upnorthchick
Cathlete
So back on February 23rd I took a little tumble off my step bench (flew into the sliding glass window then landed on the floor!). I brushed myself off and finished Imax 2 -watch out for that 3rd blast, it's a doozie.Two weeks after the "incident", the first symptoms started. My right foot would go numb and tingly if I was standing still and I had some foot dropping. Disconcerting at first, then just became annoying. It was my only symptoms and would go away with a little walking around or sitting down.
After a couple consults with a doctor, I had an MRI. I have a bulging disc at my L4-L5, some spinal stenosis(narrowing of the spinal column), a synovial cyst(think blister), and some spondylolisthesis(think vertebrea out of alignment) all in that same area. All of it putting pressure on my nerves there.
Suddenly, around the first week in May, other symptoms started happening: Sharp, burning pain shooting from my right hip/butt down my leg and calf when I stand up from sitting or lying down. However, the numb foot and dropping have disappeared. It's really bad in the morning; I can't even bend over to put on my socks and shoes!
I've had 4 opinions from 4 doctors on this: surgery, wait and see if it gets worse, muscle relaxants (which I took for a day but they made me sick!), and some manipulation therapy from a chiropractor. I have an appt. with another dr tomorrow. This one is at the pain clinic for a consult on a cortisone shot or anything that will relieve the pain and swelling. It so swollen on my right hip that I actually wear a size bigger pant! The scale if up 13 pounds!! WTH?!!
For my own treatment I’ve been icing at least 3 times a day and doing some stretches. I have to do the stretching at night because it hurts so badly in the AM.
I’ve had to stop doing step, kickboxing, and floor aerobics because the sometimes sudden movements cause great pain down my leg. I’ve been walking and doing some light weight lifting. I can’t even bike because of the sitting.
I am SO frustrated and so sad. I used to do step 4 times a week and kickboxing at least once a week. Walking is not my favorite form of exercise so it feels like a chore-I have to make myself do it. I feel like I’m 10 and someone took away my TV!!!
I am signed up for the Road Trip, which I will not miss, even if I have to just march in place!
Anyway, I love these boards and I wanted to let you know that for right now I’m exercising vicariously through you
Thank you for listening/reading!!
Lisa
Hi!
I wanted to let you know my progress! I received an Epidural Steroid Injection yesterday (fancy name for a cortisone shot). As of right now I have almost been completely pain-free today!! Had just a little of the sciatic nerve pain first thing this morning while putting on my shoes.
The injection can take up to 7 days to work so I am THRILLED that it appears to have already worked for me!! YAY!!
Of course there is no guarantee on how long the shot will last; could be 2 weeks, 2 months, a year, or forever.
What I can do know is really start incorporating yoga and flexibility into my routine to keep my L4-L5 in line
AND to celebrate, I did a little bit of steppin'!! I couldn't help myself; I was just so excited to not be in pain! I did most of the Cardio & Weights Premix from Body Max 2. The 3rd step combo is a little more twisty and jumpy than I wanted to do so I just repeated the 1st combo. It didn't even hurt to bend down and pick up my weights while sitting on the ball! I was so happy I could have cried!!
I'll be starting some PT soon-just enough to get tips on the correct core-strengthening exercises I should be doing.
Anyway, just wanted to update y'all and thank you again for the kind words, good thoughts, and support! You all ROCK!!
Happy day!!
Lisa
