The Decompression Continues

Well it's been forever since I wrote an entry into this blog journal. For those of you out there who are looking at this to get some kind of idea what goes on during the spinal decompression therapy, I apologize. Blogger actually shut down this blod for a few days because it was picked up by one of the bots as a potential spam blog. That sucks because it got me out of the rhythm of writing in it. Not like I'd established a big rhythm, but still.

Anyway, I'm writing today, here in my fifth week of treatment where I am no longer required to wear the disk distractor belt all day - and am also going to treatments only 3 times a week. I have to say that overall I feel much better. It's time now, however, to put my effort into my own healing as there are exercises to be done to maintain what I've gained. Now if you're looking into spinal decompression therapy, know this: It is not going to be a hands-off process for you. You are going to have to participate in your own therapy. The table that you lie down on and get stretched on is only part of what needs to be done. In the first weeks, you must wear your disc distractor belt (I'll put a picture of it up later, and maybe even one of me wearing it) every single day, every single minute except when you are lying down or are in the shower. This belt separates your rib cage and your hips and forces your posture to be upright. This takes pressure off of your lower back and immeditately makes you feel better. I complained about having to wear it at first, but when I had my one month check-up with Dr. Meadows last week, was surprised to reveal to him that I had now come to rely on it as a sort of security blankey....he said that he knew that, and that I was going to have to take it off and wear it only for four hours following treatments just the same. Poo!

You also have to do some exercise in that you have to walk. Now for someone who was walking 3.5 miles a day on a treadmill before they went in for this therapy, you'd think that would not be a problem for me. But I am not allowed to walk on the treadmill. The motion of the belt constantly coming toward you and continuing on its forward path as you set your foot down each and every time is jarring on your spine. So...even though I spent $1,500 because I hated to walk outside, I am now having to walk outside. Another thing you need to get accustomed to if you are going to participate in this treatment, is you are going to have to take supplements. Lots of supplements. You have to drink your two tablespoons of fish oil every day (really helps with your hair and nails) and you are going to have to take 3 other supplements twice a day, plus a liquid B12 supplement. But you know what? It works. When I went in to see Dr. Meadows and his Spinal Relief team, I was taking 3 oxycodone a day, and that wasn't enough. It wasn't enough to cut through the dramatic nerve pain I was feeling 24/7. It gave me about 7 hours respite from a pain that had reached a 9-10 range and brough it down to the 6-7 range....again, for about 7 hours out of the day. I am now not taking any pain killers - well, I did have to take one on Saturday, and I hated to do it - but I did. I took another one last night when I got home, but that's certainly nothing like 3 per day and feeling like you're going to have to be on them for the rest of your life.

So today's visit was great. I'm going to miss going there when all the therapy is done. Dr. Meadows has put together a really nice group of people and is practicing a non-invasive, very effective spinal relief technique and therapy.

I guess I shouldn't feel too badly about not making more posts. Basically the treatment has been the same each and every time I've gone - well, with the exception of the weight being increased that pulls on me. I don't know what I'm up to now, but I'll ask when I go back on Thursday. Gasp! I get to skip a day! Such a deal.

Okay...I promise to write more later - and not waaaaay later this next time. I'll make another entry after I go for Thursday's visit and see what it's like to skip a day in the middle of the treatment week. Ciao!