posted
Back in late April, the Friday the Sandcastle meet started, Myself and a helper were busy installing 5 mdo signs on 4x4 post and a sandblasted sign on 6x6 post.
By the end of that day, my lower back (spine) was hurting and I couldn't sit or drive so I missed the meet.
I rested up the weekend and it got worse not better, long story short, I have almost been housebound since then.
I finally got an epidermal(sp?) shot (actually 4 shots) in my spine on July 3rd.
I am now moving around and have been back to the shop for a few hours each day this week.
I am a one man shop, so the machine wasn't running in my absence. Actually, I am at the point of losing my shop if things don't get better.
There doesn't seem to be any finacial help for someone who is injured for a few months. I can't get workmans comp.
I just wanted to let you know what's going on.
Cheers
-------------------- Rob Thomas 3410 Ketcham Ct Beautiful Springs FL 34134 Posts: 965 | From: Bonita Springs, Florida USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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Rob... Sorry to hear about your back, I have a friend in the same sort of spot, talk to the people your debts are with, they might slacken off, you can hope, can't hurt to try anyway. Best of luck ... Rik
-------------------- Rik Russell, RIK THE SIGNWRITER Innisfail, NQ. Australia rikthesignwriter@msn.com Posts: 28 | From: Innisfail, NQ. Australia | Registered: Jun 2003
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Rob, I'm so sorry to read of your back problems. Been there, it's very frustrating, besides painful. What Rik said, regarding talking to the people you deal with, I hope they're sympathetic, and can work with you. /so many variations in back problems, I hpe your can heal soon.
Keep faith, John Lennig.
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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i know the feeling.....back in oct/nov i did something to my back(its bad to begin with) only this time it went to ..."help ive fallen and cant get up." i could be standing/walking, my left leg would go numb, and then i lost control of it and down i would go.... i went to a back cracker....5-6 appointments....told him that was my limit, if he cant fix me in that time...ill go elsewhere....
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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sorry to hear that! i worry all the time about hurting myself since i'm a one chick gig...and i would be bankrupt in no time if i couldn't operate all the equipment. i guess it sure wouldn't hurt to talk to your creditors. good luck and hope everything works out for you.
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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There are many disability policies at very affordible prices available for self employed folks. Can't maintain the lifestyle on their checks, but they do seem to cover the basic bills. I've been rather thankful the three times I've needed to file a claim with them. Pain is a drag, being unproductive almost worse, and then feeling threatened while dowwn is not fun. I'm sorry you hurt.
[ July 10, 2003, 08:45 AM: Message edited by: Rick Sacks ]
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6812 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sorry about your injury. I know your pain both physically and financially.
In 1998 I fell from a ladder while hanging a sign. I broke my back, and was without income for six months which I spent in my livingroom in a hospital bed. The out pouring of concern from family, friends, and even some customers was overwealming, and touches me to this day.
I hired a 16 year old kid to help me. He was a family friend, so he worked for just over minimum wage. He did everything I couldn't do. Another friend rigged it so I could design stuff on my computer from my bed.
Today, we are still recovering financially, but the point is we made it. My artist reminded me just yesterday of a great quote: "Whatever dosen't kill us will make us stronger"
Hang in there, be positive, you WILL survive.
[ July 10, 2003, 09:27 AM: Message edited by: Rick Beisiegel ]
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3503 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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Very uncool. Wish I had a magic wand for a few of you folks, I'd use it.......but LISTEN TO RICK! Don't assume this can't happen to you. Lyn and I insisted that Latigo and Liz take out just such policies. God willing, they'll never need them, but if they do they'll be more than thankful for the safety nets that cost them comparative nickles and dimes now.
k31
-------------------- Pierre St.Marie Stmariegraphics Kalispell,Mt www.stmariegraphics.com ------------------ Plan on knowing everything before I die and time's running out! Posts: 4223 | From: Kalispell,Mt 59903 | Registered: Mar 2000
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I imagine most here feel for you. On top of the suffering, no one wants to worry about their livelyhood too. Hope things work out.
Rick and Pierre, any more info on disability insurance? Type of coverage, which carrier etc.? I never bought it because I assumed it would be priced out of range.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2787 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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I, too, have felt your pain. A few years ago had the same thing, more or less, that was so bad I literally crawled from my car to the apt because my back wouldn't support my weight. Not good.
Wish I'd known earlier....knew about the initial back injury, but hadn't heard anything and assumed it had healed. I was out of work for a couple months and had the time to come help.
posted
I know you want try this very few people will. But if you will some ten lbs ice bags from the 7-11 dont try to use ziplocks bags of ice from your freezer,you must have big bags of ice,fay on the floor and place a bag over where it hurts for 45 mins leave off for 45 min back on 45mins all day and most of the night the next day you will be just fine. This will work I know have hade back problems for 25 years. I dare you to try it. Gene Blanton
posted
Robert,Sorry you were hurt and didn't get to make the Sandcastle Meet. Hope you're soon well and out of pain and back to work soon. Do try a chiropractor..I have back problems from time to time (doc says it a pinched nerve) but after 5 visit I was out of pain. Also ice really does take away inflamtion.I never tried the huge bags of ice like Gene reccomended but I know it really helps! Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2627 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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We all wondered why you didn't make the Sandcastle meet. Sorry to hear about your back!! Lke some of the others, I managed to throw my back out one time several years ago. Since then every once in awhile I'll have the same thing happen but now I know what to do. I just find a decent Chiropractor & have him adjust it as soon as posible after I screw up. (the longer I wait, the longer I'm out of action) By all means, try the ice idea but I hope you get some relief soon!!
Until then, try to stay positive because this may turn out to have a silver lining after all!!
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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Sorry to hear about your back Rob! It's scarey to think about how dependant our businesses are on our health. I'm sure you've though about this, but is there someone you could hire to do up odds & ends, or a shop you could sub your work out to and make a few bucks on markup?
I hope you get back on your feet soon. I admire your work.
Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Luckily I haven't fallen off a ladder yet. But the fear of doing so, especially since I DON'T have a fear of heights and am not as careful as someone with a healthy fear is, I bought a Van Ladder rig. Yes not a cheap purchase, but I feel so safe working up in the air, not having to lift signs any higher than the lifting forks.
Anyway, Rob, I feel for you. I have had back problems all my life. One thing that has helped me more than anything including Chiropractic is liquid minerals from New Vision. I'm not saying they'll help you but for me they worked like a miracle. I have solid evidence that it was the minerals that but me back to near normal.
The next thing, if all else fails, one of the nations top back pain experts is very close to me. I've had friends come from the Mayo clinic who were asked what are you doing there when one of the best in the country is in your own back yard. If you decide to try this guy out, you have a free place to stay, eats, and transportation to and from the doctor, airport, what ever while you're here. You'd be more than welcome. Let me know if you want this guys name and phone number.
If you have a mortgage, talk to your banker. They might put an extension on your mortgage. That puts the time you've missed at the end of your mortgage. If other creditors are not willing to help, I'd get one of those credit cards that are offering interest free for a year. At least the debt won't continue to grow while you chip away at it.
I am so sorry to hear of your back problems. Having been through the same thing and unfortunately having to give up my sign shop, I can rally understand not only the physical but also the mental anguish it causes.
If you need someone to talk to feel free to call me anytime or e-mail me your phone number and I will call you. My number is my signature file below and will be good until Aug. 2nd. After that we will be moved to our new place and have a new phone number. I may just update my file now to reflect the coming changes.
Most of all don't let it get to you too much in the head, sometimes I really get down in the dumps over the situation. Then I see someone worse off and It helps put things in perspective.
Good Luck Buddy and keep in touch!!!!
-------------------- Troy "Metalleg" Haas 626 Kingswood Dr Evansville,In 47715 Posts: 1100 | From: Evansville,Indiana, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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robert i know what you are talking about. i have a heaneated disk and have had 3 strokes. somedays it is all i can do to pick up 10 pounds. i have been fortunate that the banks have worked with me and some of my competion has come and helped me out with some of the jobs. had to give up some jobs because i can bearly walk and will never be able to climb a ladder again. hang in there it will get better.
-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Robert, hang in there and things will get better. I am disabled from the medical because of a bad neck and lower back so I know what you are talking about. I had a cervical fusion C4-C7 which left me with permenent nerve damage in both arm. Also I am having TMJ from my neck problems also because I have herniated C3 and C7-T1 from the previous fusion. I fell in 200 from medication I was on because of my neck and I have herniated T11-S1 in my lower back. I am not a surgery patient because the outcome with numerous level fusions is not good. I have a pain patch that I useis called Duragesic (a morphine like medication that is equalent to 60mgs. of morphine a day) that I have to change every 2 days not every three. I take an additional 6 tablets of Tylox a day, Aleve, aspirin, and tubes of Sports creams etc. I still am able to work and design but don't do many installs. Just hang in there and don't take one doctors opinion. Rest is good but not more than 2 weeks at a time. Any longer and you do more harm than good. Find a good message therapist and a good accupucturist and pray alot. I promise you there will be better days and don't give up. You need to fine ways you can still work when you need to be in bed. (Laptop anyone) Take care.
-------------------- Cynthia Pack 246 Diamondview Loop Galax, Va. 24333 Posts: 659 | From: Galax, Virginia USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Hang in there! I've been in 4 rear-enders and once tried to tote 5 4'x8's. The fifth one stepped on my toes and paralized me a bit. I learned sompn from all those injuries. How to maintain anyway and get my health back!
The last car wreck left me bed ridden for two years. They told me I'd never walk again. After a bit of time sitting there all by mysellf everyday, I decided, "Wrong answer pal!"
I'm dancing with ladders again and out on my own. Other than a spare job here and there, I haven't had a steady income since February. God always makes a way for us, though. I am not on the curb yet and I do have what I need today. Cynthia's advice to pray is the best advice on this thread!
I learned somethings that help with the muscle spasms, etc. If you aren't already overwhelemd with healing suggestions to investigate, email me and I'll be glad to tell you what I know.
The Lord has too great an image to blow over one of us! You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you have a patient heart. When things get tough, they are actually getting better. It's just sompn we don't usually get a program with so we don't know what to expect. The ending is always a happy one, so rejoice and be glad He cares enough for you to move you up to the next level.
Have faith dear!
PS - Learning how to pace yourself with work and rest is an irritating reminder that you're not what you once were, but with care, you can be better!
[ July 12, 2003, 01:36 PM: Message edited by: Linda Silver Eagle ]
posted
Hi Rob - Geez Louise - so many people with bad backs. I'm joining the multitude - been crooked for 3 years. A word of warning . . . while the epidural shots you've received will alleviate the pain, it may only mask the symptoms. Please be careful Rob, as more damage can be done while you think you're feeling better from the shots. Please rest. Even a "few hours" at the shop while you're feeling good can cause worse problems later. And please make sure any chiropractor who works on you has your X-rays to look at before he starts jumping on you. While they are good in most cases, they too can cause more damage. I won't tell you my story - too long - but my heart goes out to you. Just make sure you get a good doc (took me 3 years to find one in sunny california, where the best are supposed to be) and ASK FOR HELP! You'd be surprised who steps up to the plate to lend a helping hand. Now get back to that couch . . Bomba-Dear
-------------------- Bomba-Dear Jackie Vaughn #5115 Volcano, California www.chocoholic.com Posts: 761 | From: Volcano, California, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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AFLAC (the Duck quack quack company)specializes in policies that give you $ when you are hurt. They also have disability policies. The stories I have heard from an AFLAC friend of mine are incredible, how their insurance helps when you are down.
-------------------- Stephen Bolin Signs By Tomorrow Holland, MI Posts: 78 | From: Holland, MI | Registered: Aug 2001
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Something else you might want to consider is a Reflexologist. The theory behind reflexology is that all your nerves end in your hands or feet. "Working" or massaging different areas of your hands or feet, affects the corresponding area of your body. I understood the theory but wasn't sure if I believed it would work.
My 'other' mom is a reflexologist and she "worked" my feet during one of my nasty illnesses a few years ago, before they discovered it was from untreated allergies. I was laying in the recliner chatting away with her son while she worked on my feet. I happen to glance down & saw a muscle in my thigh jumping. Then she hit the area of the foot that corresponds to lungs. I screamed bloody murder. Another time she was working my feet & hit a sore spot. She looked at me & asked if I'd been on the computer much lately (yes) then she TOLD me I hadn't been wearing my glasses & it was eye strain. Man, I hate when she does that.
Her husband broke his neck a few years back. He works construction & I think a board hit him, knocking him off whatever he was standing on. The next day, she started working his feet every day. The doctor's still can't explain his recovery.
If you have any questions about this, feel free to email me. It's worth a shot.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3503 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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As I will be away from my computer, as of tomorrow for about two weeks..I thought I would keep this alive....If yo have missed the post "Letterhead needs help" please look it up and respond....Thanks Shep'
-------------------- Arvil Shep' Shepherd Art by Shep' -------- " Those who dance are thought to be mad by those who cannot hear the music " Posts: 1281 | From: Mt Airy NC | Registered: Mar 2001
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