He-Man, Acupuncture & Staying at Bullards Beach One More Week
I call it “He-Man” disease and all you women out there probably know it well. It’s when a male species ignores whatever pain he has going on and decides to just “He-Man” right through it. Muscles bulging, chest forward, and power on! But alas unless you’re a young buck in its first prime, “He-Man” comes back to bite you in the you-know-what. And my fabulous hubby, much as I love him, does indeed suffer from this disease.
This was a “He-Man” week. Paul had been having very slight back issues for some time, but not enough to stop him. Just a few days ago he made a move that changed it all. Tweak, sprain, ouch…..pinched sciatic nerve and searing jab down the leg. Three nano-seconds later he was planked out on the floor in pain.
Oh no!
Now given we have to start workamping in about a week AND we were scheduled to drive to Harris Beach State Park on Monday, this was not an ideal time for this to happen. We both know enough about backs to know this is not serious enough for a doc (from the feel and look of it it’s a minor spinal hernia), but definitely needs time to heal and some help to get that nerve un-pinched. Time to scramble and change plans.
I’m a huge fan of acupuncture for this kind of problem and a few calls around led me to the lovely Tina Veccera who just so happens to practice right around the corner in Bandon. Score! She offers both acupuncture and chinese herbs, and was able to see us same-day. Score again! Our third order of business was to try to extend our stay here in Bullards Beach State Park until we absolutely need to move. By some alignment of the stars our exact site was open until next Sunday. Score number three!
From pain to luck in three easy moves.
We’ve been seeing Tina for 2 days now and Paul is already feeling better. We’re hoping a full week of treatment, relaxation, easy stretches and lack of “He-Man” moves will get him to the point where he’s OK to work. And then of course he’ll need to strengthen those back and stomach muscles.
The beginning of a tough week, but hopefully we’re still on-track to be where we need to be. As long as that He-Man guy doesn’t sneak in to interfere, of course 🙂
I can relate to this He-Man phenomenon. My husband Steve experienced a sudden stab of pain on his back right after plugging our systems. And like you I said, ” Oh No”. I can’t drive the rig. But he says he is okay and suffered in silence and never listened or do all my proposed remedies. The back pain is lingering and the He-Man is still with him. One day a certain move will bite him back and when that happens I hope we are already out of Alaska.
Oh dear!! Lingering back issues always worry me. There are alot of good, simple exercises you can do to help strengthen those muscles and prevent it from getting worse. Stomach crunces, easy yoga stretches…lots of info on this on the web. But I know there’s not much you can do if hubby won’t listen.
By the way I definitely recommend learning to drive & handle everything on the rig. It’s alot of fun (really it is!), and a good safety net for those “what if” situations. It came in handy for me last year when Paul had to fly home on a family emergency. I had to drive, dump & park the rig on my own.
Nina
I gave up hubby never listens. I can probably handle the rest of the rig but the driving part is what I’m uncomfortable with. It is the thought of driving a 60′ vehicle that scares me. I need a professional to teach me not my hubby:)
-monaliza
I learned to drive the rig while on the road. Started out in the desert and just driving around parking lots before I migrated to roads and freeways. But if you want professional instruction (which I totally understand) there are lots of really good RV driving schools out there. I would definitely recommend signing up for a class.
Nina
Here’s a good link for RV driving schools:
http://www.rvschool.com/
Nina
Oh thank you, I should have known there are driving schools in CA, I could have done it before going full timing 🙂 but its never too late.
glad you could get what you needed to deal with this….
Yeah, we are very happy to have found the care we need right next-door.
Nina
Ugh! Sorry to hear this happened. But glad to hear you could get the right kind of holistic help. Sending positive thoughts for a speedy healing.
We were VERY lucky to find a good acupuncturist so closeby (only 2 miles away!). Day 3 and things are definitely improving. We’re hopeful we’re on the right track.
Nina
Terry and I both moaned as we started to read your post. Thank goodness you have access to acupuncture where you are. Take care Paul. We will be sending good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery.
Thanks! We sure hope this week of rest manages to get it under control. We know it’ll be a long-term process to completely heal it, but if we can just get it manageable we’re on the right track.
Nina
Boy, does Eldy need to get over the “He Man” syndrome as well. Almost identical back pain, and he’s being so stubborn about not going for help because of cost, mainly. Hard to be sympathetic when there’s options out there. You’d think somebody would want to end their pain, even if it did mean a hit to the budget. Glad Paul is feeling better!
Argh! I sympathize! There really is alot of good help you can get for this, and believe me it is worth the money as a preventative. The majority of minor back-pain does not need surgery (surgery is almost always the last resort), but can be helped tremendously by acupuncture, physiotherapy etc. And proper exercises can prevent this from getting worse. I’ve had several friends who’ve suffered from debilitating back-pain (going past the point of no return), so I’m very sensitive to prevention as the best medicine.
Nina
My sympathies to Paul, for I to suffer from back spasms now and again.
Dave
Ouch! Paul is getting both leg and back spasms from this so poor boy is definitely understanding of your cooment.
Nina
Give him the needle!
I have had sciatic nerve problems for many years due to trying to lift a motorcycle that had fallen over. The potential of it reoccurring will never go away, and you’ll never forget the pain associated with it! I seriously doubt if acupuncture will have any lasting relief, it certainly didn’t in my case. A couple of hundred dollars later, I was in no better shape. Search the net for exercises to help strengthen the nerve. I know it’s the last thing you want to hear while in pain, but it can be the best thing you’ll ever do to improve your condition. Go slow, and don’t try to overdo it. Cold and heat can have temp relief. Uncooked rice in a sock, heated via microwave is good, as is the blue ice wrapped tightly to the most painful area.
There is no quick fix………Hate to say it, but, if you’re lucky, you’ll be left with a very slight discomfort that will always remind you of the potential for a much greater pain. I have had 3-4 flair-ups over the last 20 years and it’s not fun!
Check youtube and the net for exercises……keep your money……good luck.
Appreciate the feedback. Paul’s been having very good results with acupuncture, but he’s also started on exercises too so we’re on the right track (cross fingers). Realize this may be a longer-term problem, but hoping the majority of the pain can be relieved over time.
Nina
While the ‘He-Man’ technique might work for dudes, there’ll come a time when they’ll need some form of medication and it’s great to hear that Paul adhered to obtaining such early on. Acupuncture coupled with some meds and exercises is definitely a surefire combo as the same would be probably be prescribed by those from the Synergy Institute.
Cheers for the link to the Synergy Institute. They offer some interesting therapies there.
Nina
I would like to have some discussions with Paul about his back problem and any ways he found to overcome some of the required RV tasks that have to be done. Have had my problem for quite some time and would appreciate any advice. Haven’t started RV’ing full time yet, but plans are to be there in less than 24 months. We will be crusing thru you site and taking notes. Thanks for your sharing and look forward to seeing on the road sometime, somewhere.
If you happen to get to the east coast (somewhere near NC) give me a blast, you will be welcomed with open arms.