I’ve learned to cope with the pain

In 1996 I had really bad back pain which was even accompanied by numbness and paralysis symptoms in one leg. I always just put my back problems down to my work. After all, I often had to carry heavy things. But when the numbness started it got me thinking that something wasn’t quite right. I then had an MRI scan that found out that one of my spinal disks was damaged, so I had surgery on the disk.

After the surgery everything was great at first. But a few years later I started to get really bad pain again. It got worse and worse over time. First one of my legs went numb, then the other, and I couldn't walk anymore and ended up in the emergency room. At hospital they told me I had a badly slipped disk. I had surgery straight away because they said I might be at risk of becoming paralyzed otherwise. The whole thing with the operation was really stressful. I’ve got a wife and kids at home, and I was working at the time as well. I was very relieved after the operation. I noticed a difference straight away. It was a great feeling.

Back then the doctors said that it could all be linked to my job as a truck driver. But my boss didn’t agree. I was moved to a different department so I no longer had to lift or carry heavy things. The pain didn’t go away though. Three years after the surgery I went into partial retirement, and have been fully retired for three years now.

Both operations were a big deal for me. I was scared. But they both went well and didn’t lead to any complications.

I am still in pain nowadays but I generally get by without medication. If I have to sit somewhere for a while, like when I’m at the movies, then I might have to get up and walk around a bit at some point. The best thing for me is to do a mix of walking, sitting, lying down and standing. I just can’t stay in one position for very long.

For four years now I’ve been going to back training classes once a week. That’s really good for me. And I go Nordic walking with my wife. I really enjoy it.

When I was still working I found it hard to do anything for my back. I just didn’t have any time to. I was on the road a lot with my truck, spending one night in one place and the next night somewhere else.

The physiotherapy really helped me. I learned which movements and exercises I can do to release tension and relax. I tried doing them at home. I was shown how to use gym equipment properly. The movements and exercise make me feel more stable physically.

Over the years I’ve learned to cope with the pain. I now know exactly what to do about it. Movement, exercise and distraction really help.

Another thing that helps a lot is the self-help group I joined. We meet up once a month. The other people in the group all have chronic pain. I find it really helpful to talk to them about stuff.

I do still worry that the pain could get worse again. So I always have medication at home, just in case. Luckily I don’t need to use it that often anymore though.