Back...in more ways than one! - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**worldwidemike** · 07-08-2009, 08:08 PM

So, I've been swamped with schoolwork this semester and feel like I haven't been on Tpunk in ages. My last class I had to read 8 novels, 2 textbooks and 3 articles in a 4 week semester...!

Anyway, just to update folks: I've been off of work for about 2 weeks or so now. I hurt my back...just got the MRI results today. Diagnosis: Herniated disc! Not good. The only good news came from my internet reading after the call from the doctor's office. I read that only about 10% of folks who have a herniated disc require surgery. Hope I'm not one of the lucky 1 in 10...

worldwidemike

**Esterina** · 07-09-2009, 07:10 AM

Loads of school work... kinda reminds me something... aren't we too old for this ? lol

If your doctor didn't mention surgery, then you should be fine. I too have a herniated disc, cervical, but the dr said it would probably disapear on its own if I avoid specific movements. Mine isn't painful though. Does this mean you'll be off of work for a long period of time ? Do you have insurance helping you financially ?

**pinknic38** · 07-09-2009, 09:53 AM

this happened to my uncle and he's still dealing with it 10 years later, but he's a construction worker and waited too long to get it checked out and he's had multiple surgeries.

never ignore pain, moral of the story!

and I hear ya on the loads of school work - god what happened to REAL summers? sigh.

**Diorama** · 07-10-2009, 10:30 PM

Sorry to hear that Mike. You must be in some mega pain. I just got back from visiting my mom who has a degenerative disc. Shes in extreme pain, so I sympathize with ya! Shes currently seeing a doc that specializes in pain management (exercises, breathing etc..) . Have you talked with your doc about options?

**travelpunk** · 07-11-2009, 06:05 PM

That sucks, Mike. Sorry to hear about your back. And all that reading in 4 weeks?! Fuggedaboutit...

Get better

!

Rhine · 07-11-2009, 07:10 PM

I had to read an Introduction to Astrophysics in a two week period while also studying for my CFI exam, all while being sick. I know how you feel....kind of.

**worldwidemike** · 07-14-2009, 07:23 PM

Thanks, folks. Pain is actually pretty much gone, now. I know I'm not 100% -- wouldn't want to try running around the block, let alone the 4 miles I used to do. If I worked an office job, I'd be back to work. However, doc doesn't want me in the bin of an airplane on my knees, twisting and loading 50+ pound bags, yet...!

Financially, we'll see. Once I found out it was a herniated disc, I wrote it up as an OJI. In the past, that's meant I get paid, but the folks at work aren't answering my questions and this Friday's check is a mystery: Will I get one? If so, how much?

And I'm supposed to be saving up for next year right now...yikes.

worldwidemike

**offhegoes03** · 07-14-2009, 07:47 PM

wow, that really sucks!! I hope things start to improve and you'll be able to get back to work or at least get paid! Good luck!

**Sijuki** · 07-19-2009, 01:56 PM

That sucks man! I hope you get some answers quickly...

Glad to hear it isn't anything too serious, but I am sure being a travel god you will be back to work in no time.

I'll have to bring down some buddy's and Guinness.

**The Monsignor** · 07-24-2009, 12:09 AM

< has no disc left between L5 and S1 - two words:

Yoga bro!

I graduated from normal pain killers to narcotics (yeah, no thanks) - at this point, the only time I'm reasonably pain free is when I get off my ass and get to yoga class!

With the back injury, don't let it sideline you too long - it's one of those injuries that doesn't get better if you rest it. Start slow, but when the inflammation goes down, you need to be working it - yoga, stretching, abdominal work, etc - if you let it rest too long, all the muscles that support your back get weak and you will get worse...

**worldwidemike** · 08-02-2009, 01:23 PM

Just an update: I've been back to work for a week, now. No pain...still have the numbness in my leg when I stand up after sitting for a couple of hours. I guess the nurse at the Bureau of Workers Compensation was a little surprised I went back to work already with the extent of my herniated disc. I just don't see the point in sitting around if I'm not in pain and if the doctor says going back won't injure it further.

As for getting out of shape, it's been 6 weeks since I've run. I can tell the difference! The good news is that the doc says I should be able to run again, once it's all healed up. Just not on asphalt or concrete...I need to find a softer surface like a high school track or whatever...

worldwidemike

**Sijuki** · 08-02-2009, 07:01 PM

Glad to have you back Mike... take care of yourself buddy... Somebody has to get to 100 countries.

**freespiritz** · 08-06-2009, 02:24 AM

Yeah, good to know you're back on your feet again!

Cheers to your continued recovery!