At this point, 15 years ago at this writing, I really didn't know things were going to get so bad. Back at work (in 2003), I got an ergonomic evaluation and a consultant showed me how to maximize my comfort. I got hooked up with an adjustable desk and a fancy Aeron chair (with a $500 price tag, I might add) and ending up just pushing the chair away. Sitting down was one thing; getting up was even worse.
I spent two years while my low back pain episodes became more frequent and severe over time. I kept taking Vicodin and Naproxen but the drugs didn’t seem to have much impact. I got connected to Dr. Clementine Knowler*, a skilled and gentle chiropractor, and added chiropractic and massage to my treatment regimen. It felt good to take some action and the massages felt good, but I still got no real relief.
In mid-October of 2003 an episode began and the pain kept ramping up. I was in constant, severe pain. I couldn’t sit for more than a few minutes. Getting up from sitting was horrendously painful. I continued conservative treatments though they brought no relief.
By December my pain was unbearable. I stopped working, took a medical leave of absence and went on disability. All I could do was lie on the couch. I could barely move. I took twice my prescribed dose of vicodin as well as ativan and valium to get through the day. I couldn’t get comfortable in bed at night. I had to take ambien to sleep.
I went back to my primary care doc, Dr. Bridges. She ordered an x-ray to rule out structural problems, since I was not responding to treatment. The x-ray confirmed her Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) diagnosis; there were no significant structural issues in my back, so it seemed most likely the pain was discogenic (originating in one or more discs).
I researched DDD and discovered 80% of adults suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. I joked with my stepfather that I inherited it from him.
Lafuma chairs are made in France. You can find them anywhere.
Somebody (not sure who) told me about a "zero gravity" chair, and when I tried one out, I was sold. I immediately bought two: one for home, and another for when I went out. They are foldable, portable camp chairs, essentially, and while they are not cheap, but I still recommend them to others like me (those in chronic pain, or post-op recovery, etc.). Be mindful, though: You must straddle the chair and put your butt down into the seat, then swing your legs up and put your feet on the bar. To recline, you have to hold onto the arms and plant your feet on the bar, and gently lean back. Don't be afraid to go all the way back (your head won't hit the floor).
I learned quickly that medication didn't do anything for me. I would take a normal dose and nothing would happen. Also, I didn't — and still don't — like polluting my body with chemicals. I was already on prophylactic migraine medication on a daily basis, and rescue meds (sumatriptan tablets and self-injectibles) when things got bad. I was already in pain from the get-go.
*Doctor names changed for privacy.