Alright, so the title might be a slight exaggeration, but it's how I feel. I've been avoiding writing this post since it's such a downer after my last one. First, I'll start with the good news. Had a doctor's visit not long ago and he says I am improving. Weight is down by a few pounds, my cholesterol and blood pressure are well within normal range, and he would like to start seeing me every six weeks to check on my progress with weight and blood sugar. Now for the bad news.
I have been experiencing some pretty intense lower back pain in the area just above my gluts. Bad enough to impact sleep, bending over, performing day to day activities, and it's been getting worse to the point it's actually overpowering my normal back pain. I spoke to the doctor at length about this and we discussed the injuries I've had to my back over the years. I explained to him the abuse I suffered and he was not surprised to hear of the lovely nerve damage along my spine that resulted from it. I suggested that maybe a massage would help. I've been getting one every two weeks and they have been helping with my usual pain. He told me go ahead, but to please let him know how and if it helps. So I did....and while I saw my favorite massage therapist, even she showed some concern for my lower back. I ended up needing her assistance to sit up and to get off the table.
To shorten the story it all boils down to this: I am too heavy at my current weight to run or jog. It puts far too much stress on my back and due to the previous damage, I am at a high risk for spinal fractures. Doc thinks it's awesome I found an exercise I enjoy and want to do...unfortunately I have to lose some weight before it's safe for me to continue with it. He suggested I do speed walking and enjoy some of the easier hiking trails throughout the Kaiserslautern area. Swimming, cycling, and other low impact activity would also be good for me.
I am upset, angry, and feeling like a failure. But running and jogging is simply too painful. Hopefully I will be able to get the all clear from the doc for running in a few months, but for now I have to stick to what I can do safely. I WILL BE A RUNNER....someday, just not today.
I have been experiencing some pretty intense lower back pain in the area just above my gluts. Bad enough to impact sleep, bending over, performing day to day activities, and it's been getting worse to the point it's actually overpowering my normal back pain. I spoke to the doctor at length about this and we discussed the injuries I've had to my back over the years. I explained to him the abuse I suffered and he was not surprised to hear of the lovely nerve damage along my spine that resulted from it. I suggested that maybe a massage would help. I've been getting one every two weeks and they have been helping with my usual pain. He told me go ahead, but to please let him know how and if it helps. So I did....and while I saw my favorite massage therapist, even she showed some concern for my lower back. I ended up needing her assistance to sit up and to get off the table.
To shorten the story it all boils down to this: I am too heavy at my current weight to run or jog. It puts far too much stress on my back and due to the previous damage, I am at a high risk for spinal fractures. Doc thinks it's awesome I found an exercise I enjoy and want to do...unfortunately I have to lose some weight before it's safe for me to continue with it. He suggested I do speed walking and enjoy some of the easier hiking trails throughout the Kaiserslautern area. Swimming, cycling, and other low impact activity would also be good for me.
I am upset, angry, and feeling like a failure. But running and jogging is simply too painful. Hopefully I will be able to get the all clear from the doc for running in a few months, but for now I have to stick to what I can do safely. I WILL BE A RUNNER....someday, just not today.