Going Crazy - blaming everything

Ellie1959

I just found out I have ANOTHER ruptured disc in my back - one L5, this one is T5-6 and one ready to pop in my neck - WTH? So, please tell me, what's a girl to do? I am really freaked out. Is it from radiation? Taxotere? Just aging and bad genes/luck? My Doc wants me in a back brace - Man are those cute - a real fashion accessory, but at this point if he suggested heroin or leeches I would probably do it. Any advice? Thanks in advance!

Kay_G

Oh, I'm sorry I have no experience or advice with this, but someone will chime in soon.  (((hugs))) to you.

pupfoster1

Ugh, Ellie,

That sounds TRULY painful.  I suspect it's just general aging of your bones (ha, remember me getting that recently?) and dwelling on what caused it isn't going to change the outcome, right?  Like the chicken or the egg thing.  Treat it like you are a vibrant, living person who just happens to be getting a bit "mature" and do what the doc says!  How bout any PT, I also am assuming you've had a bone density test right???

(((Hugs)))

Sharon

BlueCowgirl

(((Hugs))) Ellie...But very gentle ones. I have no insight/advice, just wanted to say I am sorry your body is not cooperating and hoping you feel better soon!

thefuzzylemon

I'd like to offer help but I am not a doctor and maybe a little unstable (I hope that made you giggle)!

1. I would want to know why this is happening. So, use your resources like oncologist, chiropractic doc, talk with someone who know acupuncture, someone who knows what builds cartilage, maybe a Wellness coach....

2. Would building the surrounding muscle help? Your body can do amazing things at any age.

3. Never accept anything that you don't feel right about!!

Outfield

Ellie, there's another thread here in Stage III, something like "Anybody Else Falling Apart?"  and a LOT of us are.  I am athletic and went back to some sports about 6 months after finishing treatment, and have been dealing with injury after injury since I tried to do that.  I feel seriously decrepit.  I don't know whether it's the sudden menopause or how deconditioned I got during treatment (and I did exercise throughout, but losing 20% of your body weight that fast can't be good for you), or directly the treatment itself.  

karen1956

((((((((((((((((Ellie)))))))))))))))))....sorry that you are having to endure this....

jennyboog

Ellie, I'm so sorry....it never ends does it.  I'm sure aging has alot to do with most of it but the other stuff sure didn't help.

pupfoster1

After seeing Outfield's post I tend to agree.  I was a vibrant "workoutaholic" before BC.  I wish I could get back to where I was "before" (I used to kickbox EVERY Tuesday, spin, lift weights other days, etc), but psychologically, it WEARS on one.  I need to FORCE myself at times.

Take care,

Sharon 

jennyboog

Now trying to hyjack the thread....I have an appt on the 27th and I'm going to ask what it is...AI's or chemo.  I can move just so or something get squeezed wrong and it hurts.  Almost like I pull a tendon, ligament, damage a nerve or something like that.  I can't ask my primary dr because she says everything is aging (she's scared of me because of BC, I believe).  I agree I should be having some issues with aging things but not like this or as often as this happens.  I was a go-get-er-done type before and still am to some degree but it sure hurts alot worse.

Ellie1959

Hi all, Jenny - hijack away, I am all ears on how we can deal with these issues. One thing that I wonder is, if my tram-flap is jacking my back up? And I don't know if I buy the whole aging thing for everything because I know plenty of women my age or older who are in much better shape and don't even try that hard! I am trying physical therapy this afternoon - I am open to anything except maybe chiro - just because I don't want to injure the ruptured discs any more and am too afraid to be manipulated. I think I am a young 52! I'm not ready for the pasture yet - but I need to really safeguard my mobility or else what is the point - I don't want to just lie around for years on end - how is that living! Sorry if I sound whiny - just get discouraged sometimes! Thanks for everyone's kind words.

Ellie

beau

Hi Ellie,



I too am 52 and have 3 herniated disks in my neck. Before chemo, I had 2 ( then got the third) and all of them went nuclear when I got arthritis from taking the AI. My theory is that when we take the AIs and go through chemo, we are putting pedal to the metal of menapause so we run into all sorts of things that our co-Hirt hit later. That said, my mom also had herniated discs for no apparent reason ( but she lived until she was 86! ) so I have a hereditary disposition for these issues too.

My solution is to follow a course set out by an M.D. After my first trouble as follows:

1) take it easy for while. Take pain pills and NSAiDs or muscle relaxers to get out of the pain cycle/ spasms. Usually after a month or so, the ruptured disc shrinks a little bit and will put less pressure on the nerve.

2) when you are ready, go to rehab physical therapy to start a program to strengthen the area where the disc was herniated. It takes a couple of weeks of feeling a bit worse ( as the nerve can be irritated by the exercise), but usually it pays off.



In my case, I also take B6 now because I learned during chemo it can promote nerve health. I continue to struggle with neck spasms, especially at night, so I do take diazepam to help me sleep and to relax the muscles. The good news is that I am back in action - playing tennis, lifting weights, doing yoga and walking. I feel better than ever because I have more stamina and strength ( despite the lingering problems).

One thing that I really noticed after chemo ( and then starting arimidex) is that whatever muscles I had seemed to melt away before my very eyes. I also had neuropathy and anemia after chemo. It took me almost a year to feel "better". Only then, did I add the weight training. I also changed my diet to less dairy, alcohol, and meat to see I could lessen the arthritis ( a lot of women on these threads have had great success with it) that came with starting an AI and it definitely helped.

I still have my bad days when I feel 90. I have knobby knuckles and neck spasms, but I am grateful to feel stronger and more energetic.

Keep on trucking, rest when you need to and tackle your physical therapy when you are ready.

Best, Beau

Ellie1959

Thanks for the info Beau - I pmed you - back to physical therapy tomorrow and possibly another shot on Thursday. I will be o.k. - just bummed to have so much pain but I made it through work and wore my brace quite a bit - thanks everyone!