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Bulging Discs Finally Diagnosed

cmatczynskicmatczynski
in General Training Discussions

So last night I finally got an answer to pain I have been having in my leg and within the last 2 months down to my ankle ... bulging discs in L4 and L5.  ARGH ... I had surgery on L5 in 2007 to reduce herniation, and that disc is now bulging again along with another new one.  Epidural scheduled for Monday 8am.  Hoping this works and helps relieve the pain, have done PT, Methylpredisone, and strengthening and been a long haul with the pain.  Got a big year coming up in 2017 with IMLP and IMAZ ... need to get back on the bike and being on the bike and in aero has caused the most pain ... looking for an early Christmas present.

Comments

  • Tommy BondsTommy Bonds
    I think I will be in a similar boat with you. I have a triathlon buddy (Aaron) that is a PT and he thinks I have C6 bulging pinching a nerve. I have been dealing with severe pain in the right side of my neck, trap, lat area that radiates down my right arm to the fingers. He is trying to help alleviate the pain for now but I broke down and scheduled an appointment with Doc for Monday. I went thru this same pain in 2006/07 timeframe but it was my left side and PT along with rest fixed it. Had a L5/S1 bulge in fall 2014 and doc said 12weeks of no running or biking but I was 5 weeks from a marathon and then Boston in April '15 so I said that can't happen and went to see Aaron. He was able to fix me for the most part. It still flares up from time to time but I managed a full year in 2015 and a good training year in 2016 with minimal pain so no surgery for now. I'm afraid this time I will not be so lucky with the C5/6 pain I'm experiencing. Wishing you the best and praying it heals quickly. L4/5 and L5/S1 carry the weight of the body and are frequent problem areas and with past surgery I'm sure you know all that all too well.
  • cmatczynskicmatczynski

    While I am hoping the epidural will help and praying, I do know this all too well unfortunately.  While I can have discomfort just sitting, being in the aero bars is really what causes the most pain. I can sit up and ride, but my gosh are my sit bones taking a beating lately, LOL, and have never run well off the bike sitting up. I do not have any problems swimming or running.  Maybe some soreness running, but nothing that affects my ability to run.  Will keep us both in my prayers.  Let me know how your appt goes

  • Darrell StrubeDarrell Strube
    Carrie, I have suffered from bulgingherniated L4-L5 off and on for several years. I had a series of injections over a year ago and that did help quite a bit. As things calmed down I did some quality strength training. I read a post on Slowtwitch which led me to a strength program called Foundation Training. I actually purchased the DVDs but there is a ton of free stuff on youtube. If you stay on top of it and do the exercises daily, you will see improvement. I did. Anyway, hope that helps and good luck with the injection.

    https://www.foundationtraining.com/
  • cmatczynskicmatczynski

    Thank you for the info!!!

  • Shaughn SimmonsShaughn Simmons

    Winter months are a great time to implement a CORE strengthening program along with your OS training.  EN has specific CORE programs found in the wiki along with a NOV, DEC, and JAN OS teams with a weekly CORE thread.

    Overtime, strengthening that CORE will protect that back problem and tremendously help you with improved biking, running and swimming form.

    Take a look and get well soon.

    SS

  • cmatczynskicmatczynski

    I am still working my way around the site ... where would I find these threads or CORE programs ... or are the core programs the Monday/Friday programs on my plan?

  • Shaughn SimmonsShaughn Simmons

    Carrie,

    Pick up this thread: http://members.endurancenation.us/F...fault.aspx

    Join that thread, ask questions, follow the week routine for the CORE exercises.

    The thread also tells you where to find the materials and how to implement them along with the team doing them.

    SS

     

     

  • cmatczynskicmatczynski

    Thank you!!!

  • Keith ShiremanKeith Shireman
    Carrie I found out a couple of weeks ago that I have a L4-L5 herniated disc and a small tear in L5-S1. I do my own therapy and it has gotten better. It doesn't bother me to swim or bike. The problem is I can't run. I was scheduled to compete in my first full IM in Texas for 2017 but now I think I won't make it next year. My doctor appointment (sports spine surgeon) is not for a few more weeks. I do have a bone spur that may have to be removed as it is putting pressure at the nerve root. Didi the injection help you very much? How long did it last and when were you able to return to training after the injection?
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