Getting Closer...

Things are feeling better, but I am still so afraid to do much. I have a habit of doing too much too soon, so I am really not wanting to do that this time.

But again, it was a BEAUTIFUL day with NO HUMIDITY! So, I had to do something. I met up with Arin and Rose at Hains Point for a few laps. After about 700 or 800M swim, things started to get a bit stiff and I figured it was enough. Also, because Blain doesn't understand back spasms, it was time to take him out. So, I managed about 10 miles. Again, I felt okay, a bit stiff, but not too bad.

I am trying really hard to not over exert myself, but it's hard. Really hard.

I hate starting over and I keep having to do it. Annoying, even though I know it's for the best.

So True

ME sent me this.
Tuesday night was horrible. Not spasms horrible, but really tight, stiffness, horrible.

Today, it feels like it's getting better, but I don't want to jinx it.

I Tried Swimming

Yesterday I put on my FB page "Off to swim and thinking non-spasms thoughts." I think those that sent good thoughts kept the spasms at a low level of 2. That and not doing flip turns (when I would remember to not do flip turns - habits die hard...).

But it helped that Karen and AJ were there. I enjoy swimming with them both; and when I say swim I mean talk awhile, swim a set, talk until we get cold, swim a set, etc. I haven't seen them in ages and it was good to catch up.

I did make it 1400 yds before 1 massive spasm and some soreness so I stopped there. Thought about biking this morning, but decided yesterday was enough. Maybe tomorrow.

And I know this picture has nothing to do with my post, but when I typed in "Swim" to my google images, this is what was on the first page. Odd, and I didn't have anything better...

CR*P

They are starting up again.

Maybe I should get a standing only desk.

Not Much To Say

Well, not too much is going on. I am not working out because of my back. I could blog about woe is me... Going to doctors, trying lots of drugs (that are prescribed), stretches, rest rest and more rest... But even that gets old for me.

Everyone has been great, checking in to see if the spasms are coming back. Asking when I can be their training partner again. If I am spasm free after the anti inflammatory drugs were done. it's nice to know people care.

Things are feeling better, but I am so afraid to do anything because I don't know if it's been enough time. I don't know if I take Blain out the spasms will come back. If I go for a light jog, my foot will start to hurt, I adjust my stride and cause my back to spasm.

I just don't know, and it stinks. STINKS!!! It has been the most beautiful weekend, perfect temperature and low humidity - and I can't take advantage of it! Boo!

But, I know what I am doing is for the best. The rest I am doing now will hopefully mean a successful half in September, and maybe in another Ironman in Florida in 2010.

Happy 4th of July!!

Happy Fourth of July!

Better, but Cautious

Yesterday was the first day I woke up and felt no spasms or twinges with the second set of anti inflammatories. While that is great for me, for now, I am also very apprehensive because that is what happened last time when things were better, and out of the blue - bam! Spasm city! I really don't want to go through that again as the spasms were ridiculously bad.

So, I am laying low for a few more days - and going nuts. I am walking more and eating a lot less to make up for not working out. I am really hoping all this rest will help. I am testing out new chairs at work, very careful about my posture, both at the office, out to dinner, and at home. Made a few more PT appointments for next week, have a chiropractor appointment on Friday.

Something has got to start working.

Still Trying to Figure It Out

Well, I was supposed to participate in a race today with Tammy this morning- but no, not for me right now. I really wanted to go, but knew it wasn't a good idea. I was going to go volunteer, however sitting in a car for a few hours, and not sure what I would be doing - while still having spasms, I figured wasn't smart either. So, the weekend was good but pretty uneventful.

Saturday I ran a boat load of errands and my back hardly had 1 twinge. It was sore, with some tightness, but that was all. When I got home, I threw in a movie to relax. After I got up, spasms on the left side galore. Interesting.... Sitting isn't good.

Sunday Arin, Brooke, Diane and K headed out to Sandy Point for an OWS. Now my Dr and PT both said I could swim, as swimming doesn't bother the back. Things felt okay and it was nice to do something. We relaxed at the beach for awhile but the sun never came out and grocery shopping needed to be done. And spasms - not so many...

So I am taking notes, trying to figure out what sets off the spasms, where they are, how intense, what I was doing. It's quite the web and I can't find any one solid, full proof, trigger.

Trying EVERYTHING I Can Think Of

Really, I am.

Doctors.
Drugs.
Physical Therapy.
NOT WORKING OUT.
Sitting.
Standing.
Changing my work chair.
Made and appointment with the ergonomic department to come look at my office set up (it's on Monday).
No more flip flops.
Shoes with inserts.
Shoes without inserts.
Also, acupuncture.

A bit of a (n expensive) long shot, but I am willing to try anything to get my back better.
Well, it was an experience.

First of all, I was yelled at for drinking an iced coffee (apparently cold drinks makes pain worse...), told to stop taking my anti inflammatories, informed that muscle relaxers don't work, and to stop taking all other prescription drugs I am on... But I could take 1 over the counter Aleve...

Given all of this, I went through with the treatment anyway. Was stuck with a few pins on my left forearm, right hand, left knee, and tried to relax as directed. When she came back in, I think she fully expected the pain to be gone - but no, not so much. Still spasms when I sat up, and moved around. More pins in the back, stomach, forehead - still not better. And I was trying. I wanted the spasms to go away. If I could get the mind of matter to work - totally worth the money. But no luck.

And I don't think I will be going back for treatment #2... It's hot and I like iced lattes

Meh

Not again!

It's really not fair. Really! I had been doing the right things. Am a good person. KARMA! I know you shouldn't do good things just so good things happen to you, but why do I feel I can't get a break?

Horrible.Back.Spasms.AGAIN! Not cool. Don't like taking so many drugs. Nothing is working. Not fair!!!

BOOO!!!!

It hurts.