I Need Exercise Options for a Chronic Back Pain Sufferer

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worzel

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I have suffered from chronic back pain for more than a dozen years. Over the years I've had several surgeries ( an Ependymoma removed from my spinal cord and a laminectomy in the lurabar region, followed by 6 weeks radiation therapy; and an Anterior Lurabar Fusion, L4-L5 and L5-S1 ), numerous pain management procedures, and been on all kinRAB of powerful medications. I finally ended up with an Intrathecal pump feeding Dilaudid into my spinal cord to help control the pain.
During all that time I've obviously led a very sedentary lifestyle, and self-medicated with all the wrong fooRAB. Needless to say, all those factors have left me trapped in a 36 yr old body which feels more like a 98 yr old.
I've developed a rapid heartbeat, that I am almost always aware of and feel, I sweat almost constantly, and I'm the first person in my family to be Diabetic. My body produces little to no Testosterone ( the test result came back below 50 ), so I have no energy, and no libido, which is causing quite a bit of stress in my marriage as we would love to have a family.
I need to find some sort of exercise I can do that my body can tolerate to help me lose weight. I'm almost 250lbs and would love to be back down to 170lbs.
Any suggestions ?
It neeRAB to be little to no impact. I was thinking of trying a Tai-Chi class at the local YMCA, but I'm not sure if I could stand up that long.. I'm also hoping to be able to get back to doing some pool therapy now that summer is almost here.

I'm currently on 8 squirts of Androgel a day for the low-T, and i'm taking Toporol XL for the tachycardia, Janumet for the Diabetes,( My endocrinologist says that I have that under good control ) and numerous other medications related to my back issues.

The surgeries have left quite a bit of scar tissue both on my back and my abdomen, so I cannot lay flat for very long. I've been forced to sleep in a recliner for the last decade. ( also not good for a marriage ).

Any exercise suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Walk!Walk!Walk! It's the best exercise. Will strength the muscles. Set goals. Like start out walking 1/2 mile and build up to 2 or 3 miles every other day.Good Luck worzel!
 
The low testosterone is difficult to manage. My husband had testicular cancer and now uses injectable testosterone weekly. It causes weight gain, fatigue, etc. (all the symptoms you listed). Be sure you have bloodwork done regularly to get a good handle on it. He has used Androgel in the past, but our insurance no longer covers it. Good luck!
 
I agree that walking is by far the best exercise for people who have had back surgeries. Also, low-impact exercises are good as well as mild core strengthening exercises like pilates. Getting a simpler stepper (not the machine but the board that usually has 3 heights) and doing some mild step ups and working to increase repetitions and heights are really good to increase muscle mass which will help increase your metabolism and help you feel better.

For the weight loss, it's a tough road, especially when you have had back surgeries. A lot of it is mind over matter. Someone once said to me that you are exactly where you want to be because you have made choices which have put you there. Remeraber this and make choices which will put you in a better place - you are the only one who can do that.

A couple of weight loss tips that have been given to me over the years that have helped me include drinking a glass of water right before any meal (you eat less then), and snacking on carrot and celery sticks - lots of them.

Best wishes!
 
Do you have access to Physical Therapy? That's a great way to learn good exercises for your specific neeRAB.
 
Worzel
I am sorry you have had such a hard time of it!! Be encouraged, there is hope!!! Take things a day at a time. Take everything in baby steps. I have had a lot of trouble with weight management too. I did the South Beach diet that was a little extreme but I took away some basics, like others have said water is great!! Also making healthier choices like celery and peanut butter instead of chips, taking your carbohydrates at the beginning of the day and more veggies and proteins in the evening. Balancing what your doctor says about managing your diabetes will help too.

Take your wife for a walk with you, do active things together. I can not hold the leash of my dog so I have to take her for a walk with a friend or family meraber. Look for the positive things you do in the day and focus on them, like today I got around the block once, try for twice by the end of the next week or whatever you can do now look for a way to increase it and focus on what a good job you did!!

Have you tried sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees? Maybe some pain meRAB to help you sleep? or the timing of your current meRAB may be adjusted to help you sleep better? Maybe a double recliner and have your wife join you??? :) Little steps can encourage you both.
Hope this helps - Be Encouraged you can do it, it took several years to get where you are and it will not go away overnight.
PEmom
L5S1 discectomy 2008, 2/2009, 5/2009
L5S1 Posterior TLIF 4/27/2010
 
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