ThatFatGirl
Why am I still here?
I saw an orthopedist Monday for the lower back pain I've been experiencing for the last few months (actually on and off for years, but really bad the last few months). I had x-rays and an examination and his diagnosis was degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. DDD is just a fancy term for wear and tear on the discs, not a real disease and it's extremely common whether you're fat or thin depending on your lifestyle (age, occupation or injury), but basically my discs are flattened out in my lower lumber area and their shock absorbing capability has gone kaputt.
His first suggestion for me was (of course) weight loss surgery to lighten the load. I told him that wasn't for me, but that I will continue my efforts to lose weight slowly on my own. He also told me to go to physical therapy three times a week for twelve weeks for back strengthening. He said I could continue on my muscle relaxer and Naproxen regimen for as long as I need to. My general practitioner prescribed a prednisone pack for me last week and with that, I had my first real pain relief. I've not had any back spasms since the prednisone. Today, I've just got a dull ache. I use the heating pad on and off all day and that helps. I move around as much as I can, walk around the apartment, etc. to avoid stiffness. I start physical therapy tomorrow and I'm dreading it. The doctor said it will hurt and it's supposed to hurt some just like any good workout, but it should improve over time and that stronger muscles in my back will pick up the slack where my discs fail.
I was wondering how other plus size people are dealing with this condition.
Does weight loss really make a significant difference in how your back feels? The doctor used the example of holding a gallon of milk out in front of you in your hand versus holding it close to your body. I get that.. but my mother-in-law has the same condition, is not fat, and it sounds like her pain is as great or greater than mine.
Did the physical therapy really work? Does the back pain ever go away completely - at least until you reach or bend wrong again...?
If you've taken prednisone for the inflammation and it worked, how long does the relief last? How frequently do you take it for pain? I know this isn't something you want to take any more than you absolutely have to, but it really was the first thing to work for me.
What over-the-counter meds help? Supplements? From what I've read online glucosamine likely won't help my back, but I've been having some knee and hip pain lately, so I'm starting on this now to try to help keep those parts working properly.
How about chiropractic care or acupuncture?
I've not been too good to my body over the years. My sedentary lifestyle, age and weight are totally catching up with me. I feel there's still time to get a handle on things and live a more healthy life, improve my mobility and hopefully experience a lot less back pain. I'd love to hear from others (heavy or not) who are dealing with similar issues and what's working for you. Thanks.
His first suggestion for me was (of course) weight loss surgery to lighten the load. I told him that wasn't for me, but that I will continue my efforts to lose weight slowly on my own. He also told me to go to physical therapy three times a week for twelve weeks for back strengthening. He said I could continue on my muscle relaxer and Naproxen regimen for as long as I need to. My general practitioner prescribed a prednisone pack for me last week and with that, I had my first real pain relief. I've not had any back spasms since the prednisone. Today, I've just got a dull ache. I use the heating pad on and off all day and that helps. I move around as much as I can, walk around the apartment, etc. to avoid stiffness. I start physical therapy tomorrow and I'm dreading it. The doctor said it will hurt and it's supposed to hurt some just like any good workout, but it should improve over time and that stronger muscles in my back will pick up the slack where my discs fail.
I was wondering how other plus size people are dealing with this condition.
Does weight loss really make a significant difference in how your back feels? The doctor used the example of holding a gallon of milk out in front of you in your hand versus holding it close to your body. I get that.. but my mother-in-law has the same condition, is not fat, and it sounds like her pain is as great or greater than mine.
Did the physical therapy really work? Does the back pain ever go away completely - at least until you reach or bend wrong again...?
If you've taken prednisone for the inflammation and it worked, how long does the relief last? How frequently do you take it for pain? I know this isn't something you want to take any more than you absolutely have to, but it really was the first thing to work for me.
What over-the-counter meds help? Supplements? From what I've read online glucosamine likely won't help my back, but I've been having some knee and hip pain lately, so I'm starting on this now to try to help keep those parts working properly.
How about chiropractic care or acupuncture?
I've not been too good to my body over the years. My sedentary lifestyle, age and weight are totally catching up with me. I feel there's still time to get a handle on things and live a more healthy life, improve my mobility and hopefully experience a lot less back pain. I'd love to hear from others (heavy or not) who are dealing with similar issues and what's working for you. Thanks.
