Support please!

[Ochg]

Good morning everyone,

I do so need your kind support. As I have posted before, my AF journey over the last 18 months has been somewhat bumpy! Now waiting for ablation number three.

With the kindness of the wonderful people on this forum, I have managed to come to terms with this awful condition, and have slowly started to get my life back on track. Now this morning, after a few days stuck indoors ( like a lot of us not able to get any fuel for my little car), I managed to get some fuel and thought great, off to the local country park for a nice relaxing walk. Before heading off I popped out for the newspaper, was just getting out of the car when wham, my back went into spasm. I have managed to get back into my house, but golly the pain is so intense.

I think it is a nerve impingement, as I have pain going down into my buttock and across into my thigh. I am able to move albeit VERY slowly. I have taken a couple of paracetamol, but have nothing stronger than that so hopefully 🙏 they will help take the edge of the intensity. Just when I thought I was making some headway now this🤣🤣.

I know it will pass eventually (I have a long-standing back pain issues as a result of normal degenerative wear and tear in the lumbar region of my back), but today I really am at the end of my tether! Certainly won’t be able to get out and about for sometime again now.😓

Thank you for reading this far and I am sorry for the rant,. We have all had such a very difficult time over this pandemic and now with everything else that’s going on- fuel, energy crisis etc, etc etc, the support we give each other here in this wonderful ‘family’ of people is such a comfort.

I hope your Saturday goes well, keep safe and take care.

Sorry again for being a bit down .

Bye bye for now 👋

Shirley

[Jajarunner]

Oh Shirley, what bad luck.

But I can help a bit with this as I have experience of it personally and some training. It may not be as serious as it feels as a muscle spasm can be excruciating too. You must keep mobile even though it feels hideous. Do some sidebends even if you can only move a few millimetres; do some twists same thing, do some gentle cat/cow bends again just a few millimetres. Don't force it, just do them often. You WILL hate me, but it will help. Last time this happened to me I did this and was thinking "this cannot possibly be good for me" but it got better really quick.

Even if it is a nerve thingy keeping mobile will stop the rest of the back going into spasm in sympathy. After 48 hours start using warmth on it (hot water bottle or heat pack). The full dose of paracetamol so you can move around as much as possible.

Sorry, I sound really bossy! Hope it helps and vent to me any time

Love J x

[Ochg in reply to Jajarunner]

Hello J,Oh thank you so much for your support and kindness. I have tired the exercises you have advised, and yes it does hurt but not quite so bad as it initially did. Walking around very slowly and much like an old crab 🦀!

I hope you are feeling better now too, thank you again.

Take care,

Shirley

[Jajarunner in reply to Ochg]

Did you curse me 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Ochg in reply to Jajarunner]

Well maybe just a little bit 😊😊.

[Jajarunner in reply to Ochg]

I thought I could hear you 😱😱😱😱

[Ochg in reply to Jajarunner]

It’s hurting real bad again now - 🤣🤣 just managed to get upstairs to the bathroom oh I feel really really ancient!!

[Bawdy in reply to Ochg]

Going upstairs maybe was a bad thing, I have a lot of pain as you describe and my go to is a very hot wheat pack and sit or lie and press into it. Seems to settle it down for me. Feel for you. X

[Ochg in reply to Bawdy]

Thank you Bawdy for your support. I am moving a little bit easier this morning but still looking like an old crab 🦀! Not able to stand upright at all yet, and walking round my little home very, very slowly. Never mind, I’ll get there eventually.Thank you again for your kindness, hope your day goes well.

Bye bye for now 👋

Shirley

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Shirley, let me give you a long virtual healing hug first.

I was going to write that life is pretty grim for us at the moment with all that's going on, but then thought no my life is pretty normal and good! It's 12 midday and I'm still in my cosy dressing gown - do I care - no! I've been sat at my PC since about 9am, it's pouring with rain outside and I don't aim to go out anywhere. Might get showered and dressed before I have lunch! You have sunshine - oh you lucky person!

Sorry to hear your back pain has kicked off - what a nuisance and so draining! Lets hope it's one of those pains that disappear as the day goes on.

Never apologize for a rant, I think it does us good to do that occasionally. I hope doing so has made you feel a little better? The paracetamol you took sound like a good idea and I really hope they take the edge off your pain.

Wishing you well.

Jean x

[Ochg in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hello Jean,Thank you for your kind words. Sounds like you are having a really nice relaxing day, that’s great.

I must admit I am feeling a wee bit better now, your support as always really is a true tonic!

Have had second dose of paracetamol now, my back is still shouting out to me but I’m managing to move around a bit easier.

Thank you again for your kindness, understanding and support.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your day.

Cheerio for now,

Shirley

[Bawdy in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Having a pyjama day, and you don't care?? Welcome to my world, love it.X

[Desanthony]

Have you had physio and did they teach you a recovery position? Always helps me. If not then keep moving around as slowly as you need to I find that if I stop totally it is harder and more painful to start moving again.

[Ochg in reply to Desanthony]

Thank you for your support. Yes I have been trying to move around as much as I can. Initially though it certainly scared me as I couldn’t feel my toes! I remember being advised by a physiotherapist a kind of recovery movement to adopt, must admit though couldn’t quite manage it earlier! Have done some of the exercises advised by Jajarunnner, and they have really helped.

Thank you again for your kindness and support, take care and I hope you have a nice weekend.

Bye bye,

Shirley

[Desanthony in reply to Ochg]

Slowly does it and you will get there. I remember after a particularly good spell I did something that made me so bad that for a long weekend - Easter. I had to crawl around for the best part of the day before I could eventually stand and walk slowly! My wife got me to clean out the lower cupboards in the kitchen! LOL! Welkl as us oldies say - while your down there! LOL

[Hidden]

Oh I feel for you! How painful and how disappointing. Just when a bit of freedom beckoned! And on top of dealing with the AF - which also deprives you of using ibuprofen/ NSAIDs - and in my case alcohol! I hope you feel a lot better soon and someone can make you something tasty to eat…. Time to phone a friend?

I have mild scoliosis and degenerative wear and tear and occasional pole axing back spasms, (added to by femoral nerve damage during an op and knee arthritis). Oh, bodies and ageing!

I find that consulting a really expert physio / osteopath really helps to work out what is happening and what to do, and how to prevent episodes if possible. In my case I can’t stretch or twist even slightly until the spasms have abated, it simply triggers more severe ones, but gentle warmth to calm the extreme tension really helps. And audio books / radio TV, can’t hold a book.

Good luck

[Ochg in reply to Hidden]

Good morning FaberM,Thank you so much for your support and kind reply.

I am sorry that you also have painful episodes, but as you say a good physiotherapist or similar can be really helpful.

Unfortunately I live alone so don’t have anyone with me, but the support of yourself and this forum is a real boost.

Thankfully I’m managing to move around a little bit better this morning. The lovely sunshine outside also helps to lift the spirits. I only have a small courtyard style garden but at least I can now get out for a bit of fresh air and sunshine, even if it’s just outside my kitchen door 🚪.

Hope you have a nice Sunday,

Take care,

Shirley

[Hidden in reply to Ochg]

You sound a plucky poppet! I hope you have some comfort today. Sunshine does help. I forgot to add Valium, really relaxes my spasms - and ME!

[Ochg in reply to Hidden]

I usually try to keep upbeat but I must admit since the dreaded AF entered my life 18 months ago, and all that it entails (two ablations to date along with a couple of cardioversions), my confidence has certainly taken a bit of a bashing. Now with this acute episode of such intense pain I really do appreciate your kindness- perhaps a little bit of your Valium would also help me to get my mojo back 😄!

[bassets]

Oh dear, sorry your back is doing this to you, but the advice you've been given sounds good to me. I hope you can get mobile soon.

[Ochg in reply to bassets]

Morning bassets,Thank you so much for your support and kindness. I am slowly beginning to move around better today and fingers crossed 🤞 will be able to get out and about in the next few days.

Hope you day goes well,

Best wishes,

Shirley

[Hilianna]

Hi Shirley Hope the pain in your back is easing and that you are feeling a bit better today. Pity you cannot have stronger pain killers or muscle relaxing pills for your back. I really hope you are able to manage another walk soon. Thinking about you x

[Ochg in reply to Hilianna]

Good morning Hilianna,Thank you for your kind reply. I have managed to get into the shower this morning and the warm water on my back has really helped. I’m hopeful that I will be able to get out and have a walk in the next few days. I usually drive to a local country park, which is really lovely, you can walk for ages or just a little stroll and sit on a bench and watch the wildlife.

Thank you again for your kindness it really is such a support.

Take care and I hope you day goes well,

Best wishes,

Shirley

[momist]

The best advice I have ever had from a physiotherapist is to 'tease the pain' and to keep on doing it! Don't force anything, just keep trying to stretch it this way and that and tease it, it will eventually relent.

Good luck!

[Ochg in reply to momist]

Good morning momist,Thank you so much for your advice and support I really do appreciate it. I have been doing what you have advised, and as you say very slowly I am more able to move a bit more freely.

Take care,

Shirley

[Auriculaire]

I have suffered from a dodgy back for 30+ years with similar debilitating spasms. If the pain is going down into the buttock or back of the thigh it is often because one of the spinal discs has moved out of place a little and is pressing on the sciatic nerve . The best remedy for this is to be found in a small book by a famous physiotherapist called McKenzie . I think it's called "Treat your own Back". Even the physios here in France are well versed in the McKenzie protocol. When relaxing you should not sit as armchairs , sofas etc are bad for backs in general . Lie on your front and if you wish to read prop yourself up on your elbows . Gradually straighten your arms so that your torso curves backwards . Relax to lying flat again. This exercise can be done several times a day. When the pain starts to diminish in the leg or buttocks it is a sign that the disc is moving back into position. There are several other exercises that can be done as well as you improve. All sitting ( especially when driving) should be done with the aid of a special D shaped roll which provides suppport for the lower back. The original McKenzie rolls are quite expensive but now you can get cheaper versions of them on Amazon. I have found this way of treating my back when it has "gone" has worked quite well.

[Ochg in reply to Auriculaire]

Hello Auriclaire,Thank you so much for your most informative and helpful reply. I will indeed invest in a lumbar roll. Now that the pain has begun to ease a bit I will try what is advised by McKenzie, as you have so helpfully explained for me.

Mind you it might take me a bit of time to lie on my front as I’m as stiff as a board at the moment ! But if I take it slowly and lie on my side first then gradually shuffle round onto my front then I think it just might work!

If you hear a muffled shout (even all the way in France), it’ll be me getting stuck !!😄😄.

Thank you again for your kindness and advice, I will let you know how it goes.

Take care,

Bye bye for now

Shirley

[irene75359]

In terms of pain, a spasm in the back must be up there amongst the worst, so go ahead and rant! I had a back spasm once whilst asleep in bed and all my husband could hear was me faintly squeaking 'help me' as I couldn't move far less raise myself up. But mine was completely gone by the next day and you are still suffering. There is some good advice on here that should help, and hopefully you are on the mend. Thinking of you.

[Ochg in reply to irene75359]

Hello Irene,Thank you so much for your support. Your so right, back pain and spasms can really be excruciating 😖.

All the helpful advice and support I have received has been a real tonic.

I’m managing to move round a little easier today, but still walking very crooked, and feeling somewhat fragile!

Take care and bye bye for now 👋🙋🏻‍♀️

Shirley

[Auriculaire in reply to irene75359]

The last time I put my back out with such a spasm I did it stretching in bed in the morning. I felt it go and that was it . I had a dance performance booked 3 days later that I had to cancel as I could barely move out of bed let alone dance. It took about a week to resolve. I once had one just before I had to travel to UK for a funeral. I went to see the local osteopathe who managed to fix me up enough to travel .

[irene75359 in reply to Auriculaire]

I feel for you. My father had back trouble all his life and I vividly remember similar circumstances. When I did mine, my husband gave me a painkiller my late father had in his last weeks (he checked everything first). He kept these along with other medical kit (some supplied by our family GP) to use for absolute emergencies when on bike trips to Morocco. He treated a road accident victim who was still there six hours after the event and even sewed up a mule on a mountainside. Not recommended!

[Auriculaire in reply to irene75359]

I'm pretty sure my back problems started after my first exposure to Cipro. I had never had any bother with it till then and it became very painful indeed quite quickly. When I started HRT it got a bit better and I just learned to manage it. I can no longer make long journeys in the car and flying is out - the seats in planes are instruments of torture for me. Ditto for any public seating in waiting rooms . Part of the problem is my very short legs . If I sit correctly my feet will not touch the ground. This can be got round a bit with an old hard briefcase of my husband's but it is not ideal. I am beginning to understand more and more my mother's reluctance to go anywhere once she got older!

[123Abc123]

Can’t help you now, however, I hurt my back when I was 21 and went through years of agony (I’m now 67) Eventually I found a chiropractor who had a gym on the premises so I was given core exercises that worked with my back injury. Consequently my back has been 90% better for the last 15 or so years. The gym made all the difference.

[Ochg in reply to 123Abc123]

I’m so glad you found someone to help you. As you say, getting your muscle strength back certainly has helped you tremendously.

Thank you for your reply and fingers crossed 🤞 I will soon be able to resume my daily walks.

Take care,

Shirley

[Jajarunner]

How are you today, my dear? Xx

[Ochg in reply to Jajarunner]

Morning J,Oh I’m suffering a bit at the moment- trying hard to stay positive I must admit. Didn’t get much sleep as I couldn’t get comfortable in any position.

I have been awake since 4 am, I’m managing to move a bit now so walking round my little house. Have also just managed to get outside into my courtyard little garden, oh my what a palarva!

I know these things take time to improve so I must be patient, so thank you so much for your kindness and support, it’s lovely just having someone to chat too,

The weather today looks lovely, bright and sunny an ideal day to get out and have a nice walk in nature - and I’m stuck here indoors in pain and feeling very sorry for myself 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.

I’m sorry J for the rant, I need to get a darn grip and just ‘get on with it’ (just having a bit of difficulty at the minute though to get motivated).

Enough now about me, I hope you are feeling better and able to get out today and enjoy the sunshine a bit.

Take care and thank you again

Shirley