Lower back discomfort

[Karen]

Wow....glad you posted this in case others are experiencing something similar. I'm especially glad that it was nothing more serious and you're feeling better!!!!

[Fish]

Sans:

Good to see your update. I'm glad you've gotten some relief for your back. PT has really helped me with my back problems. I agree with you, no one should suffer through it -- exercise, PT, weight loss, whatever it takes (I still have to work on the last one )

Best wishes.

[Abilor]

Whew!!!

I've been freaking out for the past few days, but once again feel a little bit better.

I had seminoma diagnosed and removed in March, and then Radiation (25 Gy) in May, so I'm hitting the three month mark now. I've also developed that "werid feeling" - NOT pain, just some stiffness, tickles, etc. Someone else described it as feeling like there's duct tape stuck to you.

However, like Sans rt1, I had a hefty gut going into this thing, and I haven't been as pumped physically as I promised myself. This thing comes and goes as I do weird things with my back, how I've been eating, if I'm hydrated, etc. So good food, water, and exercise for me.

My oncologist also had similar things to say: recurrence is very, very rare, both in general, and particularly in the field. At my first bloodwork and X-ray post RT, he mentioned that nobody he has ever treated with image-guided RT has ever recurred, and I should expect to be just fine. I have first CT with urologist in October, and he is also very optimistic, near 100% chance of total recovery already. He's dour though, and says if I did recur, I'd be salvaged with chemo.

Anyway, I knew all this coming in to the site (I don't like coming because it gives me things to worry about), but since my case is almost identical to sans rt1, I'll keep doing what he's doing.

Good luck all.

[Sans rt1]

Glad my post eased your mind a bit. But I am also glad that you told your doctors and will keep up on things. Yes, recurrences in the RT pattern are rare - but from what I read they do happen once in a while, so it is good to be conservative and get things checked out.

I just had my last physical therapy session - my back is better - the strengthing and the things they taught me have definitely helped. However, I still have that original dull ache in my back that started this thread. THe description of having duct tape on it is a good one - just feels like there is something there - not pain, just a feeling of pressure and slight ache for me.

But, based on what I have learned, anyone that is out of shape and thinking of starting an exercise program - especially if you have any back issues - should talk with your doctor and perhaps consider consulting with a physical therapist or qualified personal trainer, to avoid the mistakes I made. It seems I was doing the right things all wrong, and it resulted in a very messed up back.

We all know not to lift things using our back - they teach that in health class, PE and at work. But no one ever taught me that it is just as important to tighten the abs to allow the core to work together (not just the back), whenever you lift, twist, or reach for something - this allows the load to be shared between the back muscles and the abs. When you work out on exercise machines or with weights, you should do the same - my PT taught me a little pelvic tilt and tightening of the abs - and it really does spread the load out and away from your back - amazingly simple, but it works. And when you workout (on machines or free weights) with abs held tight, you relieve the stress from your back - and actually exercise your core muscles in addition to, say your arms, chest, or legs. And, because you are exercising more muscles, it is really a much better workout

Anyway, good for you getting into better shape - just do it smarter than I did and don't hurt yourself in the process.