older than you are, but I too would like to be

able to do the things I used to do. I was a veterinary technician for 10 before

my injury and it was my passion to help animals and make them well. I miss my

job so much and I was the higher wage earner in my family. My kids have had to

go without and it makes me sad. They are older and they understand, but it still

makes me sad for them. I miss riding horses and roller coasters most of all. I'm

kind of a thrill

seeker and Iove that feeling you get in your tummy on the downside of a tall

roller coaster. But back to the panic attacks... I can pretty much keep them

under control if I stay home and everyting in the household stays calm. I'm

awaiting a discogram next month to determine if I need a fusion. I had a

fracture at T12, and I'm having issuee from L4, L5, and S1. Ya know..It's

amazing that one day your sitting in your car at a light on your way to work,

and the next thing you know, your life is turned completely upside down. I was

rear-ended and haven't been the same since. I tried to keep working for about 3

months not knowing I had a broken vertebrae. But then one day, I just couldn't

do it anymore. I just turned 43, but I had the wreck over a year and a half ago.

Now my back always is painful and my right leg, and it goes numb all the way

down to my big toe. In a sense, you kind of get used to living with it, but it

gets old real quick. Well, I won't

ramble on anymore. I guess t could always be worse. =)

My life as of today

I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She pays me

and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat broke!

Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects our

daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know has

that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say we are

in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy. The

truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to hike,

swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to do so

much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I wish

some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking it,

had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in extreme

pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

[Guest guest]

I've been reading the posts all along, but like I said, I'm very shy and don't

post much. I've had 2 mri's, and a nuclear bone scan. they thought my fracture

was actually terminal spine cancer at one point. Thank goodness they were wrong.

I've had panic attacks for years, but they only started when trying to take meds

about 6 months ago. Very frustrating. If I even get the bottle of pills out to

take one, the panic sets in. I've done the epidural and facet injections and

they made me feel worse. My treatment is moving slow cuz I had to get an

attorney involved and everything has to be done under a letter of protection.

Doctor's don't seem to like those much. I also have some scoliosis and DDD, and

spondilothesis (I think). Not sure how to spell that one..lol I'm currently

seeing a psych doc for panic disorder w/agoraphobia. He has me on real low

doses, but I can't get the pills out of the bottle to take them without the

panic attack. I'm hoping that after the discogram, things will move a little

faster as far as treatment. Thank you for responding.

My life as of today

>

> I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She

pays me

> and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat

broke!

> Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

>

> People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects

our

> daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a shower

> because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know

has

> that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say

we are

> in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just lazy.

The

> truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want to

hike,

> swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to

do so

> much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

>

> I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes I

wish

> some of these people who look down on me and say that I am faking

it,

> had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

>

> We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in

extreme

> pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I understand you are very shy....but you are doing good, and I hope

the doctor can help you with your agoraphobia. You have a lot to

deal with right now. Just take it slow...do what you can, maybe take

tiny steps:) I'm so glad you do have doctors working for you though,

I just wish things were working faster for you though as far as

diagnosing and finding the problem.

If you can't post, don't worry about it.... we are a bunch of

understanding people here. take care, and I wish you well.

Sue.

> >

> > From: Mc <bethlynnae@>

> > Subject: Re: My life as of today

> > spinal problems

> > Date: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 3:56 PM

> >

> > Hello. I don't usually post in the group because I'm very shy.

> But i had to reply to what you said. I can definately relate to

the

> panic attacks. I have them if I try to go somewhere other than

home.

> I'm so afraid I'll get out there and be in pain and won't be able

to

> get home soon enough. and to top that off, i'm now having panic

> attacks if I try to take certain medications like pain meds

because I

> had a reaction to one and now I can't take them or meds to help

with

> anxiety. It's messed up. I am older than you are, but I too would

> like to be able to do the things I used to do. I was a veterinary

> technician for 10 before my injury and it was my passion to help

> animals and make them well. I miss my job so much and I was the

> higher wage earner in my family. My kids have had to go without

and

> it makes me sad. They are older and they understand, but it still

> makes me sad for them. I miss riding horses and roller coasters

most

> of all. I'm kind of a thrill

> > seeker and Iove that feeling you get in your tummy on the

> downside of a tall roller coaster. But back to the panic

attacks... I

> can pretty much keep them under control if I stay home and

everyting

> in the household stays calm. I'm awaiting a discogram next month

to

> determine if I need a fusion. I had a fracture at T12, and I'm

having

> issuee from L4, L5, and S1. Ya know..It's amazing that one day

your

> sitting in your car at a light on your way to work, and the next

> thing you know, your life is turned completely upside down. I was

> rear-ended and haven't been the same since. I tried to keep

working

> for about 3 months not knowing I had a broken vertebrae. But then

one

> day, I just couldn't do it anymore. I just turned 43, but I had

the

> wreck over a year and a half ago. Now my back always is painful

and

> my right leg, and it goes numb all the way down to my big toe. In

a

> sense, you kind of get used to living with it, but it gets old

real

> quick. Well, I won't

> > ramble on anymore. I guess t could always be worse. =)

> > My life as of today

> >

> > I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She

> pays me

> > and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat

> broke!

> > Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

> >

> > People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects

> our

> > daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a

shower

> > because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know

> has

> > that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say

> we are

> > in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just

lazy.

> The

> > truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want

to

> hike,

> > swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to

> do so

> > much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

> >

> > I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes

I

> wish

> > some of these people who look down on me and say that I am

faking

> it,

> > had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

> >

> > We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in

> extreme

> > pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm pretty much unlimited in day to day life. I obviously can't

touch my toes without bending my knees (but who wants to anyway?).

My back is still a bit tense and was extremely sensitive to start

with. I'd jump away if anything or anybody went near it. But now

it's ok. It's a bit stiff, but there aren't any spasms anymore.

During the first few months, my right leg wouldn't quite go where I

wanted it to, so I walked a bit funny. But now my movement is fine.

I'm still be very cautious, no lifting, not twisting around quickly,

etc, but mainly due to me being careful rather than not being able

to. I'm just taking it steady.

I can get up stairs pretty much as quickly as I used to, but I'm not

quite able to run yet. The one thing I notice most is when I'm

sitting in the bath and try to put my legs straight while I'm sitting

up. It takes my right leg a bit of persuading, but it gets there.

I hurt myself the first time I had a bath, I forgot that my surgery

was just at the part of the body that I use to sit on in the bath!

Ouch!

So, anyway, I'm glad I had the surgery and feel much better now than

in the last three years. I've still got some way to go, but I feel

it's a great improvement. One day I'll have to stop the medication

and see if the pain really has gone, but I'm going to approach that

day slowly.

All the best,

Gareth.

>

> thank you for the reply, Gareth. How limited are you now since your

surgery? That's what scares me the most. How much range of motion do

you really lose? Do the spasms in your back go away? I'm sooo tired

of spasms. Thanks again. lisa

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing, Gareth. That makes me feel a little better about having

it done. I'm wondering to if I will ever be able to go back to being a vet tech.

I loved it so much, but I'm afraid it would probably be too demanding. Before my

back was hurt, I would have to be in all different kinds of positions to

properly restrain some large dogs that didn't really want to be restrained. I'm

assuming that kind of work would be too hard to do even much later after

surgery. Does that sound right to you? It was a very physically demanding job.

lot's of sweeping, mopping, bending, stooping ect. not to mention heavy lifting.

I just really miss it and wish I could go back to it. Thanks again.

Re: My life as of today

Hi ,

I'm pretty much unlimited in day to day life. I obviously can't

touch my toes without bending my knees (but who wants to anyway?).

My back is still a bit tense and was extremely sensitive to start

with. I'd jump away if anything or anybody went near it. But now

it's ok. It's a bit stiff, but there aren't any spasms anymore.

During the first few months, my right leg wouldn't quite go where I

wanted it to, so I walked a bit funny. But now my movement is fine.

I'm still be very cautious, no lifting, not twisting around quickly,

etc, but mainly due to me being careful rather than not being able

to. I'm just taking it steady.

I can get up stairs pretty much as quickly as I used to, but I'm not

quite able to run yet. The one thing I notice most is when I'm

sitting in the bath and try to put my legs straight while I'm sitting

up. It takes my right leg a bit of persuading, but it gets there.

I hurt myself the first time I had a bath, I forgot that my surgery

was just at the part of the body that I use to sit on in the bath!

Ouch!

So, anyway, I'm glad I had the surgery and feel much better now than

in the last three years. I've still got some way to go, but I feel

it's a great improvement. One day I'll have to stop the medication

and see if the pain really has gone, but I'm going to approach that

day slowly.

All the best,

Gareth.

>

> thank you for the reply, Gareth. How limited are you now since your

surgery? That's what scares me the most. How much range of motion do

you really lose? Do the spasms in your back go away? I'm sooo tired

of spasms. Thanks again. lisa

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Sue. I actually went out today for the first time in a long time

without anyone going with me. I was nervous about it, but I did it anyway. I

didn't take my walker cuz I can't get it out of the truck by myself. I decided I

would just lean on the shopping cart. I didn't stay out long, but it felt good

to do something for myself and by myself. I managed to get through it with no

panic attack. I was only gone for about an hour at the most, but felt good to

get out. My back is no worse than if I had stayed in as of right now, but will

see what it's like tomorrow. My husband was real nervous about me going alone.

He worries a lot about me, but I just needed to do it myself. Talk to ya soon,

My life as of today

> >

> > I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She

> pays me

> > and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat

> broke!

> > Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

> >

> > People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects

> our

> > daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a

shower

> > because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know

> has

> > that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say

> we are

> > in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just

lazy.

> The

> > truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want

to

> hike,

> > swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to

> do so

> > much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

> >

> > I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes

I

> wish

> > some of these people who look down on me and say that I am

faking

> it,

> > had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

> >

> > We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in

> extreme

> > pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Very Good!!!!!!

Dawn E.

I would rather be hated for who I am

than to be like for who I am not ~Author Unknown

From: Mc <bethlynnae@...>

Subject: Re: My life as of today

spinal problems

Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 10:16 PM

Thank you, Sue. I actually went out today for the first time in a long time

without anyone going with me. I was nervous about it, but I did it anyway. I

didn't take my walker cuz I can't get it out of the truck by myself. I decided I

would just lean on the shopping cart. I didn't stay out long, but it felt good

to do something for myself and by myself. I managed to get through it with no

panic attack. I was only gone for about an hour at the most, but felt good to

get out. My back is no worse than if I had stayed in as of right now, but will

see what it's like tomorrow. My husband was real nervous about me going alone.

He worries a lot about me, but I just needed to do it myself. Talk to ya soon,

My life as of today

> >

> > I am in terrible pain today and I have to go help my aunt. She

> pays me

> > and that is the only reason why I am going because I am flat

> broke!

> > Which brings me to the reason why I am writing.

> >

> > People who aren't in pain do not understand how much it affects

> our

> > daily life. I know I sometimes get panic attacks to take a

shower

> > because I know that I will be in pain. How many people you know

> has

> > that problem? My guess would be zero! People assume that we say

> we are

> > in pain because we are using it as an excuse or we are just

lazy.

> The

> > truth is that I want to work a fulltime job, maybe two. I want

to

> hike,

> > swim, play volleyball and softball. I want to travel. I want to

> do so

> > much. I am only 35 and I feel as if I am older.

> >

> > I would never wish this pain on my worsest ememy, but sometimes

I

> wish

> > some of these people who look down on me and say that I am

faking

> it,

> > had this pain for at least one hour at the least.

> >

> > We do what we have to to survive. We work and do things in

> extreme

> > pain, not because we want too, but because we have to. Dawn

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

_bethlynnae@..._ (mailto:bethlynnae@...) writes: << Ya

know..It's amazing that one day your sitting in your car at a light on your way

to

work, and the next thing you know, your life is turned completely upside down.

I was rear-ended and haven't been the same since. I tried to keep working

....>>

Mine was 17 mos ago too. I was on the interstate when traffic came to a

complete STOP. I stopped. Gal behind me stopped, albeit on my tail...then came

the destroyer. A GMC work truck with a guy yacking on his blue tooth while

sipping his morning joe at 65 mph. He did a little more than turn my life upside

down. I've lost just about everything I had to lose...including my " new "

marriage. We'd just married 16 mos before the accident and I was JUST starting a

new hair business in the city (lost the business). If the marriage counselor

doesn't start getting more proactive with trying to teach my husband about

chronic pain suffering, I'm sure the marriage will be gone by summer as well.

" Divorce " has been seriously mentioned at least twice since the beginning of

December.

Best regards,

Patty A

--------------------------

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redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

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[Guest guest]

I'm divorced and I can tell you with certainty that both of my x's would have

treated me poorly in the same situation. As you know I'm suffering a heartbreak

from a month ago when my once wonderful boyfriend cut me out of his life. It's

hard to go through surgery and recovery by yourself. I've mostly had to count on

my teens who did help grudgingly. On the end they have learned some life skills

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 26, 2008, at 11:01 PM, NCGorgeous1963@... wrote:

_bethlynnae@..._ (mailto:bethlynnae@...) writes: << Ya

know..It's amazing that one day your sitting in your car at a light on your way

to

work, and the next thing you know, your life is turned completely upside down.

I was rear-ended and haven't been the same since. I tried to keep working

.....>>

Mine was 17 mos ago too. I was on the interstate when traffic came to a

complete STOP. I stopped. Gal behind me stopped, albeit on my tail...then came

the destroyer. A GMC work truck with a guy yacking on his blue tooth while

sipping his morning joe at 65 mph. He did a little more than turn my life upside

down. I've lost just about everything I had to lose...including my " new "

marriage. We'd just married 16 mos before the accident and I was JUST starting a

new hair business in the city (lost the business). If the marriage counselor

doesn't start getting more proactive with trying to teach my husband about

chronic pain suffering, I'm sure the marriage will be gone by summer as well.

" Divorce " has been seriously mentioned at least twice since the beginning of

December.

Best regards,

Patty A

--------------------------

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

**************One site keeps you connected to all your email: AOL Mail,

Gmail, and Mail. Try it now.

(http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp & icid=aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolcom00000025)

[Guest guest]

I understand exactly what you are saying. My husband is pretty good about

understanding the chronic pain as he has some issues too. However, we have been

totally devistated financially and will probably lose our home. We have no way

to pay our electric bill, water bill, mortgage or any other bills at this point.

I'm not even sure how we still have internet at this point. We are both very

stressed over it and that is what's causing our marital problems. We fight and

argue everyday and divorce gets mentioned here too. It's such a trap. We only

have an income of $221 a month plus our food stamps. Not sure what will happen,

but it's not looking good. I have 2 sons living here who are trying to find

work, but no luck so far. I also still have a daughter here that's still in high

school, but not quite old enough to work. My husband lost his job and is

basically my care taker and can't work. We only have 1 vehicle for the household

and neither one of my sons has a driver's licsence yet. We all feel very trapped

or stuck. My husband and I also fight alot cuz we are constantly around each

other and get on each others nerves. There is such a thing as spending too much

time together. Anyway, just wanted to let ya know I understand about the

fighting with the husband thing. We can't afford counseling right now, but

hopefully things will get better eventually.

Re: My life as of today

_bethlynnae@..._ (mailto:bethlynnae@...) writes: << Ya

know..It's amazing that one day your sitting in your car at a light on your

way to

work, and the next thing you know, your life is turned completely upside down.

I was rear-ended and haven't been the same since. I tried to keep working

...>>

Mine was 17 mos ago too. I was on the interstate when traffic came to a

complete STOP. I stopped. Gal behind me stopped, albeit on my tail...then came

the destroyer. A GMC work truck with a guy yacking on his blue tooth while

sipping his morning joe at 65 mph. He did a little more than turn my life

upside

down. I've lost just about everything I had to lose...including my " new "

marriage. We'd just married 16 mos before the accident and I was JUST starting

a

new hair business in the city (lost the business). If the marriage counselor

doesn't start getting more proactive with trying to teach my husband about

chronic pain suffering, I'm sure the marriage will be gone by summer as well.

" Divorce " has been seriously mentioned at least twice since the beginning of

December.

Best regards,

Patty A

--------------------------

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

**************One site keeps you connected to all your email: AOL Mail,

Gmail, and Mail. Try it now.

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sorry, I've been away for the holidays.

I know what you need to be a vet tech, my mother was one, so I

understand your love for it but also your concerns.

I am quite capable of mopping, sweeping etc, now. I have to do it

carefully and in bursts so that I'm not bending for too long or

putting too much pressure on my back. In a way, gentle work of this

type *might* be helpful to get the exercise that you need. My

surgeon has told me that the more core exercise I can do, without

overdoing it, the better. I use a gym ball, which is pretty much

zero impact, but great for the core. I've also been told swimming is

the best thing, but I don't get that much chance to go.

The heavy lifting I would see as a problem though, at least for me

being only six months out of surgery as my bone graft is still

growing. I don't even put suitcases etc in the car (partly as my

fantasticly supportive girlfriend insists on me being careful) so

lots of lifting in one day would probably be a no-no for the moment.

With regards to restraining dogs that really aren't too cooperative,

do you mind if I offer a bit of advice? I'm sure where you work has

standard ways of dealing with different types of behaviour, but I

have read " Cesar's Way " and watched " The Dog Whisperer " on National

Geographic and that has helped me a lot with my own dog. He would

barely get through vet's door and try to make a run for it. He a

German Sheperd / Border Collie cross, so pretty strong. After using

some of the techniques from Cesar, he is much calmer, happier and

easier to deal with. I just thought that might be something worth

investigating if you haven't already. Maybe if you can't perform all

of your original duties, you could do something extra by helping

owners understand what is making their dogs fearful/apprehensive, etc

and contribute in that way?

Just a thought, as I know people who work with animals and they would

hate to have to think that they couldn't go back to it, so I

understand where you're coming from.

Gareth.

>

> Thank you for sharing, Gareth. That makes me feel a little better

about having it done. I'm wondering to if I will ever be able to go

back to being a vet tech. I loved it so much, but I'm afraid it would

probably be too demanding. Before my back was hurt, I would have to

be in all different kinds of positions to properly restrain some

large dogs that didn't really want to be restrained. I'm assuming

that kind of work would be too hard to do even much later after

surgery. Does that sound right to you? It was a very physically

demanding job. lot's of sweeping, mopping, bending, stooping ect. not

to mention heavy lifting. I just really miss it and wish I could go

back to it. Thanks again.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gareth, Thank you for your reply. I'm not currently working and haven't been

able to since Sept. '07, but I hope to go back to it one day. I will look into

that. There are certain safety proticals that have to be used, but worth looking

into. My boss told me when I left that if I could ever work as a tech again, I

had an open job with them. The vet that I worked for has MS, so he is very

understanding of health issues. I've used the ball and I use an inversion table.

I'm mostly having spasms in different places in my back and my right leg feels a

little numb down to my big toe. Soemtimes I get sharp pains in my leg, but most

of the time it's dull and achey. It feels heavy like it's just kind of hanging

there at times. I've also started having numbness and tingling that starts in my

back on the right side and kindof wraps around to my abdomen. It feels like my

skin is asleep. I'm not quite sure what to make of that yet. That just started a

few weeks ago. Ever have that happen or know what causes it? How long is the

hospital stay after a fusion usually? I'm kind of curious about that. Well, i

have to go. I'll talk to ya later. thanks again.

Re: My life as of today

Hi ,

Sorry, I've been away for the holidays.

I know what you need to be a vet tech, my mother was one, so I

understand your love for it but also your concerns.

I am quite capable of mopping, sweeping etc, now. I have to do it

carefully and in bursts so that I'm not bending for too long or

putting too much pressure on my back. In a way, gentle work of this

type *might* be helpful to get the exercise that you need. My

surgeon has told me that the more core exercise I can do, without

overdoing it, the better. I use a gym ball, which is pretty much

zero impact, but great for the core. I've also been told swimming is

the best thing, but I don't get that much chance to go.

The heavy lifting I would see as a problem though, at least for me

being only six months out of surgery as my bone graft is still

growing. I don't even put suitcases etc in the car (partly as my

fantasticly supportive girlfriend insists on me being careful) so

lots of lifting in one day would probably be a no-no for the moment.

With regards to restraining dogs that really aren't too cooperative,

do you mind if I offer a bit of advice? I'm sure where you work has

standard ways of dealing with different types of behaviour, but I

have read " Cesar's Way " and watched " The Dog Whisperer " on National

Geographic and that has helped me a lot with my own dog. He would

barely get through vet's door and try to make a run for it. He a

German Sheperd / Border Collie cross, so pretty strong. After using

some of the techniques from Cesar, he is much calmer, happier and

easier to deal with. I just thought that might be something worth

investigating if you haven't already. Maybe if you can't perform all

of your original duties, you could do something extra by helping

owners understand what is making their dogs fearful/apprehensive, etc

and contribute in that way?

Just a thought, as I know people who work with animals and they would

hate to have to think that they couldn't go back to it, so I

understand where you're coming from.

Gareth.

>

> Thank you for sharing, Gareth. That makes me feel a little better

about having it done. I'm wondering to if I will ever be able to go

back to being a vet tech. I loved it so much, but I'm afraid it would

probably be too demanding. Before my back was hurt, I would have to

be in all different kinds of positions to properly restrain some

large dogs that didn't really want to be restrained. I'm assuming

that kind of work would be too hard to do even much later after

surgery. Does that sound right to you? It was a very physically

demanding job. lot's of sweeping, mopping, bending, stooping ect. not

to mention heavy lifting. I just really miss it and wish I could go

back to it. Thanks again.