New to this, need some advice.
 

I have bone-spurs poking into my spinal column and arthritis in my ankles and hips. My problem is that my doctor only gives me 30 Tramadol to last for TWO MONTHS, so I end up losing lots of weight for the first two weeks, and then gaining it all back for the other six, because I can't exercise, and I get so depressed about it that I don't really control my eating for that period of time as well.

I am 26, and I have a decent metabolism, my only problem is not being able to get enough exercise. My neurologist has made a recommendation to up my pain meds, but what do I do until then, or if my doctor refuses to do so? I lost almost 80lbs. a few years ago by walking EVERYWHERE, but that is not possible now, unless I have the pills. Please tell me what to do.

Also, if your idea is water-based, I do not have access to a pool, and cannot afford a Y membership as I am on a fixed income.

This is water based...sorry...YMCA offer scholarships based on need. Just an idea. I am NOT a water person so I understand if this isn't an option...but I wanted to throw it out there in case you didn't know about the scholarships.

Thanks, I know about the scholarships, but for a person with my income, combined with he fact that I do not have any dependents, and the fact that I don't have a utility bill means they still want $40 a month from me, and I just can't afford it. I really wish I could, though, because I LOVE to swim. I like it better than any other form of exercise!

Find another doctor, particularly one that specializes in pain management. If you are so miserable with your current medications that you cannot function 3/4 of the time, your pain is not being adequately controlled. Tell your doctor that you'd like a referral to a Pain Management specialist. If he won't give it to you, ask your neurologist. Seriously, this is an entire medical speciality...unmanaged pain is not something you have to tolerate.

Thanks, I will ask again. He said he would refer me to a pain specialist about a year ago, but never did. As it is, I have been complaining to him about my back for two years, and he JUST sent me to get an MRI (how I found out about the bone-spurs) and then sent me to the neurologist because of the results. My neuro guy, on the other hand, said that because of my insurance, he is not allowed to proscribe me diddly.

I am going to go back to my current doc one more time, and see if the neurologist's recommendation (liberalize her use of Tramadol, lol) makes any difference, or if he will send me to someone who will help. If not, I will find a doctor who will.

In the meantime, that could mean I may be waiting a while for help, and I was wondering if there was a way I could keep losing the weight w/o starving myself.

I can't speak to the bone spurs, but I know stretching exercises are good for arthritis. Don't forget to stretch before and after each workout, even on a good day.

How effective are non-medication forms of pain control, like ice or heating pads, or soaking in the bathtub? Or using what I call rubby-stuff? IE, Icy-Hot or something like that? Then there are supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin, which your great-grandmother swears by....

One more thing: it isn't cheap, but if you can come by it, Noni works wonders for pain management. I discovered that while living in San Diego in a home owned by Filipinos.

Stretching helps a bit, I do that a lot, but it is the pain and numbness caused by the spurs that is giving me the most ****.

Even if I just had two Tramadol a day, I would be in much better shape. That would let me exercise every day, though if I have done 2+ miles, when it wears off I still have problems (need a cane to get around the house!) The best thing that I have for pain when I CAN'T take a pill is catnip and chamomile tea.

1 Tb of catnip in a tea-ball, or tied up in a coffee-filter, plus 4 chamomile tea-bags steeped in six cups (coffee-pot cups) of hot water until cool enough to drink, and garnished with just enough honey to taste a little sweet, does WONDERS (I stop needing the cane, lol)! I recommend it to anyone with a big problem with soreness after a workout.

Glucosamine/chondroitin are great, and since my bf and I both have arthritis, we are planning on buying some in bulk soon.

In the meanwhile, continue on your healthy eating plan; you may still lose some anyways (without starving), or at least stay the same until you find something that helps you. I'm not sure what bone spurs are or what they affect, or what you CAN DO?

Maybe some light TAI CHI geared for the elderly or physically challenged would be possible for you: mostly you stand or sit in place or lean on chairs or walls, etc. I found a good video a while back which is probably on dvd now, so you could google that ...

Hmm... I hadn't given a thought to looking at programs geared towards the elderly and disabled. I guess I still haven't thought of myself with that label, :( but *shrugs* it fits, so I will have to start.

Buying something will still have to wait until I get paid again, which isn't for a couple of weeks, but it does give me something to think about, thanks.

Going to try the catnip in chamomile myself. :)

It is VERY good. My bf introduced it to me when I was having really bad "time of the month" cramps.

You can try finding free videos and information online, too - for example, Tai Chi: http://www.everyday-taichi.com/

Often when I don't feel like I need Vicoden, I will use 2 Percogesic. It is behind the counter (no RX needed but not openly available on the shelf) and is surprisingly potent stuff. Your pharmacist may not have heard of it or maybe it has been a long time and it will probably need to be special ordered.

Def see about a new doc more willing to help.

In the meanwhile, keep eating healthy as you can and keep a food log. Esp the log part even if the actual eating strays from "healthy" -- that can be a good tool to help in your dx.

I swallowed my pride since I'm starting all over again and have 100+ to lose. I picked up Kim Lyon's chair exercise videos for diabetics. I'm liking them, and surprised I feel well worked out. I don't know how long I'll be at this level, but I feel good I'm doing SOMETHING. Ya know?

http://www.collagevideo.com/workout-...up-series-5742

A.

THANKS AMANDA ~ that's a great site and it's FREE! You can see when you look at the sample pictures how easy some of the beginner's moves are ... anybody can do them. In China, people of all ages and abilities do them outside during their breaks and in the parks. Take a look -- you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is ... :D