Any help is appreciated

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
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Well, after my accident last summer, I have been having horrible back pain. Doesn't help that I am a fat guy either. I know that the first step to getting outdoors is losing this weight. It ain't gonna happen overnight, but then a quick search on BF shows a few of my whining threads posted about weight. I gotta problem with it, I know that. Waiting to see if my insurance pays for gastric bypass surgery, or if they have faith in my tenacity to lose some weight (they really don't wanna pay to take all my fat :D:barf::(:foot::confused::D).

Anyway, I broke part of my spine in the accident, in addition to my left leg, and have been active since the accident. Actively eating at the holidays too, unfortunatley. The cold weather has exacerbated my back pain, to the point that I may holler out in the middle of the night if I roll over in agony.

I was told by someone last month to take it easy, and I believe this. I was not used to hiking more than a few miles on the beaten path, forget off trail. If it ain't paved, it ain't for me right now. I have been walking around my building at work, a brisk ten minute walk in this cold. I have been walking about a mile in the neighborhood. When springtime comes, I want to get out on the paved and gravel trails in northern MD (easy flat trails).

This isn't a New Years resolution, this is do or die time, no time for whining bullcrap. Every time I cough or laugh, my chest plate cracks and my ribs move. This would be a hard go for the person in the best of shape, let alone a big fat guy.

Part of what brought this on is that I have never camped at Scott Gossmans campout that he holds every Columbus Day. He put up an announcement that he will be having an informal get together at his shop next month. I'm going to go and learn a little bit, but I can't stay overnight because of my back and other health issues.

I made a joke that I can't spend an overnighter in my own bed, but it is sadly true. Most nights I am up and about, because my back can't handle a full night's rest, and sleep apnea is a bitch. I've been looking at padded sleeping bags, pads to put on the ground (hammock or raised bench in a tent would probably end comically). Does anyone have any ideas? There is no way in hell that I will be able to sleep outside on the ground next month, so I am not worried about changing anything soon. I just want to be able to get back to what I did before I got fat and injured. Spend some time outdoors without it being a painful hassle.
 
For something like Scotts event, or other car camp, instead of using a conventional tent / tarp and a pad it might pay you to look at fishing stuff. If you haven't got to carry it you can have some pretty roomy fishing bivvy to get some sort of bed into. Off the top of my head I'm thinking about the David Lane stuff such as this Hardcore Bedchair.
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You might also look into a sports injury therapy clinic. A lot of insurance will pay for some physical therapy rehab.
 
I rolled my car 4 times in a field about 15 years ago (its a long story) and my back has never been the same. Just so happens that I got a younger buck this season and had to haul and butcher it solo. That jacked up my back to the point I couldn't walk, only shuffle and I couldn't even stand up straight. Was off work for a month and just got cleared to go back (commercial construction) this week. And guess what?? Now I have something wrong with my neck, pinching a nerve and I can barely move my arm!!!! It's super lame! But like you, I'm trying not to whine. (The Norco helps)

In all honesty, I have the deepest sympathy for you. For what it's worth, I'm a tiny grown man. (33 yrs old, 5'8, 157 lbs) I'm a recreational runner too, just don't have the time for anything serious anymore. My point in mentioning it is yes, your weight is a serious issue, BUT even us little guys have back issues too.

Codger_64's suggestion is an outstanding one! With this last back injury (bulging disc) I was given some specific exercises to do, 3 times a day. The moves were yoga-ish and seemed very silly. I kid you not, in one weeks time, my back feeled amazing! I have another good friend who was off work (construction) for 8 months. He saw a physical therapist, was told to do similar moves and was back to work in a week!! Please consider physical therapy, even if it means seeing several different therapists until one helps. (My buddy saw 4) Being able to strengthen the smaller stabilizing muscles is very different from just general exercises. I always laughed at physical therapy, now I'm a FIRM BELIEVER.

As to you sleeping situation, I would recommend the tallest air mattress you can find. My wife had spinal stenosis surgery 6 years ago and had part of her spine removed and fused. I thought it would end our tent camping because it always hurt her back terribly at night. We ended up getting an air mattress and it was a game changer for her. It is more comfortable, of course. But since it is also much higher off the ground, she doesn't struggle to get in or out of the bed. Wally World has plenty different ones. Maybe a tall one would help?

Again, keep your chin up. You are on the right track. Any little thing to help enjoy the outdoors is worth it. Nature is therapy too.
 
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Google zero gravity chairs. If you read reviews on Amazon, many people with messed up backs find relief sleeping in one full time. You might end up getting one for car camping and it work so well you end up sleeping in it full time instead of a bed.
 
I coworker of mine played catch with an NVA mortar round and was terribly injured - legs, back, etc. He told me PT was a big help, but the best advice he ever got was to NOT try and sleep very long. His doctor told him to proactively get up and stretch, then go back to bed - as often as required. He thought the doctor was nuts, but the longest he's slept in years is 5 hours. BUT...he wakes up rested and pain free when morning arrives. He had many surgeries and both knees replaced recently, but he can golf, bowl, and generally enjoy life. He's pretty chunky, I'd say - 5'9" or so, but easily 250-275 lbs.
 
Perhaps a cot is what you need. I remember a guy at Gosstoberfest using one that was also a tent. I really like my hammock. The Hennessy's have a bottom entry. You just sit down and lay back. Getting out could be a little tricky with your injuries though. I'm pretty sure that they make em for big guys too. The air mattress idea sounds good also.
 
I sympathize with you and the back issues / weight problem.
I too gained a bunch of wait after a back surgery in 2006. Last month I decided that I had to take drastic steps if I was to continue
being as outdoorsy as I once was and joined Medifast. I lost 13 pounds the first week. You eat 6 small meals a day so the hunger is kept at bay better than other diets.
My back is already starting to feel better and my energy is up. I have a ways to go but I'm sticking to this as I have a full summer planned.

Also what was mentioned about back specific exercises is spot on! I have a big exercise ball and use it to lay on (front and back). It really stretches things out. I also do crunches
and various other motions on it. If I get lazy and don't do them for awhile, my back starts to rage. Once I get back to them, I may be a bit sore for a day or two but them my back really comes around.
Best of luck to you.
 
I asked soem time back about sleep pads for guys with bad backs and got great response. One of the pads most recomended was one of the thicket Big Agnes pads.

As a long term abuser of my L4 chipped vertabrae- one thing I find is that inactivity KILLS me. Too much time on the couch or chair and every little move starts the twinges and then my nerve pinches, spasms set up and tales days to recover.

You do not have to kill yourself but any movement or exercise that strengthens your abdominal core will help better support your lower back. Sitting in a chair and doing unweighted leg lifts, lie on your bag and gently tighted the muscles in your back "arching" or pressing head/heels into bed, soemthing like the Nordic Track E Machine helps me and is zero impact. Pilates is a great help for many people who suffer back injury/pain.

You do not have to run marathons but movement helps. Sounds like you are already walking and that is good.

I am 5'10" and 240---40 pounds over what I should be and I know that is some of my issue as well. But I stay pretty active and my "spells" are usually annual and I have been somewhat inactive before each one OR I was inactive and over did myself, set myself up to fail.

Funny that most of the pinches occur tying my shoes!!! I can easily pick up people weighing 150lbs(concious people) and carry them but get nailed bending to tie a shoe.

Bill
 
My better half has just crossed over the 50 lb mark in weight loss. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: It has taken her the better part of about 8 months. It was not easy, but she has made GREAT strides...she started off...well despite my best efforts to slow her down...like most people, and did too much and started developing shin splints and other problems. So she had to dial it back a bit, slow down, and start over. Then with dedication and patience, combined with sensible eating, she has achieved considerable success. I tell you this because when she started, she wasn't morbidly obese, but there was definitely a bit that could be lost (I fall into the same category, but not to the same degree)...and her training regiment would be a better fit for someone in your situation. Where as I am able to ramp my workouts back up fairly quickly if I can consistently find some time (easier said than done these days) as I have fairly solid foundation, she had to start with baby steps. Sounds like you will probably too: patience, dedication, sensible eating.

I will say, strengthening the core (abdominal training) is one of the best ways to help the back.

Also, there are lots of progressive exercise apps that can be downloaded to phones, etc. to give you a structured workout regime.

I would also echo getting in touch with a medical sports/professional that can give you some guideance so as to not injure yourself further.

Also, do you have any access to some type of health club with a hot tub/whirlpool? Memberships might not be in the cards, if you can afford it, try looking into it. Most clubs will give a week trial pass or something to try it out...might be worth a shot.

As to the sleeping arrangements...there's lots of inflatable camping style mattresses...those can actually be fairly comfortable for some folks...maybe with a memory foam topper or something.

Good luck,
BOSS
 
The big question (when sleeping on the ground on what ever) is can you get up off of the floor?
If the answer is no, you'll need at least a tent that you can stand in and a big guy sized cot.
Then the only issue is bending over when entering and exiting the tent.
Downside is that all that stuff is heavy.
Or...
Go to the event, stay in a motel and enjoy.

Best wishes on your recovery.
 
Ebbtide said:
The big question (when sleeping on the ground on what ever) is can you get up off of the floor?
If the answer is no, you'll need at least a tent that you can stand in and a big guy sized cot.
Then the only issue is bending over when entering and exiting the tent.
Downside is that all that stuff is heavy.
Or...
Go to the event, stay in a motel and enjoy.

Best wishes on your recovery.
Click to expand...

I like the way you think. Luckily, I only live about 20 minutes down the road from Scott's shop, even less from his house. I would still like to do an overnighter.
 
Dan- check the Sportsmans Guide, they had (last time I checked) "big and tall" cots that looked higher than usual and made for bigger dudes like yourself. Also Cabela's has some heavy duty cots as well, you can always throw an air mattress on top of the cot to get extra lift/cushion :) best wishes for a good recovery brother! We need to call Ray Mears to build the ultimate bushcraft cot out of willow and vines!
CH
 
Have you talked with DR. Bill (WILLIAM M. ) here on the forum. I bet he can help you .
 
Get to a good doctor that will take the time to hear you out.
PT of some sort will help you find the right movements that will help with the right and safe combo of strength building/flexibility/weight loss.
As far as weight loss goes, my experience has been it comes down to math.
You can't take in more calories that needed.
The body is an amazing machine that uses food quite well, but also stores it well, as fat.
I have friends who have joined Overeaters Anonymous and that helped.
Attitude is everything. Don't be too hard on on yourself.
You can also reach out to friends and family. Have a plain and serious talk with them. If you are miserable, THEY KNOW IT !
They care and don't like to see you this way either. Support of a few close friends can help.
Literally calling a buddy and saying, I feel like ordering a pizza I don't need, can we talk ?Go for a walk ?

You can do this, but doing it all by yourself will make it much harder.
 
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