[QUOTE=xilman;473735]Mike: you ever ridden a GoldWing through snow?[/QUOTE]No, we haven't ridden any motorcycle in the snow. We ride through the winter but snow is not very common here. If it snows or gets cold enough for ice we just take a day off.

:mike:

I'm sorry to complain when there are so many people in worse positions than me, but this is the third day in the last seven that I've taken off work and basically slept through - woke at ten, back to sleep twelve until four, and heading back to sleep now. Also I have had lower back pain for a couple of weeks to the point that bending down to empty the dishwasher feels more uncomfortable than lifting 15kg dumbbells did six weeks ago.

[QUOTE=Xyzzy;473859]If it snows or gets cold enough for ice we just take a day off.[/QUOTE]

Have you jumped out any aeroplanes?

[QUOTE=fivemack;473872]Also I have had lower back pain for a couple of weeks to the point that bending down to empty the dishwasher feels more uncomfortable than lifting 15kg dumbbells did six weeks ago.[/QUOTE]

You could have a herniated disc. Having been there and done that, don't lay down. It will be extremely painful to stand back up.

Can you sit it a quarter lotus position?

[QUOTE=fivemack;473872] lower back pain for a couple of weeks to the point that bending down to empty the dishwasher feels more uncomfortable than lifting 15kg dumbbells did six weeks ago.[/QUOTE]
When I had something like that it turned out to be shingles. Some people experience shingles pain without ever developing the rash. It depends on how pain is distributed - best to see a doctor and not wait that it will pass. If shingles, then the earlier you would start antivirals then better the outcome will be.

[QUOTE=fivemack;473872]I'm sorry to complain when there are so many people in worse positions than me, but this is the third day in the last seven that I've taken off work and basically slept through - woke at ten, back to sleep twelve until four, and heading back to sleep now. Also I have had lower back pain for a couple of weeks to the point that bending down to empty the dishwasher feels more uncomfortable than lifting 15kg dumbbells did six weeks ago.[/QUOTE]

Tom, if this makes you feel better since my gallbladder removal that I have pain on the muscle located on the ex-position of the gallbladder. It shows up when I bend myself to tie my shoes for example so I need to sit down and do it. It’s a pain I can’t control only by making a lot of exercise which I don’t manage to do on this cold wheather. Every pain cycle last at least two weeks even using Voltarol. Driving hurts due to the seat belt.

Also I can’t control my bowls, sometimes they are loose sometimes the opposite. Doctor prescribed some powder medications and when I went to read the secondary effects it says you can have diarrhea...wtf!!?? Went to make blood analysis so I’m waiting for the results. In the meantime we decided to eat more vegan and vegetarian food. I’ve told my doctor that I was much better before my surgery and I hope I am mistaken and this is just my body getting used to the new emptiness inside me.

[QUOTE=fivemack;473872]I'm sorry to complain when there are so many people in worse positions than me, but this is the third day in the last seven that I've taken off work and basically slept through - woke at ten, back to sleep twelve until four, and heading back to sleep now. Also I have had lower back pain for a couple of weeks to the point that bending down to empty the dishwasher feels more uncomfortable than lifting 15kg dumbbells did six weeks ago.[/QUOTE]Have you seen your GP? If not, do so immediately.

I've suffered chronic back pain for years and can teach you some physio exercises if it's purely muscular in origin. As well as the obvious analgesics I find saunas immensely helpful. Most nights I spend at least half an hour flat on my back on the bedroom carpet. Quite often I fall asleep in that position. The hard surface undoubtedly helps; I'm off to bed in the next 15 minutes or so and will undoubtedly lie on the floor again

One of our mutual acquaintances has also suffered severe chronic back pain. To maintain privacy I'll discuss his experiences with you only in person. Which leads me on to another thing, the subject of an up-coming PM.


Paul

[QUOTE=xilman;473887]Most nights I spend at least half an hour flat on my back on the bedroom carpet. Quite often I fall asleep in that position. The hard surface undoubtedly helps; I'm off to bed in the next 15 minutes or so and will undoubtedly lie on the floor again.[/QUOTE]

Yeah. Anyone who has had a serious back issue really enjoys a very hard bed.

When I herniated my disc I did the exercises my chiropractor put me through twice a week.

Then I started doing them by myself.

My chiropractor then became very angry with me for daring to the exercises alone.

She charged me $50 USD an hour to twist me a little bit.

Since an oopsadaisy when I was young and invincible, I've had intermittent episodes of screaming lower back pain, complete with pains shooting down my legs. They would last for weeks. During these episodes, putting on shoes and socks was an ordeal. I remember one of the really bad episodes ending suddenly when I was walking. I felt something in my lower back shift, and -- the pain was suddenly gone! I've never had a medical diagnosis, but I'm pretty sure it's a slipped or herniated disc.

Besides sleeping on the floor, I took up swimming, which helped. Before I took it up, a day of yard work or similar exertion would make my back rather sore for a few days. After, I'd be good to go the very next day after yard work or whatever, with no more than a little extra stiffness. Stretching can also help, but you have to be careful. I recommend a book called [u]Stretching[/u] by Bob and Jean Anderson.

"Lower back" is one of my favorite rejoinders to the notion of "intelligent design." Another is "Wisdom teeth."

I have seen the doctor, who poked me and said that, since I had no digestive symptoms and no tenderness when poked, I should come back if it hasn't gone away in six weeks. It seems to be getting better now.

I have an appointment with the company physio on Tuesday.

[QUOTE=fivemack;474013]I have seen the doctor, who poked me and said that, since I had no digestive symptoms and no tenderness when poked, I should come back if it hasn't gone away in six weeks. It seems to be getting better now.

I have an appointment with the company physio on Tuesday.[/QUOTE]Good.

I've just spent the afternoon in bed dosed up on naproxen and codeine for my backache.