It's been a while since my last post. But here's my current situation... I don't want to complain but I'm going to vent. The doc said I have degenerative arthritis from my butt bone half way up my back, degenerative disk disease, narrowing of the spine, bulging disks (non operative) and bone spurs. Asked, "What can you do for me?" Quote, "Assist in in controlling (living with) your pain. Back brace, Tinze Unit, physical therapy, and pain meds." Crap!!! Talk about depressed and having a bad day, I had one. But, I've accepted it and I'm going to drive on and not let it get me down. At least I can still enjoy my shave... (If I can stand up long enough...chuckle)... I've accepted the fact that I'm going to have back problems for the rest of my life... Life sucks and then you die... I'll learn to live with it and since their are others worse than I, I shouldn't complain... Enjoy your shave...
Oh man, that's awful, Oscar. I've suffered back pain for around 12 years now, and it sucks, but I'm sure it probably isn't 1/10th the pain you feel. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear that Oscar. I've got a couple crushed disks in my lower back and the pain just sucks. Physical therapy does help alot, as well as yoga. I did yoga twice weekly for a year and after a couple months I felt amazing. Its one of those things you have to keep up with though. Best of luck.
Sorry to hear about that, Oscar. I hope you "keep on keepin' on!" I pray you'll find ways to work around it and still enjoy as many activities as possible. That's the spirit.
Oscar, Thoughts and prayers go your way! Keep that spirit that you've always had and hang in there! Best!
Man that sucks but look on the bright side. You have an excuse not to get out of bed, boy would I milk that.
God bless... My Grandfather had the exact same situations as you. With the therapy he did extremely well!
All the best to you, Oskar! NOT ranting about it and living with it as good as you can is the best you can do. Many people would get depressed and wouldn't know what to do - the only right thing is to keep your head up and make the best of it! Many wondeful shaves to you too!
Best wishes, Oscar! Consider getting 2nd, 3rd even 4th opinions. This sounds like an area where a specialist could be a big help. Chronic pain is a big area of reseach. Here is an interesting link about degnerative arthritis (aka osteoarthritis). You might find some helpful tips: http://arthritis.about.com/od/arthritissignssymptoms/f/degenerative.htm From my own research and expereince, chronic disease and depression are often closely linked. And one can effect the other, back and forth, in a vicious cycle. I recommend considering that when planning out your treatment. Depression is a treatable medial condition, not a character weakness. Remember: God only buries us under what we can bare
Venting is good for you, under the circumstances. I know exactly where you're minds at; been there. I was diagnosed with Cancer two years ago, and the end result of a lot of surgery, radiation, etc. is that I lost half of my jaw, had it rebuilt with the fibula from my left leg. That left me with a walking disability, and the tissue graft they took from my left arm left me with minimal control of my left hand. On the plus side, I still look at the grass from the right side (green instead of the roots), and the radiation took care of most of my facial hair on the left side of my face, so my shave only takes half as long! It's all in the perspective, my friend. You have every right to be bummed out with that kind of news, but remember it could be worse. Spend your time thinking about how to work around the disability instead of sitting on the sidelines...there's way to much living to do to watch other people doing it. Hang in there!
thanks for the welcome, everyone! I should have properly introduced myself. I've been a die-hard wet shaver my whole life, straights for quite a while, then a near 20 year hiatus from them. After a long time of complaining about blade costs and bad shaves, I went back to straights. Current inventory/daily rotation includes; - new generation Henckels stainless -Dovo Astrale -a Tosuke The most recent acquisition is the Tosuke. I re-learned honing techniques since they're so different, and now I'm learning to shave all over again with the sharpest blade I've ever put to my face. It's a steep learning curve, but I've had no gushers from it, and I've gotten some of the best shaves in my life with it. Looking forward to lots of interesting conversation around these parts! Wayne
Welcome Dragon. We are glad to have you! Susie Oscar, keep your chin up. I have scoliosis, in the sever stages now, (it's degenerative) and a pinched sciatic nerve. I was in therapy 3 times a week for a couple of years, now I only have to go every other week. But all I can say, is what a difference. I can stand up straight and my back is practically pain free. I hope you can say the same in time. God Bless! Susie
