Month: June 2011

A Little Less Bummer-ish

The 'bent with new brakes
The 'bent with new brakes

I still hurt, but things have improved.  I’m back to riding my bike, even if I have to limit myself to the recumbent.  I had been taking a medication that did little good, but made me zombie-like.  I have discontinued the medication.

Yesterday was one of my most “normal” days since this all started.  “Normal” is a very relative thing.

I took the ‘bent to Bluegrass Bicycle to upgrade the disc brakes to the much better Avid BB7 set.  First impressions are good but not mind-blowing.  Maybe my mind is gone, therefore cannot be blown.

This neck issue has really been a problem for over a month now.  It has seriously affected my bike riding.  Here’s hoping I’m coming out of that, even if it requires another bike.

Longer-term relief is (hopefully) in the works, then maybe I’ll be able to ride my other bikes.

Bummer

I just had my follow-up visit with the orthopedic doctor.  This is the second time I’ve seen him, and although he’s friendly, he’s not good at answering questions.

Basically, I have an issue with a disc in my cervical spine.  I also have a bone spur.  It’s putting pressure on a nerve that runs through my shoulder and arm.  I don’t know much more than that.

My next appointment is with a neurosurgeon.  Yes, that means that surgery is probably coming soon.  What does all of this mean?

Bicycling

I rode my single-speed to work yesterday.  It was painful enough that my wife picked me up from work.  I drove to work today.

I’ll be picking up the ‘bent with new brakes on Saturday, but even riding that is going to be limited.  I’ll ride short rides here and there, but I’m pretty much done with the bike for the year.  🙁

Weight

This is a wake-up call.  I’ve been gaining weight for a while, but this new bout of being sedentary could be bad.  I’m getting strict with my eating, now.

What’s Next?

A temporary measure to ease the pain until my appointment with the neurosurgeon involves a needle stuck into my neck.  That hasn’t been scheduled yet, but it could give some temporary relief.  After meeting with the neurosurgeon in about a month, I’ll know what I’m up against.

Goals

I need some goals, just so I can envision and end to this mess.  I’m still going to have to think about it more, but I do need another lifestyle change.  I need to get back to healthier eating.  I need to lose more weight.

Once the pain is better, I need some new mileage goals.  I need to start some strength training.

I’m trying to stay positive.  Nothing feels positive, but I’m working to change that.

Shoulder Update

I rode the recumbent to work one day last week.  It was excruciating.  I rode the LHT around town a bit over the weekend.  That was even worse than riding the ‘bent.  This has been demoralizing.

I’ve had several appointments with my chiropractor now.  I visited my family doctor this morning.  I’ve been referred to an orthopedic doctor for an appointment tomorrow.  I also get to visit the massage therapist tomorrow.

I’ve been busy fighting this shoulder crap.  I’m mostly off the bike.  I certainly won’t be doing any long rides right now.  (Sorry Tim, no gravel for me right now)

This shoulder issue has me thinking about my weight and general health again.  I’ve been gaining weight slowly for 18 months or so.  I quit weighing myself.  I don’t want to throw away my progress.  I guess I need (another) lifestyle change.