Back Pain and Internet Shopping. Thread Number 5.

[PavlovtheCat]

Those who have long term back problems know that the best way to help manage back pain is to internet shop for shoes, bags, and back support devices. Those who are new to back pain, these are important lessons to learn.

And here within this thread is where you will learn those lessons.

You will also find other helpful advice on pain management, different treatment options from hydrotherapy and physio to surgery, experiences of others navigating the big and scary medical world, both private and NHS (and abroad from the UK) too, as well as issues around work, being a parent while managing pain and disability, and the impact on the relationships around us.

Between us all, we have a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, and more than the practical advice, the jargon and information, we know what back pain is like, how much is affects everything around us, and sometimes, all we need is to have people listen who Get It.

We talk painkillers regularly, have hot water bottles and wheat bags galore, and hold hands a lot. It's potentially all very Unmumsnetty as we do actually show some lovin' from time to time, although we Never Ever call each other hun.

If you have advice, need advice, need a hand to hold, want to do some shopping, then come in. We are friendly. We talk a lot. Come in, have a and say hello

You will see just how much we do talk if you read our previous threads (where you may glean lots of answers about pain relief, surgery etc, best winter boots etc):
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2049637-Back-Again-Back-Pain-Support-Thread
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1871592-The-Back-Story
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1992406-The-Back-Story-Continues
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2023274-More-Terrible-Back-Stories

I bought some Christmas cards today. Does that count?

Berrie it's brilliant you got your cards ready - don't feel bad! Excellent idea to get yourself ready for work by clearing the decks. Take it gently on Monday.

Good luck on Monday, Berrie! Only joking about the cards - I'd be v. pleased with myself if I'd been that organized!

Thought I should report that I used my new back roller this morning after waking in the night with a tight painful upper back( symtom of mild lock up) and immediately heard the loud clunk of the rib/ facet popping back into place! So it does what as is supposed to do! I still have soreness but have the movement mostly back, at half the cost of the chiropractor visit. I suspect my old towel method would have worked too, but this is easier.
I am finding getting in and out of bed quite tricky, what with lower back playing up (so any rolling is painful) and my right wrist not able to weight bare. No chance of staying there though!

Well i did my 2nd shift today, what a joke, so short staffed, had one resident grab my arm tight and nearly pulled me over, dementia resident. Another member of staff put notice in yesterday. Its getting ridiculous. I ended up working extra time today, and i am back in again tomorrow, and checked the rota so i know we are short.
We also have a lot of residents with bad colds and coughs, so just waiting til i get it, what with them coughing everywhere
had my weekly shop delivered tonight, and no extra kids this week.
hows everyone elses day been.

Not so bad thanks Pink. We went out for lunch today. i had shooting pains in my buttocks and sort of hobbled bent over to the car which worries me rather but I don't work until Thursday/Friday (thanks for good wishes) so there is time yet! Hope you have a better day tomorrow.
Ooo Magso that made me wince! Glad you've got something helpful! What was that cartoon film with a yellow robot where the people left the earth and lived on a space ship and had little floating platforms to move around on and then all evolved to become incredibly fat? The kids watched it over and over - hated it! Anyway...I think we all need one of those platforms! (just for the bad days) oh and an enormous mansion big enough to float around in as am just imagining my platform now trying to hover down the stairs and tipping me off)
It's late I reckon I should go to sleep now!

Did anyone read Anne of Green Gables? Do you remember how she had to ban herself from using exclamation marks? I need to ban myself from crossing out.
Really turning off now! Not even inebriated! Don't know what has got into me! panic at having to join the real world next week probably
Oops!

It was Wall-E, Berrie! I'd forgotten all about Anne of Green Gables - used to love that book when I was young.

Well, that's my profound contribution to the thread this evening - off to bed now. Hope everyone has a good night.

pink how did you hold up back wise in such chaos? I guess not getting a break or having your sick note followed, are you going to address that with HR?

I accidentally took tramadol (100mg) instead of codeine this evening - I just went for the meds that were in the bathroom, was like 'need tramadol' as my pain levels shot up, didn't consider the time, and as I swallowed them with the water, I was like 'oh, erm, it's like 7pm, shit, should have taken codeine!' Oops. And now, gone midnight, watching old Top of the Pops (Cindy Lauper not even pretending to be singing) wired, and it still hasn't cut through the pain . But then, I do find that with tramadol - it doesn't really stop it hurting, it sort of puts in a compartment that my brain says 'ok, know you are there, but it's ok, not bothered by you', like the pain is a fact, not an emotion. I don't even know if that makes sense

pavlov that makes complete sense ... some of our drugs don't do anything for the pain they just make you not mind so much ... its the reason I love my Co-codamol

A few questions for you ladies:

Do you consider yourself disabled? (I rarely say so and rarely use the "disabled" seats on the bus unless its a really bad day but I did once tell someone I was when I was getting "oh you are only part-time-lucky you" for the millionth time and I am still ashamed that I retaliated like that

Do you find life easier thinner? (I lost 3 stone once I returned to work but have now put most of it back on again and am struggling)

Do you dread old age? (I do as I am afraid I will be stiffer and sorer and less able to do anything about it - in fact this may have already started to be the case)

Am loving my grabby stick (thanks to whoever suggested it) but should have got 2 - 1 for upstairs and 1 for downstairs lol

Thanks in anticipation ladies! Hope you are all well today

Good questions, ally. I'm happy to reply as it delays me tackling a bit of ironing.

disabled? Sadly, yes, very much so. I don't physically look disabled until I walk. I have a very stiff, antalgic gait. ( got that word from a doctors review letter, it means uneven). I did struggle with classing myself thus for ages but tbh it's so bloody obvious that I have to. I have a blue badge, get assistance etc. there are a few ( very few) small advantages to be had. Check out free tickets for theatres, galleries etc. one disabled bod plus carer, pay for one ticket only. I don't work at all now and often people will raise eyebrows, especially since the dc have left home. Walk a mile in my shoes is my internal response.

Also, I say to people that I have a spinal injury rather than a bad back. Everyone has a bad back!

thinner? Sorry, yes I do. I'm quite fanatical about it because I think I've lost a huge amount including my self esteem so looking ok, dressing nicely and so on is vital to me. And of course carrying the extra weight doesn't help. Can I caveat all that smugness by saying that eight years ago I lost 2.5 stone and have by and large kept it off. Last year it was creeping so my friend and I joined WW and got it off. So I know how hard it is,me specially when I don't move much or exercise even 10% of what I did. Good luck with that one.

old age? Yes. Don't really look far ahead tbh. I believe that my drugs could well damage me in the long term. Unless some clever scientists can progress their work on nerve repair in which case I would sell all my possessions and my body to pay for it I can't see it looking great.

But, I try to live in the moment, enjoy the small stuff and fill my time as much as is sensible and possible. None of it is easy.

Morning everyone. Just posting for a bit more advice please. Glad to see most people are having a good weekend :)

I saw the occupational health doctor this week and he has said that he can't give any recommendations to my work (other than 'don't aggravate it') until I have an MRI, which he described as the "golden standard" for someone exhibiting my symptoms who had been in an accident. The NHS around here can be a bit of a joke (for example, I only know one person who has given birth in the local hospital and has a positive birth story, another A&E doctor misdiagnosed DP's swollen gall bladder, which then had to be removed in an emergency op, as 'too much to drink' even though he was on the floor screaming in pain... you get the picture!). I have booked a GP appointment tomorrow morning, unfortunately not with the one who referred me to the clinic, to ask specifically for an urgent referral for an MRI on the basis that my work dr can't give them any advice until I am diagnosed and also I am now beginning to worry that the longer this goes on without me knowing what is wrong then I could do myself more damage. The next clinic appointment is on the 8th December (I booked myself in) but there is no guarantee they will send me for a scan at all.

What do I do if tomorrow the dr refuses to send me in? I am beginning to get very upset and feel very let down - if this accident had happened in the UK they would have just done it immediately (which is more or less what the occupational dr said). I honestly think they will just send me home if I walk into A&E.

Do you consider yourself disabled? I now, after much battling with the label, do refer to myself as disabled, to be able to get across to people that this is not temporary, but, I still find it sticks in my throat and I still don't really think of myself as disabled. I think I am still thinking I am going to recover from this. I know that's not actually logical, and I will always have back problems. I don't always use blue badge spaces. I worry that I am taking the space from someone who is 'actually' disabled. Have to remind myself, that is me. I sometimes find I will not use it, then struggle walking and then regret it! So, more and more I will use the spaces as I just simply can't walk. But I don't always take advantage of the facilities for disabled people.

Do you find life easier thinner? I don't know, as I am, and have always been skinny.

Do you dread old age? I dread and worry that I will be like this forever and that fate will spite me and make me live for over a hundred years! However, I have been told by several HCP that this will all get easier as I grow older, as the discs disappear completely and the vertebra fuse naturally (ignoring the pain that will cause until it happens). So, if this is true, then perhaps my old age will be better than my younger age!

I also love my grabby stick. I need one for work, so I can be a bit more independent.

Thanks for your honesty matilda and pavlov. I did try for a blue badge but was told I had to basically cut off a limb AND poke one eye out or be a drug addict to get one, 2nd time I asked the GP laughed in my face. I'm sure I don't deserve one but friends keep asking so I get sucked into the whole feeling sorry for myself thing. Most days I can walk for a bit without too much pain and I still manage to work (mostly) though part-time. At least there are benefits to the blue badge status ie parking and cheap tickets eh? But I am sorry to hear you two qualify.

As regards the thinner question well I was expecting that lol-kinda set my lardy self up for that. I am trying to lose the weight again (good timing with Xmas looming but I do like a challenge). Well done to you matilda for keeping it off!

I like your attitude to old age pavlov as its a prettier picture than I had thought.

Overall I think this thread is helpful to me at least. Not sure I am as helpful back to you guys sorry!

This thread is helpful to me because it's a place to vent and exchange views with people who get it. I would say that, having started it all

Pavlov, I like the idea of old age being better. We can become naughty old ladies rushing around being irritating and loud .

I was turned down for a blue badge - at the time I could hardly get out of the house (CFS/ME) and was turned down on the grounds CFS is not a permanent walking disability (some people improve with time - and indeed I have over several years). At the time I could not walk well enough to get from the disabled bays to a shop door so it didn't matter! It meant I just could not go out. But later on, when I was getting better days, it might have helped. I think a yearly renewable badge would have been helpful for me, especially for hospital visits. (Hospitals are always on hills!) The porter at my local hospital let me use the furthest disabled bays as a pay bay, (there are very few pay bays so never any free) after I fainted on them once dragging ds into the dental department and staff had to look after ds!
Am I disabled? Well my dodgy back (not as serious as many of you who have needed surgery) is not what I would consider a disability, however combined with poor health (and the medications to treat them) I suppose I am, but I tend to think in terms of chronic health conditions rather than disabilty. It is the other illnesses (ME POTS asthma) that restrict my mobility, and my back which has always been rather dodgy has suffered from the lack of mobility enforced by the poor health. Old age - well I try not to think of it, but as ds (already bigger than me) has LD and ASD(which after many years I see as a disability) and will need care as an adult it is one of those concerns that is never far away. I can't see things improving much. I am seriously considering early retirement, perhaps next year or two, as I am finding it hard to stay on top of my field (I don't have the energy for conferences). Also ds will be 16 -college for SN post 16 year olds here is only short days and 3-4 days a week. I only work 7 hours a week at present, so I guess am already semi early retired.
Weight - well I did put on a stone as a result of corticosteroids ( I was on a very high dose for several months for pneumonitis) but I got it off again recently, following a low carbohydrate diet (BIWIs boot camp). I am not sure it makes much difference energy wise, but I look less blobby so feel I look better. If I could only walk straight I think I could look youthful.
Naughty old ladies club would suit me fine!
Accidently sprayed fizzy sticky juice all over the walls floor and clean washing (and my splint) yesterday and the floors are still sticky. Ds brought me a bottle to open, and I had not realised how much he must have shaken it. I needed a bath, and with the broken wrist could not stop the cork once it had started to budge. It did work better than mouse on my hair though. The floors still make that squelchy sticky noise as you walk.

Done another shift today and jeez what a shift, short again, only two of us. That meant loads heavy work, lifting, hoisting, repositioning, using slide sheets. Then to top it off they put me in for extra shift without asking, i have refused. Every dept is short, care, housekeeping, reception, hostessing its a joke. I am tempted to go bank over the care, dom care and reception. I only want two shifts a week so should get that with the depts.
Berrie good luck with your return to work, i feel knackered but am only doing half the hours i was before.

holy crap! I took a lot of tramadol today, spaced out, with SR this morning and then more later. Didn't consider that all of it would wear off at the same time. Took a reasonable amount (300mg) to ensure I cracked on with what needed doing in the place before tomorrow (properly organised, clean and empty hallway and back yard for builder to get in and out of, places doesn't look too much like we have stacked it full of shit! I didn't do lifting, well, not heavy stuff, but moving, twisting, hoovering (I know! naughty me), then suddenly, my body went 'pain!!!!!!!' and I stood stuck in one slightly bent position for at least 2 minutes before I could move as the pain walloped me.

Now in bed, unable to sit up, or lay down. the pain feels like it's in my hips. It's that bone pain I often get. But it emanates down my legs so know it's probably the nerve. I still, after all this time, questions the pain though, wonder if it's something else. Waiting for the codeine to kick in.

DS is poorly. Again. He was sick on thursday and friday, recovering on friday (fever, cough, snot, bit of puking, but think that's because of the fever). He was better yesterday, no fever at all, kept things calm for him. Fine all day today, although winding his sister up then about 4pm, complained of feeling unwell, but also said he wanted to go on the iPad (i'm poorly, can I go on the iPad?). He became a right little pain with his behaviour, then snuggled into my bed, yelling demands while I cleared all the clutter form our kitchen prep (covered the whole house), fell asleep at 5:30! Not good.

He woke at 7:30pm with a fever of 39.5, boiling and red rash, although that's clearly heat rash as after a bit of time out of bed that eased, bright red rosy cheeks, said he felt unwell. His stomach hurts and he said it hurts to touch, so will keep an eye. Breathing is a bit shallow, but that's the temp being so high, I recall from last time. Maybe docs tomorrow for him.

He is now in bed next to me, stroking my face, telling me he loves me, while eating a hotdog and cheese wrap (bleugh, but leftovers from fridge and he is living it) which stinks. He is not at all sleepy, having had a 2 hour nap. DD is also next to me in bed, trying to sleep through DS chomping and making happy eating noises. He might be boiling but at least he is eating.

I love the idea of a naughty old lady club - dyed hair, fly boots, skinny jeans, walking stick and bad attitude!

Oh dear for everyone's pain.
Here's to a better next week!

precious I do that exercise, pulling the knee to chest, hug it then the other, it does help, , opens the vertebra out and allows it to get blood and oxygen into the disc and surround areas. it hurts me too, but the release is lovely. I also sleep with one knee up to my chest.

Agree about the knees pulled into chest and I do a little gentle rock. But don't overdo the knee pulling, it can make things worse. You are essentially opening the vertebral spaces and releasing discs and nerves so very fragile.

Magso, sorry things are so hard. Juice is a bastard to clean up. Sticky floors are yuk.. My latest moan is that the dishwasher decided to be broken just as loaded up with a full and greasy roast dinner set of dishes and pots. Very glum.

Precious, yes it's a place to let go and have a moan or a laugh. All equally acceptable.

Pink, sorry work is so rubbish but frankly it's never going to change. In the name of avoiding another disc prolapse, quite possibly one that doesn't improve, please speak to your GP and go sick until they begin to look after you. It's awful but they are never going to care less about you. Please don't allow yourself to be injured again.myou are sooo lucky to have 'got better'. I'm using inverted commas because IMO you don't ever really recover from this. You will always have A Back. Up to you to look after it. I say that with good intention, I realise it looks mean.

I like the knee hugging exercise. I also do it with both knees and wriggle from side to side slightly. Its used in pilates. I have no idea if it is suitable for people with more serious back issues. Most the ladies at my pilates class (mostly retired) are more flexible than I am, and certainly move faster. Even my octogenarian Mum puts me to shame. I used to sleep with one knee up, but am trying to stop that because I have become rather more asymmetrical. I am using a stiff pillow under my knees. I fancy a proper wedge cushion, so will look at Aldi (thanks preciousbane) but I suspect I have missed that offer.
Pink well done for refusing the extra shift.
Pavlov I hope ds recovers fast, and it isn't too serious, and your hip pain reduces. I presume you are getting ready for your exciting new kitchen. Hope the kitchen redesign goes smoothly and you are not too long in kitchenless limbo.

My physio sister and the one at the Hospial suggested pulling each knee up and across the body. Also twisting at the waist also whilst on your back and placing both knees on one side and then the other.

I also lay on my front with a pillow under my public bone and rest on my elbows to open up my back.

Not sure twisting is a good idea .. my physio and AT guy say no but I do a similar exercise though can't get my knees anywhere near my chest (not sure if that's back related or because I am a fatso!). I also stretch my bent leg to the side as this seems to help with the hip pain (something I only discovered whilst having a smear test) .. I'm only telling that story to you guys!

AT report No 3 - I think this really does help. Its so tiny a change of movement no-one would notice but I feel its hugely different and I am finally starting to get it and can walk differently and am getting the rest thing right and now have had a "sleeping lesson" for turning in bed which I tried last night and managed quite well. I have had less pain this week for sure and have managed to at least confuse my gorilla if not tame it.

Sorry so many of you are having a horrible week. Will look out for that pillow precious.

I'm definitely up for old ladies club!