• TomB
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  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,095

Topic: Old Age is Tough...

Saturday I was doing brakes on a friend's 03 Golf, and standing up after the 3rd wheel felt my back crunch. Finished the car, and it's been downhill since. This is the first I've been able to sit in a chair long enough to use the computer - flat on my back is the only position that doesn't hurt much, and it's gotten real old already.
Had to cancel the business trip this week, and have more the next 2 weeks, then planned a bicycling trip to Colorado. Hate to cancel those too.
Time to start those core-conditioning exercises my wife has done for years. Wish I'd started earlier...

  • From: Brevard, NC
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 513

Re: Old Age is Tough...

It is amazing how those aches and pains creep up on you and then all of a sudden they let you know they're there. I may pay for it the next week but I'll bet I can and do out work 80% of the people half my age.
David

Last edited by Plantman (2009-05-18 17:14:20)

David
'69 Bug & '71 Ghia
No matter where you go, there you are.
Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Old Age is Tough...

Tom: Yep, the "back" is no fun at all. Did you see a doctor? Don't put it off. My back got so bad that I finally had two lumbar vertebrae fused (L4-L5) in January 2005. It took me a good six months before I really felt like doing much at all. I'm very glad I did it because now I can walk and sit in a chair for more than 20 minutes!

Take care of yourself!

Clancy

  • TomB
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  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
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Re: Old Age is Tough...

Clancy,
Yes - I never knew sitting could be a hard thing to do! I have seen my doctor, and will try painkillers and rest for a few weeks before looking for bigger problems. It is the L4-L5 area that seems damaged, but hopefully strengthening muscles will control it.

  • From: Austin, TX USA
  • Registered: 2004-03-30
  • Posts: 240

Re: Old Age is Tough...

  • Registered: 2005-06-02
  • Posts: 427

Re: Old Age is Tough...

Lat year my eyes decided they need more light to read small print--it coincided with our switch to spirally light bulbs --double whammy!
I hate it when my warranty goes!

Patty B.
'69 stock bug
  • From: Northern Illinois
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,105

Re: Old Age is Tough...

I'm with ya. I'm developing arthritis and also have a degenerative disc problem too. The more I work on VWs the more it hurts. I've finally decided to buy a lift for the garage, it's been a long time coming !

-Darby
  • TomB
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  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
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Re: Old Age is Tough...

I was just looking at lifts last week. Invest in iron, not doctors.

  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 630

Re: Old Age is Tough...

Couldn't agree more!

I'm picking up a Danmar D7 4 post lift for my garage this summer.  For someone doing more than just the occasional weekend job, there are better choices though.

If you're still researching options, Darby, check out http://www.garagehangout.com/forum/ and http://garagejournal.com where you'll find a bunch of reviews, discussions and possible group buys.

If this is middle age, I'm starting to dread old age...groan...

1979 Type 1 Convertible                                       1976 Scirocco (For Sale!)
1971 Type 1 Semi-Automatic Super                       1968 Type 1 Sedan
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1957 Type 1 Sunroof

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  • From: Boulder, CO
  • Registered: 2005-09-07
  • Posts: 106

Re: Old Age is Tough...

TomB,

Once you are back to relative normality with the back pain, I highly suggest yoga.  I threw my back out in February but couldn't see my doc until late March so I started doing some of the easy yogo stretches and inversion positions (yogajournal.com) and it has made an amazing difference for me.  I even got Mike doing it and he's finally getting some relief from joint pains he's had for years.  Sounds kinda wussy...but it really helps!  Plus it's great for blood pressure and stress relief : )

Katie

99/73 Mexi Beetle