Thursday 2 February 2023

Well, This Kind of Stinks

 Slightly whiny post ahead, with the disclaimer that I'm well aware I generally live a pretty charmed life and really have nothing to complain about.

Basically, I've had a sore lower back off and on for a while now. Then, about a week ago I was walking around and my foot wasn't going where my brain was telling it to and I had very little strength in that leg.

That's a bit of a red flag, so off to the doctor and a CT scan I went. I very naively thought there would be some magic thing they would do that would fix it as fast as it came on, but no, that's not how it works. 

I was hesitating to post this because I thought about waiting until I have more input and what the plan moving forward sounds like, but on the other hand, it sounds like at a minimum 6-8 weeks of no (or best case limited to walk) riding is on my calendar. If there was ever a group of people who 'get' how it feels to have riding off the table or limited for an indefinite time, it's you!

As to how I did it? Your guess is as good as mine. I had a pretty painful fall off B maybe a year ago where I landed on my back/tailbone, but also it could just be a lifetime of wear and tear and riding...the internet tells me lower spine compression and slipped discs are actually pretty common rider specific injuries. So, if you're like me, a rider with on and off lower back pain, go get checked out before it becomes anything serious. I waited so long that I'm not getting any guarantees I haven't done permanent nerve damage.

I've got input from a specialist coming next week. As it stands, I'm hopeful for time being the answer and being back in the saddle in a couple of months with no/minimal pain. At some point I'll need to wrap my head around what my riding and goals will look like. No matter who I talk to it does sound like there will be some limitations and things to consider in the future, but I'm trying not to get ahead of myself. For now, I just follow the medical advice and see how things evolve.



 

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20 comments

  1. OH NO! I wish you were closer so I could help you out spoiling ponies!! Get better soon (I slipped on ice yesterday and my knee twisted, it only hurt when i stand up, it will be fine to ride on right? RIGHT? :)) hope you bounce back faster than they say!

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    1. Ouch, hope you're feeling better soon too! I'd definitely give you a Chief Pony Spoiler job :)

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  2. So sorry to hear this. It'll be hard but listen to the suggested activity level because it will really help your recovery.

    I've had on and off back troubles for years and for me the most helpful thing has been yoga every single day. The flexibility plus the core strength has me at a minimal pain level. Might not be your case but I thought I would throw it out there for when you are at that point of your rehab.

    Take care of yourself and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

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    1. Thank you <3 I am a big yoga fan and can't wait to get back at it properly - I think it's actually been the thing that kept me going this long without bigger problems. I'm finding the not knowing a bit difficult this week, but I should have some guidance and a plan next week that hopefully allows for some more movement.

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  3. Ugh!!!! I'm very sorry to hear this. Hopefully the short term costs will pay off in terms of long term soundness and comfort.

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    1. Still wrapping my head around it for sure, but feeling hopeful the specialist will come back with some better news than expected

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  4. I'm so sorry to hear :( sending good vibes for a quick recovery for you

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  5. I agree- this totally sucks. Follow the plan. February isn’t great riding weather anyway. And I second the yoga suggestion- with medical approval.

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    1. I've learned my lesson and am going to be the best patient - I was so dumb to let it get to this point.

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  6. Gah, that's rotten.
    Wishing you a swift and uncomplicated healing journey <3

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  7. Sorry to hear your back isn't doing well. I will come off sounding like a broken record but follow medical advice and do your P/T. Lots can be accomplished at the walk, and maybe give line driving a try.

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    1. Excellent advice. Line driving is on the list once I'm not so worried about getting pulled on by overexcited ponies. Taking it a step further there is coincidentally an intro to driving clinic here that I'm hopeful I'll be able to attend.

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    2. Fair enough about being cautious and not wanting to be pulled on. I attended an Intro to Driving Clinic once many years ago. It was a let down to say the least. Very little hands on, lots of just standing around watching.

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  8. Ugh feel better! Injuries and physical limitations can be so demoralizing for me — here’s hoping it proves transitory in this case !

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    1. It's so demoralizing. Thanks for the well wishes! <3

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  9. So sorry to hear this! It absolutely sucks, and it's okay to be upset about it. Kudos to you for getting help when you needed it. Prayers for you <3

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    1. Thank you so much! Your kind words made me tear up a little...it's hard sometimes to drop the brave face and just admit things kind of suck!

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  10. It IS super upsetting and disappointing to not be able to pursue our riding goals in the way we had envisioned. It can be hard thing to explain to people who don't have the "riding bug." But it is SO REAL. And having our bodies not quite work the way that we need or want them to is disconcerting. We wonder how we can possibly accommodate this new reality with our horse life. And that wondering is stressful. I can relate to your post on many levels and am hoping for a smooth recovery for you.

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