Health

[revump]

Last Nov, I began to have sciatic nerve problems. Finally, in Feb, Drs. decided that I need back surgery. So, Feb 25, they installed some artificial parts and seven screws. One of the problems was that I drove two many hours without stopping and walking. Well, finally, back on the road. With the help of my son, the trip from Vegas to Santa Maria went well. My wife and I will leave for the NW the week before Father's Day. Be careful out there.

[walker111]

I have had 2 herniated disc surgeries in the past 2 years and things are not great. Lot of leg pain and 5 years of sciatica. I am 42 and active......... I teach P.E. and need my back.
Did the fusion work?

[bsinmich]

I also had the L3,4,5 fused. Now when someone tells me I have a screw loose I never know which one they are talking about.

[Artemus_Gordon]

mr. ed wrote:
Sorry about your back problems. I've been there but fortunately didn't need surgery. A friend has sciatica and recently bought something called a "doughnut" at a local auto parts store. You place it on the seat and sit on it. It's helped his sciatica some but I can't state it will work in every case. You may wish to look into that...

Funny you mention the "doughnut ". My Dr said it was doughnuts that caused my problems with my back. Mostly the filled chocolate kind!:h

[mr__ed]

Sorry about your back problems. I've been there but fortunately didn't need surgery. A friend has sciatica and recently bought something called a "doughnut" at a local auto parts store. You place it on the seat and sit on it. It's helped his sciatica some but I can't state it will work in every case. You may wish to look into that...

[Artemus_Gordon]

CincyGus wrote:
I've had L3-L4-L5 Back surgery in 2000. 2010, had a neck surgery at C4-C5. We did a Cincy to Tampa trip last year in a day and a half without any suffering during or after arrival and the same trip back a week later.

My solution is two fold. I keep a couple of the blue soft freezer packs in the freezer or cooler and rotate as needed. Wrapping it in a hand towel and placing where needed to help with any inflamation, soreness.

Secondly, I take Tylenol Arthritis starting the day before and each day of the driving.

Most nerve pain is due to swelling causing pressure against the nerves and these two things help me prevent it from affecting me and having fun with my family.

Hope it helps you.

X 2 the freezer packs are great, I also had same next surgery last Oct! Sure we are not related? Lol

[CincyGus]

I've had L3-L4-L5 Back surgery in 2000. 2010, had a neck surgery at C4-C5. We did a Cincy to Tampa trip last year in a day and a half without any suffering during or after arrival and the same trip back a week later.

My solution is two fold. I keep a couple of the blue soft freezer packs in the freezer or cooler and rotate as needed. Wrapping it in a hand towel and placing where needed to help with any inflamation, soreness.

Secondly, I take Tylenol Arthritis starting the day before and each day of the driving.

Most nerve pain is due to swelling causing pressure against the nerves and these two things help me prevent it from affecting me and having fun with my family.

Hope it helps you.

[Artemus_Gordon]

I had six level disk removal with 4 fusions, screws, rods and spacers (6 hours) 7 weeks ago. I am off meds, driving short distances. This was my second surgery, since having back problems for years, we stop at 200 miles. Good for me , good for dogs. We get back on road in two weeks, we plan to follow same Proceedure ! Good luck hope you do as well as me! Wife and I cover 600 miles a day on most trips. Will see if that continues!

[noe-place]

Yeah I have the leg problem too since I got into my 60's. I tend to drive a looooong way unless DW orders me to stop. Habit I guess.

[rockhillmanor]

Jim Shoe wrote:
Since I travel by myself, I do several things to take care of my back.
1. I plan 300 mile days - about 6 hours of driving.
2. I stop at rest areas, use the bathroom, then walk around my rig to make sure everything is where it belongs while stretching my legs.

3. When my back starts hurting, I have a bath towel that I doubled, rolled up tight and tied off with string. I slide it between my back and the seat to change the position of my spine for awhile.

My legs start going numb too. I've tried all those back supports that are on the market and none of them work. Seems all they do is lift you up or push you too far forward.

That is a real GOOD tip with the towel, because that IS where the nerves are that get pinched. Can't wait to try it. Thanks.

[Jim_Shoe]

Since I travel by myself, I do several things to take care of my back.
1. I plan 300 mile days - about 6 hours of driving.
2. I stop at rest areas, use the bathroom, then walk around my rig to make sure everything is where it belongs while stretching my legs.
3. When my back starts hurting, I have a bath towel that I doubled, rolled up tight and tied off with string. I slide it between my back and the seat to change the position of my spine for awhile.

[BillB800si]

Our dog gets antsy after two hours so we pull over and let her do her business and we stretch our legs. Works for everybody.
Happy trails,

[mark5w]

Good luck in your travels. Glad you're recovering well.