Nov/090
Herniated Disk, Bulging Disk, and Hernia
I’m 23 years old and I feel like an old man already. Back when I was 18 to 20, I felt nearly invincible. I was super strong and felt like nothing could touch me. I would give anything to feel like that again. Unfortunaltely, that cocky attitude led to careless form and workous and I have injured myself. I have been dealing with my injuries for over 3 years now.
I was performing a clean and jerk and I was a little careless on the clean. I caught the weight underneath in a awkward position and wound up pulling a muscle (I think). I went to doctors to get checked for a hernia because I felt pulling in my stomach. I feel it all day long. Sometimes if I over stress myself, I feel pulling going down into the testicular area. I have been to several doctors and they all tell me I don’t have a hernia. So, what’s the deal? 3 years of living with this crap and no answers.
Now within the past 10 months or so, I developed lower back pains. I personally believe it’s related to the stomach some how. Maybe I been favoring my back over my stomach and now my lower back is taking the heat? It’s not even my lower back…its the part right above/on top of your ass.
Only as of now, am I seeing a Pain Management doctor who seems to be in his best interest for me. His name is Dr. Kolla and is located in Heart Docs LLP - 6410 Veteran’s Ave. - Brooklyn, NY. The funny thing is, I don’t really feel the pain or pulling so much as I’m active. I mean I consider myself to be very strong. But, the first day I went to this doctor he proved to me that I am very weak in a certain area.
The doctor did a bunch of tests on my body to check for pains and weakness. The final test he did was have me sit up right and raise each knee as he applied pressure on it. On the left side I was able to keep him from pushing it down. On the right side I couldn’t hold him. I was astonished and made him do it again. He pointed out that I am very weak in the right side (abdomen/hips). He thinks I have a slight tare in the muscle. I had a catscan done and it shows I have dengerative changes in the lumbar spine.
Anyways, I’m getting treated for this now. I’m not sure what he can do for me but I hope something can be done. I feel like I aged 20 years. I lose energy very quick and I’m always feeling aches and pains in my back…plus the stomach pulling and weakness. I only feel relief if I lie on my back, but there is only so long one can do that for. This causes me to have restless nights, tossing and turning to get into a comfortable position. I take ultracets and Tylenol PM from time to time.
At age 18 to 20 my totals were:
Bench: 365 to 405lbs
Squat: 635lbs
Deadlift: 545lbs
Clean and Jerk: 315lbs
Snatch: I never really done this too much but I been as high as 205lbs
Now, at age 23, my totals have dropped substantially due to this injury:
Bench: 315lbs
Squat: 455lbs
Deadlift: 455lbs
Clean and Jerk: 275lbs
Snatch: 185lbs
I still workout but not nearly at the pace I was prior to my injuries. I just feel really drained going through my daily life.
Wawawawawa I know I sound like a whining baby. But it just sucks. I’m trying to get myself better and I just needed to vent. Hopefully someone can comment and get me motivated.
So my advice to everyone is NEVER SACRIFICE FORM. Always keep strict form This doesn’t mean do reps like a turtle, but maintain proper form at all times and you will reduce the risk of injury. I was just careless on that lift. I really should have just thrown the weight down or away, but I was too hot-headed and wanted to complete the lift in that awkward position; which I did…but the one lift was not worth the life long injury.