BYYB Forums

Well, for over a year, now, I have had 2 herniated discs in my neck. It has been a tiring pain, not bad for the most part, but constant and energy-draining. Many trips to the doctor(s) later, I have very little faith left in today's medicine. Seems that doctor's have their hands tied, because insurance companies will not approve procedures with regard to patient's needs. They only go by there own approved set of directives. So, my situation is not "bad enough" to warrant surgery. Therefore, I must be mediacted and put on the under-insured back-burner until some doctor in the profession becomes available (hard-up for cash) or will work for trade (which is handy, if you can do that sort of thing). Meantime, the medicine is available only thru doses approved by the insurance company. If you are still in pain and need more, tough. Sweat it out a couple of weeks. Or go to the emergency room, so they can rape you for money there, too. :evil:

The good news is, that Monday I will go in for a steriod injection, to ease the pain. The procedure is called an epidural, increasing my wife's suspicions that I have been pregnant hock: I have heard many things about this procedure, most very positive. I have a brother-in-law with a very similar problem, who received this injection, and is "as-good-as-new" (although the problem still exists, and will eventually require surgery, as soon as the insurance company says so). I am hoping that it works, so I can get back to work on my boats, and be sailing by June.

The down time has given me much time to figure out the little details, like the rigging, so it hasn't been wasted. Got ropes n' pulleys n' eye bolts n' tarp n' all kindsa stuff ya don't gotta lift. Got started on a mini-cup for my daughter (that's my story, and I'm stickin to it), but it got put on hold after a point. Got the upper mast for the weekender glued up, and the spars for the mini cup, too. Mast coin was put in place. A silver piece of eight replica. The mini-cup is getting a 1971 english half-penny (it'll be named "Half Penny") for a mast coin. All lumber is bought and accounted for, so I hope this injection works.

Gosh - I do too ...(hope it works)

and i thought i was doing bad (i've had the flu for over a week)

Hope it works and you feel better -

a.

ps...i got the Triad deck on yesterday (in spite of feeling bad) and the bulkeads in...just have to do my prep on the wood before i put the sides and transom on...and plane the striners (i had a heck of a time putting those on but don't worry since i am always compelled to epoxy and glass the seams) ....

Brit, don't even get me started on those damn insurance companies. I talk to them at least 3 times a week these days. They plan on breaking folks down so they just give up and pay themselves-- well, I've got news for them... not to mention my bill is as high as the national debt. :evil:

I also have checked into to all sorts of alternative therapies.... ever thought about an acupunturist and/or a chiropractor. Even if they can't "fix" your disc they may be able to help manage your pain. Good luck.

'Morning folks,
Not being well acquainted with everyone here, I hesitate to join in the discussions on health issues. I will say that acupunture is the treatment that gives long lasting relief for my arthritic back (referred to be Dr.'s and Insurance Company as Ankylosing Spondylitis. (I think they must charge by the letter) :?
If the fear of being stuck by needles is holding you back, I can assure you that the needles used are super fine and feel no more uncomfortable than a finger pushed on the skin.
I still not as active as I would like, but my sense of humor has improved greatly!!
Get ready for the sock burning,
Bill

Bill S: I think acupunture is good med, if not China sure has wasted a lot of time over the last 1000 years. Esp for back problems I would sure try that before I would go under the knife By the way when is the sock burning that far north 4th of July? :wink: Bud.

Ya know, acupuncture has been suggested to me several times, and just for the record, I am not against it. I would, however, like to get the disc back into where it goes, so the pain doesn't keep coming back. If the pain persists after the disc swelling is reduced, then I'll be there with bells on :wink:

And what the HeCk is a sock burning?

It's is the most immediate pain relief I have ever gotten. Why wait.... it is relatively cheap, think a 45 minute session was about $65 and the relief was literally instant for a shoulder problem I had been battling with for 6 months. Took three visits and I was good as new, wished I had gone months earlier. :wink:

You got me there, Bud. I didn't know what a sock burning was until Angie Wilson talked about it on the forum last spring. Well, I thought I'd act like an 'old salt' and decided to burn half my winter socks last Spring. But the half I burned was ALL of the lefts, so I had to buy all new socks last winter! (kidding)
Hello Brit. Coming from the construction business I know a lot of people with disc problems. I agree with you on surgery. That's why I chose acupuncture.
Regards,
Bill

Well, there is promise. I came home from the pain clinic (sounds like Helga should be the madam there....) this afternoon. Three hours later, I can once again lift my arms over my head without pain. This is supposed to take 3 - 5 days for the full effect, and can last for years. Can't wait for then.

Of course, I will probably be sore in the morning, but I did get all the remaining panels cut out for the Mini Cup ( I thought I had them all before, but apparently I missed a page :oops: ).

mathethird: A sock burning is a great excuse to have a party in the spring there are not many holidays in the first 1/4 of the year so why not have a sock burning. Sock burnings start like most partys drinking dancing etc. except you build a large fire at the chosen time by the host (depending on how many drinks it has had) Everyone takes of there socks and toss them in the fire and go without socks until fall when it is time to get new ones. :wink: Glad you got some releaf on the back now get back to work on the boat. Bud.