RE: please help afraid of losing job (Full Version)

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defiantbadgirl -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/2/2010 11:36:36 PM)

I don't have TMS. My problem is caused by an abnormal curve in my lower spine. The reason it's so painful is that the curve is in the lowest part of my spine right above my tailbone. The lower back holds up the entire upper body plus any problem in that area affects the legs as well. If the curve was in my upper back it would be much easier becase it wouldn't affect my entire body. I have no interest in becoming a narcotic addict. My idea is a non-addictive prescription strength muscle relaxer taken as needed to relax the muscles in my lower back so I don't pinch a nerve as often. The less often it happens, the less work i miss. The only time I would take a narcotic muscle relaxer is right after I do pinch a nerve because it makes me sleep all day and night which speeds healing. I have nothing against exercise that won't injure my back but in the meantime I need something so I won't end up losing my job. I can't afford to be unemployed for a year because of the economy. I'm limited on what kind of work I can do which makes it even worse. I can't have a job where I have to wait for scheduled breaks to sit down or stand up. My back has to decide that, not my employer.



heartcream -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 12:00:02 AM)

A pilates ball will help relieve the stress, try sitting on one instead of a chair. You can lay over it stomach or back and get some safe healing stretching. I love my pilates ball and have found it useful for my sore body at times.

I am with the folks that suggest finding another line of work. Someone with your problems shouldnt be doing the sot of heavy lifting and all of that stuff. Be nice to yourself, find a job that wont tax your back.

Go for some walks, eat good food, cut down on the crap food as much as you can. Epsom salt baths are good.

I would say Muscle relaxants are not the answer as jonesing as you seem to be for them. Try and move away from ingesting chemicals to help because then your poor ol liver will have to deal with the toxins leading to other problems. You need to put you first, not your job. Get your priorities straight. Your needs are divine and killing yourself with chemicals is a temporary solution that wont see you through in the long run. I can really get to you wanting relief but try and look for it other ways and expect to find healing ways, expect to find solutions that wont hurt your body.

It sucks to be in pain, I know for myself how draining and debilitating chronic pain can be. There is some good and sound advice here I hope you take it and free yourself from this scary pain and the fear of unemployment and all that is stressing you.



defiantbadgirl -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 12:23:35 AM)

I don't do heavy lifting. I work in a house where I care for three clients. Two of the clients are high functioning and able to dress, shower, and feed themselves. The third client is low functioning and non-verbal, but doesn't have to be dead lifted. He pulls himself up to a standing position when asked by holding on to his dresser or my hands. There's a big difference between lifting someone and being used as a crutch. I am all for the idea of getting additional schooling and changing careers because my job only pays $8.50 an hour but I'm not sure what to go into. Most of the work from home help wanted ads are scams. I need a job where my back decides when I stand or sit, not a scheduled break. Otherwise my back will be going out every week. Any suggestions?



heartcream -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 12:31:45 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

I don't do heavy lifting. I work in a house where I care for three clients. Two of the clients are high functioning and able to dress, shower, and feed themselves. The third client is low functioning and non-verbal, but doesn't have to be dead lifted. He pulls himself up to a standing position when asked by holding on to his dresser or my hands. There's a big difference between lifting someone and being used as a crutch. I am all for the idea of getting additional schooling and changing careers because my job only pays $8.50 an hour but I'm not sure what to go into. Most of the work from home help wanted ads are scams. I need a job where my back decides when I stand or sit, not a scheduled break. Otherwise my back will be going out every week. Any suggestions?


Maybe make a list of things that turn you on, things you would like to spend your day doing. If you are only getting that meager wage you could choose another job at least that will be more aligned with where your health is at right now. Brainstorm, try not to think about it too much, or judge it. Would you like to deal with people or no? Would you like to be sitting or standing, walking or a combination? Write down the things you need, what would work for you. Dont try to fit yourself into the system, have the system work for you.

Could you work in a toll booth? A store? An office? Where do you feel excited about out in the world and try and head for that. It is important to feel your fear not stuff it down but also allow yourself to dream of where you want to be, how you want things to be and put out for that, expect to see results.



Whiplashsmile4 -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 12:55:49 AM)

defiantbadgirl, I feel for you right now. I've read through all the posts and I'm afraid I don't have any thing different/unique to add. :-( wish I did because I would.



LaTigresse -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 7:25:10 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady


quote:

ORIGINAL: LaTigresse

If your doctor clears it, I also suggest a Body Blade for strengthening your core.



I have never heard of a Body Blade. Where did you get it? What does it do? Probably most importantly, is it expensive?


They are all over, you can even get them directly from the company via their website but I am frugal and the cheapest place I found one was here.....

http://www.shopnbc.com/Bodyblade_Core_Trainer/C74042.aspx?storeid=1&track=194&cm_re=SearchList-_-N-_-N&page=LIST&category=Health%20%26%20Fitness|t334∝=Core%20Training|2255

There is also smaller, and less expensive, beginner models on the website here....

http://www.bodyblade.com/bodyblade-shop-blades/default.asp



mistoferin -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 7:54:31 AM)

LaT, you realize that would require...cover your ears, that dreaded "e" word is coming....effort. It's just so much easier to take a pill...even if everyone here, a team of doctors, three nuns and priest try to tell you it's a bad idea....



LaTigresse -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 8:07:51 AM)

Yeah. One thing I have realized in life, most people are like water. They will take the path of least resistance, no matter how bad that path is, no matter the repercussions staring them in the face. They turn a blind eye, drag out the big fat excuse book and do the easiest thing. Then bitch and whine when they pay the price.

I have no sympathy for them.



domiguy -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 8:10:05 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: LaTigresse

quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

Not enough. I am overweight, especially in my abdominal region, but I was told that sit ups and crunches are unsafe for someone with my problem and might result in injury.


I didn't ask about sit ups or crunches. Check with your doctor to see if stretching and walking would be safe. Then start doing it. A lot of it. If your doctor clears it, I also suggest a Body Blade for strengthening your core.

I was getting seriously overweight a year and a half ago. I decided that being healthy and strong was more important than eating poorly and sitting on my ass. I used to have a lot more back problems. Now I feel so much better and the bonus, my belly is almost flat again!


I liked you better when you were gross and fat.



LaTigresse -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 8:11:29 AM)

I am still gross. I can just run faster and further now.



defiantbadgirl -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 9:06:40 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: LaTigresse

Yeah. One thing I have realized in life, most people are like water. They will take the path of least resistance, no matter how bad that path is, no matter the repercussions staring them in the face. They turn a blind eye, drag out the big fat excuse book and do the easiest thing. Then bitch and whine when they pay the price.

I have no sympathy for them.



Why the sarcasm? I have no problem doing safe exercises to strengthen my back. What I've read here from other back pain sufferers has convinced me it really works. I'm interested in knowing more about what kinds of exercises are safe and effective for those with my condition. But I still need something now until my back is strong enough to go without it. That doesn't mean I'm looking for an easy way out. It simply means that in this economy, I can't afford to lose the job I have now until I have received training in another field and gotten a job in that new field.



LaTigresse -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 9:14:14 AM)

The sarcasm is entirely your perception. I made a completely unemotional observation about people in general. If you fit that observation then YOU need to deal with the repercussions. Just a few might be, permanent back injury, lost job, dependence/addiction to pain meds.



angelikaJ -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 9:16:46 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

I don't have TMS. My problem is caused by an abnormal curve in my lower spine. The reason it's so painful is that the curve is in the lowest part of my spine right above my tailbone. The lower back holds up the entire upper body plus any problem in that area affects the legs as well. If the curve was in my upper back it would be much easier becase it wouldn't affect my entire body. I have no interest in becoming a narcotic addict. My idea is a non-addictive prescription strength muscle relaxer taken as needed to relax the muscles in my lower back so I don't pinch a nerve as often. The less often it happens, the less work i miss. The only time I would take a narcotic muscle relaxer is right after I do pinch a nerve because it makes me sleep all day and night which speeds healing. I have nothing against exercise that won't injure my back but in the meantime I need something so I won't end up losing my job. I can't afford to be unemployed for a year because of the economy. I'm limited on what kind of work I can do which makes it even worse. I can't have a job where I have to wait for scheduled breaks to sit down or stand up. My back has to decide that, not my employer.


You could try adding magnesium.
It does relax muscles.

The muscle relaxers most commonly prescribed are either Norflex or Flexaril.
Both of them carry warnings to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, which would make using them while at work risky.
Either can be habituating/addictive to some people, in part because they can have side effects such as euphoria.
Neither of those work directly on the muscle by the way. They work in the brain and their effects are primarily analgesic.
Wiki has a nice article on them.

I do understand your panic over not wanting to lose your job.

You got a diagnosis from one chiropractor, I might suggest getting a second opinion.
They are not always right.

There are people who, when given options for changing their situation always find reasons why those options are ultimately unworkable.
What they never realise is that it takes a tremendous amount of energy and creativity to find ways of making everything not work for them.

It is my hope that you will not become one of them.



defiantbadgirl -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 9:28:01 AM)

UPDATE:

I just spoke with my chiropractor about safe exercise. He advised against abdominal exercise and said stretching is a bad idea because it would irritate my back and might cause injury. The only safe exercise he recommends for me is walking so I will do that and hope it works. In the meantime, until my back strengthens from walking, I would appreciate any advice on the cheapest way to obtain muscle relaxers (not pain meds becase they don't work) so I don't miss too much work or injure myself at work and lose my job.



myotherself -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 9:43:20 AM)

OP - I was struck by your post in which you said you were overweight, and you think that might be having an effect on your back problems.

I used to be quite overweight (more obese than overweight, sadly!) and had recurring problems with lower back pain and a pinched sciatic nerve down my right side. I went to see a chiropractor who said - quite bluntly - things weren't going to get better until I lost weight.

So I did. And the best thing was, I saved money cos I spent less money on food overall, and loads less on crap food! Now I'm at a good weight and I have no back problems at all.

So...perhaps one of the easiest (I use that word advisedly, lol) and cheapest things you can do to help your long-term health is to take control of your weight problem and deal with that. [:)]



mistoferin -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 9:45:46 AM)

There is ONLY one way to obtain muscle relaxers. See a doctor, have them write you a prescription, go to the pharmacy and pay for it. Unless of course you want to wander through some drug infested neighborhoods and see if you can score yourself a fix. I don't know what you are asking for here. Only physicians can prescribe drugs.



defiantbadgirl -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 10:29:53 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: mistoferin

There is ONLY one way to obtain muscle relaxers. See a doctor, have them write you a prescription, go to the pharmacy and pay for it. Unless of course you want to wander through some drug infested neighborhoods and see if you can score yourself a fix. I don't know what you are asking for here. Only physicians can prescribe drugs.


Obviously, only doctors can write prescriptions. What is the best way to find out which doctors will insist on doing their own tests that cost hundreds of dollars I can't afford to pay and which doctors will believe what I tell them and write me a prescription? Affordable health insurance plans won't be covering pre-existing conditions for another 4 years and with no health insurance, all I can afford is an office visit and to fill a prescription. It's nearly impossible to get a doctor on the phone, only their secretaries that tell you to make an appointment. I can't afford to pay for 10 office visits just to find a doctor that will believe me or contact my chiropractor and believe him. So how do I find out? If there is no way to find out, will doubling the dose of an over the counter muscle relaxer produce the same results as a prescription muscle relaxer? Until walking strengthens my back over time, I have to do something so I won't lose my job.



angelikaJ -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 10:41:33 AM)

OP,

As I suggested to you in a cmail, you may be able to find a low cost/sliding scale medical clinic. Have you called local homeless shelters or your local United Way chapter?





Lockit -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 10:41:40 AM)

OP, did your chiropractor say anything else about what you could do to help yourself? If not, fire him!If he hasn't mentioned things you can do to help yourself besides walking and his turning you every which way, he isn't very good at his job. How are you affording him by the way?

It's time to buck up, face the situation rather than fear it and look at it without the victimization you are putting yourself through. This is coming from a woman with life long back problems from childhood when I decided it was far more fun to do what boys did than girls did and climbed anything I could climb and hung from anything I could get hung up on because I still wore dresses and also fell from a couple of things and once flat on cement on my back. It didn't help that later, I flew around rooms without wings because of a strong guy who thought I looked like a ball and the first time he curved my spine. (Yes he got arrested and yes he was booted from my life, he liked to surprise me with unexpected visits when he could get through my door.)

I know that pain. I know what it means in keeping a job or finding one that you can do. It isn't easy, but life isn't always easy or even tolerable at times. I also know that with a curved spine and now after the surgery, walking will disable me. I know that massage is the trick for me and I don't get it and have to do it myself and that ET... my handy dandy massager that one can get that is like it for $30. is a god send for pinched nerves. YOU are the answer to a lot of your problems here, although I do know the benefit of muscle relaxers and wish I had some, you still must face your situation and DO something about it. It's not going to be an over night answer to relief, but you can do far more for yourself than to sit at a computer and try to figure out how to afford something you can't afford and get something the doctors don't always like giving.

You not only need some instruction on how to help your back, but some instruction on how to manage your life. This isn't just you, but many people who get trapped and then trap themselves far more by how they perceive everything and their attitude of helplessness. YES you do face some real hardship and I am not making light of them and I am not just talking from my own experience, but from talking to hundreds of others with situations quite like your own. (I advocated for the ill and disabled. There isn't much you can say that I haven't heard before and found some answers to.)

I had to go from job to job towards the end and not just because of my back, but other illnesses as well. I didn't moan and groan about it, I got out there and looked for something else and believe me there were times of bad economy then too. I even created jobs I could do because of my needs. You may need a little help with that but you have to look for opportunity and make them happen sometimes.

I've seen your situation in some part and attitude, self talk and the like many hundreds of times and believe me if you want to get unstuck, there are things you can do. You seem to be fixated on certain aspects before they have happened and how to fix it all and are getting stuck in the I can't's, this won't work, I can't afford this, I can't do that and although some are very real, that doesn't mean it has to be that way. I face these things on a daily basis. You are damned if you do and damned if you don't, but you are not where I am yet, but you will be unless you do what I did and face it, deal with it and do everything you can not to be like me. It took a very long time to become like me and far more than back problems. YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS AND IT ALL STARTS WITH HOW YOU LOOK AT IT.

Deal with getting through the back crisis you are in now and think about how to get yourself into a better situation in all aspects that will cover your ass down the road. Open your mind to finding other ways to make a way through life. Address the medical and financial by finding what you might be good at and what you can educate yourself in or how to so that you can improve your lot in life. I would be willing to speak to you one time and give some life coach type things and some avenues of resources for you, but I won't tolerate the poor me's or being stuck. It is time to get unstuck. Be open and willing and I may be able to give you some advice on how to get some medical care and assistance and then work on a direction you might be able to take from there. I have a very busy life so I cannot give you the amount of time I might have in the past.

Yes, I recline at home and cannot do much and yes I do not have the medications I need or the medical care I need... by choice because I got tired of having to deal with the medical community and got stubborn. But you are not as far down that stuck road as I am and I sure as hell didn't give in until I was much farther down that road. And yes, I could use a kick in the pants in dealing with the medical community as well as some assistance, but there aren't a whole lot of people that understand my illness, but when the pain gets to the point where I am screaming out in pain, I think I might get out of my recliner. Even then, there isn't anything I can do about my spine now. It's too late. Do you wish to be me? Do you wish to be tired of the medications, tired of the doctors and tired of not being able to get up and be active? Even when you do the right things, sometimes you can't change what is, but you sure as hell can forestall it all!

You will be me unless you fight for yourself and your betterment in all areas. In fact, you could be worse than me because I sure didn't shrivel up and cry victim and see all I couldn't do. I saw all I could do, invested all my time finding it and did it. YOU CAN TOO.

I know I am tough and say things harshly, but coddling you isn't the answer. Facing it is. Once you start facing it, then I might offer up some sympathy and cuddles, but until then you need to look at YOUR life right where it is and become an active role in changing it. Do something besides coming here every few months with some new problem you are helpless in. You are only helpless if you allow it. Challenged, yes, but not helpless.




Lockit -> RE: please help afraid of losing job (6/3/2010 10:48:32 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl


quote:

ORIGINAL: mistoferin

There is ONLY one way to obtain muscle relaxers. See a doctor, have them write you a prescription, go to the pharmacy and pay for it. Unless of course you want to wander through some drug infested neighborhoods and see if you can score yourself a fix. I don't know what you are asking for here. Only physicians can prescribe drugs.


Obviously, only doctors can write prescriptions. What is the best way to find out which doctors will insist on doing their own tests that cost hundreds of dollars I can't afford to pay and which doctors will believe what I tell them and write me a prescription? Affordable health insurance plans won't be covering pre-existing conditions for another 4 years and with no health insurance, all I can afford is an office visit and to fill a prescription. It's nearly impossible to get a doctor on the phone, only their secretaries that tell you to make an appointment. I can't afford to pay for 10 office visits just to find a doctor that will believe me or contact my chiropractor and believe him. So how do I find out? If there is no way to find out, will doubling the dose of an over the counter muscle relaxer produce the same results as a prescription muscle relaxer? Until walking strengthens my back over time, I have to do something so I won't lose my job.



Wrong. You are very wrong here. Listen to Angelika. Not all doctors require all the test for a proscription for muscle relaxers. Most can see or feel the tight muscles and spasms. Stop finding reasons you cannot do things and get your tail end out there and find out what you really face. You are wrong. And something that concerns me... twice you have mentioned taking medications and each time you have talked about over using them. Doubling up or taking two medications at the same time. You have all this ass backwards and the way you talk, I wouldn't give you anything to abuse either. The way you are thinking is more a problem than your back issues.

You may not always like what you hear, but somehow that doesn't seem to bother you because you get this every time you come in with a problem. How about finding some real ways to make some changes. Give me one hour or so with you. If you can't figure things out after that talk... you aren't ready to change. I can be soft and understanding, but tough is also a part of getting to where you need to be. Time to face the real music... the tune you are play. Or... don't come here with solvable problems and expect hugs.



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