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Argonne hike - Pay attention - Be prepared

LMT66

LMT66

Gold Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Messages
11,207
I did 7 miles today, up and down hills, and my old bones are hurting. I'm trying to build strength in my lower back hoping i can avoid back surgery. (2 herniated discs l-4/l-5) My strength and endurance are increasing despite 24/7 pain starting at my lower left spine, crossing my butt, down the back of my leg to my knee and in my foot. Work injury from 12/2007.

Some photos.

Tall pines heading in.

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Great pics! I know how the back thing goes. I had surgery on my L-4, L-5 four years ago, and I was 28 at the time. It was successful though, 100% better now. I love the Busse, though I've never seen that one before. That pic of the fall in low light turned out good.

Keep working the back as hard as you can, it will help even though it really hurts.
 
Is that pack a big lumbar pack without shoulder straps? That might be causing you some pain. That type of pack doesn't work with my body; not sure why.
 
wulfshrunting said:
Is that pack a big lumbar pack without shoulder straps? That might be causing you some pain. That type of pack doesn't work with my body; not sure why.
Click to expand...

It's not a lumbar pack but looks like it is with my light shell draped over it.
 
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Nice pictures, thanks for sharing.

Good luck with your operation-prevention program. I also have a herniated L4-5 disc - happened 36 years ago. No chronic pain, just when I do something stupid (like today :( )

Doc
 
i have the same issue with my back right now and am also on the same self help program of avoiding surgery.try swimming as often as you can and also if you have access to free weights i highly reccomend doing deadlifts with moderate weight.extremely important to keep good form!if your interested in that i reccomend checkin out youtube to see proper techniques.these two things have helped me tremendously.
 
Thanks for all the back info and good outcomes. It's good to hear this.
There's a set of muscles back there that I can't quite target to strengthen and the therapists tell me its a waste of time. They are targeting others around it.
Basically if you've even not been able to lean over and brush your teeth without feeling like some muscle is going to let go or after a minute, you can't hold your torso up because of weakness somewhere, thats the area I need advice on. I think mechanics have the same problem leaning over fenders to work on engines.
Any have anything to offer? I know it will help but I can't figure out with set of muscles they are and even if i did, what exercise to work them.
 
Great pics - You, my friend quite possibly saved someone's life. I hope they are both thankful to have run into you. I never stops amazing me how unprepared people really are when they go out. I've ran in to people wearing flip flops on a steap rocky trail miles away from any parking spot. I just kind of chuckle inside and press on.
 
myright said:
Great pics - You, my friend quite possibly saved someone's life. I hope they are both thankful to have run into you. I never stops amazing me how unprepared people really are when they go out. I've ran in to people wearing flip flops on a steap rocky trail miles away from any parking spot. I just kind of chuckle inside and press on.
Click to expand...

He felt better at the car but was exhausted. I suggested he call his doctor in the morning if he decides not to go to ER.

On a side note: This is the second time at this place, that i've run into someone in desperate need of water and asking me for some while out hiking.
I just don't understand not bringing any with when out hiking.
 
PM66,

Can you tell me about the Kifaru setup. Is it an E&E with an organizer and ?? on the sides?
 
XMP said:
PM66,

Can you tell me about the Kifaru setup. Is it an E&E with an organizer and ?? on the sides?
Click to expand...

Currently, it is a Kifaru G2 Foliage E&E with a Kifaru Organizer and a Kifaru GPS pouch on the side. I'm very happy with this pack for day hiking.

I have (all from Kifaru) X-Ray straps, two mini-long pockets and two more GPS pouches on their way to complete the setup.
Mini-Longs will be on the sides with Sigg bottles inside, a GPS pouch on both straps in front and one inside the pack.

Here's some more photos and an improvement I made.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=687570
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=689632
 
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My brother had to have back surgery last December, and he is a lot better now. Although he has a ton of other issues now.

Nice pics, especially that last one :thumbup:
 
TheGame said:
My brother had to have back surgery last December, and he is a lot better now. Although he has a ton of other issues now.
Click to expand...

That's why I would rather not have it. I know two women who had wonderful vibrant lives and are now confined to wheelchairs after fusions. :(
 
Nice pics! Hope your back heals up so you can avoid the surgery. Nice bag too, i use a similarly set up Kifaru E and E for dayhikes.
 
Great pics and good on you for being prepared and helping the guy out.

Good luck with your back, I wish you may more years of hiking the beautiful country that surrounds you.
 
Thanks for the response about the Kifaru. I'm in CO for a couple of weeks and hope to visit there and check out the stuff, in order to decide what I want. I can't decide from pictures, so I hope a personal exam will help me decide what to order.
 
Awsome pics i live only 10 miles from there and work only 5 away i always forget about that place . Must get out there soon thanks for the pics .
 
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