And check your feet! Orthotics are a PITA and you have to buy shoes a size larger, but the footbone is connected to the ankle bone, knee bone... you know the tune.
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i will try it, thanks.
you're right: if your feet work = lots of other things work better!
Im 41 and have been suffering the effects of autoimmune disease caused by Lyme disease since my mid 20's. Throw in a cervical fusion, piles of meds and more cortisone shots than I will admit to and, you get the picture. I still look like Im in healthy, muscular condition but really, Im a mess. I know that my gigging days have been greatly reduced and I've had to get creative to gig and maintain a solid technique. You just have to do what you can, as long as you can, but know that nothing lasts forever. That's life and there is nothing fair about it.
My knees and joints (other than feet) also suffer soreness from Lyme, but mostly my stomach and system is screwed by the bug and the antibiotics.
Like my 84 year old dad said, "if you live long enough, son, you're probably going to die."
Like my 84 year old dad said, "if you live long enough, son, you're probably going to die."
I'm 36. And I hate to start listing off my various health issues, because they're fairly extensive and I always feel that people will think I'm just trying to be the center of attention. "HEY LOOK AT HOW MESSED UP I AM!" So I usually try to just gloss over the whole story and cut to the chase. Be nonspecific. If asked, I'll be honest, but for the sake of concision, I'll try to keep it brief.
Firstly, I've been slinging tires for a living for 16 years, and when you add the repetitive motion to some issues that required POWERFUL immunosuppression, my joints are worn well past their 36 years. My right shoulder actually has moderate arthritis that from time to time limits my range of movement and sometimes will hurts for days on end. I have also had many medical treatments that permanently altered my blood chemistry and nervous system, so I frequently suffer from muscle cramps, have tinnitus in my right ear, and peripheral neuropathy that affects my hands and feet. Thankfully, the neuropathy doesn't interfere with my ability to play, but for a reference point, here's a short example: I was walking across my kitchen and every time I took a step I heard a "click". I thought the laminate had come loose, but it happened wherever I stepped. Turns out there was a penny stuck to the bottom of my foot. I couldn't feel it. If I step on something sharp that thing is ALL THE WAY TO THE HILT before i notice, and yanking it back out is a lot more noticeable that it going in. My stamina is not great, and my wonky shoulder combined with a significant amount of muscle loss from systemic coriticosteroid therapy means I usually have to get a helper for heavy gear, for sure if there are stairs involved.
But what I figure is if you want to do something badly enough, you find a way to make it work. I usually get my youngest brother to roadie for me in exchange for seeing shows for free. Maybe it's scaling back your gigging, maybe it's getting some helping hands, or maybe you get some carts or dollies or whatever you need to move your gear around.
Firstly, I've been slinging tires for a living for 16 years, and when you add the repetitive motion to some issues that required POWERFUL immunosuppression, my joints are worn well past their 36 years. My right shoulder actually has moderate arthritis that from time to time limits my range of movement and sometimes will hurts for days on end. I have also had many medical treatments that permanently altered my blood chemistry and nervous system, so I frequently suffer from muscle cramps, have tinnitus in my right ear, and peripheral neuropathy that affects my hands and feet. Thankfully, the neuropathy doesn't interfere with my ability to play, but for a reference point, here's a short example: I was walking across my kitchen and every time I took a step I heard a "click". I thought the laminate had come loose, but it happened wherever I stepped. Turns out there was a penny stuck to the bottom of my foot. I couldn't feel it. If I step on something sharp that thing is ALL THE WAY TO THE HILT before i notice, and yanking it back out is a lot more noticeable that it going in. My stamina is not great, and my wonky shoulder combined with a significant amount of muscle loss from systemic coriticosteroid therapy means I usually have to get a helper for heavy gear, for sure if there are stairs involved.
But what I figure is if you want to do something badly enough, you find a way to make it work. I usually get my youngest brother to roadie for me in exchange for seeing shows for free. Maybe it's scaling back your gigging, maybe it's getting some helping hands, or maybe you get some carts or dollies or whatever you need to move your gear around.
I'm 58. I had hernia surgery a few years ago--sucked big time, but I'm well healed, as active as ever in various sports--is your surgery recent? It did slow me down for a bit but folks usually bounce back from those pretty well unless you have some complications--is yours recent, or giving you chronic problems? I do a lot of core work which helps keep everything down there "tight". I even have another small, almost unoticable hernia on the other side, and my doc thinks I should just ride it out since everything stays put (famous last words of course). I do weight training and boxing 3 times a week, but no heavy lifting. And, I've learned how to sneeze and cough so as not to make unnecessary abdominal pressure
I suggest you look into myofascial release therapy. I have other aches and pains, mostly self-inflicted from sports like mountain biking, but myofascial release therapy literally keeps me going. It's essentially massage where they "unlock" and "un-gunk" all the fascia and crap that gets all out-of-whack, which in turn pulls and tweaks everything else--spine, joints--you-name-it. I saw a "conventional" back guy once when I was all jacked up from a mountain bike crash and could hardly move, and holy cow in the first 5 minutes of barely making eye contact w/me he was ready to make a date for surgery to start cutting! He said I had various disc issues. He didn't even TOUCH my back at the visit. So I went to a myofascial release therapist and two weeks later I was back on the bike, entered in a cross-country race (I didn't win, but still . . . .). Surgery, especially back surgery, should really be the last resort. All that said, I have to spend 20-30 minutes with the foam roller and a whole stretching regimen everyday. And ice packs are my friend....
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No, my hernia was years ago but never quite healed properly. Been tender in the left groin area ever since. For me, walking on varied terrain works well but can't even do that until I get my back sorted.I'm 58. I had hernia surgery a few years ago--sucked big time, but I'm well healed, as active as ever in various sports--is your surgery recent? It did slow me down for a bit but folks usually bounce back from those pretty well unless you have some complications--is yours recent, or giving you chronic problems? I do a lot of core work which helps keep everything down there "tight". I even have another small, almost unoticable hernia on the other side, and my doc thinks I should just ride it out since everything stays put (famous last words of course). I do weight training and boxing 3 times a week, but no heavy lifting. And, I've learned how to sneeze and cough so as not to make unnecessary abdominal pressure
I suggest you look into myofascial release therapy. I have other aches and pains, mostly self-inflicted from sports like mountain biking, but myofascial release therapy literally keeps me going. It's essentially massage where they "unlock" and "un-gunk" all the fascia and crap that gets all out-of-whack, which in turn pulls and tweaks everything else--spine, joints--you-name-it. I saw a "conventional" back guy once when I was all jacked up from a mountain bike crash and could hardly move, and holy cow in the first 5 minutes of barely making eye contact w/me he was ready to make a date for surgery to start cutting! He said I had various disc issues. He didn't even TOUCH my back at the visit. So I went to a myofascial release therapist and two weeks later I was back on the bike, entered in a cross-country race (I didn't win, but still . . . .). Surgery, especially back surgery, should really be the last resort. All that said, I have to spend 20-30 minutes with the foam roller and a whole stretching regimen everyday. And ice packs are my friend....
The irony is my dog(who I love) hurt her shoulder, so in an effort to spare her any strain as she jumped out of my truck, I lifted her out...
THE WRONG WAY! resulting in my latest issue. I can't lie down or sleep in my bed. I have to sleep in a lounge chair positioned upright.
Calorie counting. Total of 1600 a day. Normal is 2000-2200. You can spend those calories any way you want, you'll spend them wisely or you'll feel like you're starving all the time. Very unpleasant. Ask your doctor first as if you have any underlying issues a diet like this can seriously harm or kill you, as can most diets. A few years after hitting the target weight, I got a large breed dog that requires a fair amount of exercise. That has stabilized my weight and made me far healthier overall. Moderate exercise won't lose you weight IMO but will keep it off and improve your health, period. Or you could do what my brother did and start running. Runs marathons now. He looks great! I couldn't do it, myself. I hate running.
Is it a problem with the mesh? I know a guy who had to have mesh removed....twice. Now he's fit as a fiddle. I chose to have a mesh-free hernia repair (Desarda technique)--so far so good.
Sounds like you're all locked up----I swear man, if you can find a myofascial therapist, find a way to do it. Our bodies very often tweak and lock up in order to protect our spine and joints, but then getting opened back up again afterwards is the challenge...
I did a double take....I thought I wrote that...lol. I'm a retired Teamster beer truck driver..28 years. I have the degenerative disc disease, rotator cuff surgeries, Tommy John surgery on the elbow, right wrist is partially fused, had two fingers reattached on same hand. Everything hurts...lol. I'm 64 and don't be so rough on yourself...working for a living, taking care of business around the house and yes....those old hockey and football injuries that you laughed about when you were a bulletproof 20 year old in school have all come home to roost. Yeah, some of us might be in better physical shape, but what's important is that you still love to play and you actively seek out gigs. Cutting the lawn today left me gassed, so I decided to pour a double Cuervo into a plastic water cup and sit in front of the computer....And lo, and behold I see your post. If I knew how to take a picture with the computer, I'd show you. Keep on playing until they ( GOD or the club owner ) unplug you
At 64, I find myself plagued with neuropathy in both feet. I'm not diabetic. It's just a hereditary condition which has plagued other family members as well. It is VERY painful and, on a bad day, it severely limits the time I can stand and even walk. I am blessed to play with a group of fortyish and fiftyish "kids" who don't object to my using a stool for relief when necessary and are also gracious enough to help with my gear on bad days.
Getting old is definitely not for woosies! I hope when I die, it's on the last note of the last set of the night. I sure wouldn't want that interfering with a gig.
Getting old is definitely not for woosies! I hope when I die, it's on the last note of the last set of the night. I sure wouldn't want that interfering with a gig.
Yes, it seems simple. Calories ingested vs expended. Anything but running!!
If you have doctors/ internists/ pain management specialists who live in mortal fear of the govt., you could live in serious pain for a very long time.....close to a decade in my case. I have bulging discs, degenerative spine disease along with something called a syrinx of the spine (fluid build up) Morphine? lol....I'm lucky I get 500/325 vicotin....and THAT'S IT. Many health care professionals will not take the time to evaluate the patient in front of them. They would prefer to play it safe and keep their gravy train rolling rather than prescribe medications that help those in serious pain. Not everyone who crawls into a doctor's office is fishing for drugs, some truly need help. And not everyone taking pain medications is seeking a 'buzz'.... walking upright is a luxury on the bad days. I would submit to blood, hair or urine drug testing at the doctor's discretion...Feeling 6 or less on the pain scale would be Heaven..so funny Trump's doctor is called the "Candy man" and they protected and defended him. Just don't you legally try to feel better.
I have cerebral palsy. Have back pain, muscle stiffness, poor balance, and weakness since birth. I play a stream liner or mb fusion through A couple Schroeder 110L. 20 lbs each. I lean up against a wall when playing the good thing about cerebral palsy is your body is very inefficient. I'm 44 now. In the last 5 years or so I put on 20 lbs and am still 15 lbs underweight. I eat whatever I want. I'm a burger connoisseur. The good thing about back pain since birth is you get used to it. It's not a big deal. I refuse to take pain pills. Good thing too or I may be hooked on heroine right now. The good thing about needing very light weight cabinets is it kills gas. Oh that berg is 40lbs? Too heavy.
I've questioned the mesh. I really need to find out about that.
Regarding myofacial release, I think my chiropractor thinks along these lines or is there something beyond his treatments which consist of manipulation, heat and stimulation.
Well, as far as I know, chiropractors are working a different angle, though I expect there's some overlap. I'd ask him about it. The thing is, if the fascia is all locked up, the bones and joints all suffer--everything is being pulled and stressed wrong. I've even adjusted how I walk over time with this therapy. I'm more "aligned" now than I was when I was 20. As always, wish I knew then what I know now.....
Yes, when I was a young buck I was very physical. Football injuries(left knee, wrists shoulders and back) and heavy weight lifting along with an auto accident where I broadsided a telephone pole have all conspired to try and bring me down.
I was actually a health instructor straight out of school! Isn't that rich?? But, I'm now inspired by all of the positive posts here.
Thanks to all for being so honest and candid. You have lifted my spirits!
I'll be 67 in December, still managing to get out and play although i pop Tylenol when i get home. I also appreciate the seat heater in my VW. I've even driven around for 30-45 minutes after a gig just to enjoy the low back relief from the seat heater.
Don't stop playing. Get yourself a Genzler Magellan MG-350 combo (amp in cradle mounted on 110 cabinet) - quality sound and capable of surprising volume - maybe 25 pounds total. You could add a second 110 (21 pounds) from them if you needed big sound. GREAT products...keep this old fart in the game.
Don't stop playing. Get yourself a Genzler Magellan MG-350 combo (amp in cradle mounted on 110 cabinet) - quality sound and capable of surprising volume - maybe 25 pounds total. You could add a second 110 (21 pounds) from them if you needed big sound. GREAT products...keep this old fart in the game.
