Update

[ClassicZippo]

I always have the "slow and steady wins the race" motto in the back of my mind. LOL... I am trying to walk my butt off as my 2 1/2 years of being a couch potato were not kind! My hips actually "release" as I walk and feel much more fluid and comfortable. 10 km is the upper end of my tolerance, where I still feel great, but hips just start to feel tight again. It is such fine line, isn't it?! I don't worry too much about my lt. knee. I just finished another course of Synvisc injections as I am putting off a replacement as long as I can and it is effective in managing most of the pain.

Maybe I will be one of the lucky ones and have no distraction pain. I wasn't planning on filling the script if I do get one, just have it on hand in case I need it. After several years of being on many drugs, I am anxious for a drug holiday and hope to stop the Oxycontin, except perhaps on a prn basis, in the next few weeks. The drugs have affected my cognitive functioning and I hate it. My hubby does tell me I am rather irritable lately, which is unusual as I am pretty laid back and I do notice my sleep pattern is also affected; all part of the weaning off process.

I plan on taking lots of pictures; maybe Mark can post a couple when I return. I just hope we will finally get some more comfortable fall weather. This continued heat and humidity is really taxing as I get migraines and sinus headaches, not to mention, it's just too darn hot to be active.

[Maria]

I too am walking my bumm off after years of being a couch potato! Now I'm out most of the day w/o any real prob~ walking seems to provide me with great relief as long as I don't "overdo" which sometimes I do push my limits to the max and then at night will lie in bed saying "ahhhhhh" like I would die if not able to lie down. That's rare tho as I'm probably not really that active!

Anyway, re the humidity and migraines~ oh yeah... I had a rough August because of this. It got so hot in humid where I was living in an upstairs un airconditioned apt. while I was trying to pack to put things in storage..

Now it's cooler and the migraines have died down pretty well.. thankfully.

Would love to see the photos if they can be posted~ take good care and glad to hear you're progressing so well!

[ans]

Best of luck to your success and hoping this is your last surgery ever.

Allan

[ClassicZippo]

Thanks Allan, I do hope this is the beginning and end of back surgery. Too bad not everyone has the same positive outcome. My family physician is amazed at the change in me.

[ans]

Dear Classic,

I asked my pharmacist how much acetimenophin (sic) I should take and she recommened not more than 2000 mg/day due to its liver toxicity and other NSAID concerns (e.g. blood pressure). This is one opinion though.

Congrats to you. Best ~ ans

[ClassicZippo]

Hi Ans
The maximum daily dosage of acetaminophen is 4000 mg (or 4 grams). I don't know why your pharmacist would tell you 2000 mg unless there are contraindications to the 4000 mg limit. Many consumers are under the mistaken belief that acetaminophen is safe at any dose. Also, people tend to forget to account for other OTC medications containing acetaminophen, like cold and sleep preparations. FYI - I am a Reg. Nurse and try to keep current with medication information.

Sure enough, while out hiking on Sat. the boring pain to my head hit. Given the unusual circumstances (only 2 days to hike these trails), I took both the Ibuprophen and acetaminophen combo. It didn't progress beyond the boring pain and that was minimized. Yipee!

[ClassicZippo]

I saw my doc today and she recommends trying

1) Ibuprophen 800mg immediately as soon as pain starts

or

2) Acetaminophen 1000 mg immediately as soon as pain starts

3) If neither effective separately, take them both together as soon as pain starts

If the above doesn't work, back to the drawing board. She also recommended Gatorade prior to and during work out.

Hopefully with fall weather finally here, the temperatures will cool down and the humidity will go.