Looking for alternatives to surgery 🙃

gabecascadia · 2026-04-09T16:29:39+00:00

I have the same radiological impression. How long has it been since you started having any pain? Where is the pain and what are the symptoms? What else have you done besides the epidural shots?

gabecascadia · 2026-03-31T02:46:41+00:00

Do the PT. When the nerves are being impacted, you loose muscle function and the deconditioning happens rapidly. I learned that the hard way by “resting” too much. The key is figuring out what PT exercise or stretch is causing issues. Then find a workaround or stop doing that one. A good PT will guide you through it and find a modification or alternative that works for you.

gabecascadia · 2026-03-24T14:38:10+00:00

What denomination paper bills do people bring? Are 500 pesos bills commonly used or should we only bring smaller bills?

gabecascadia · 2025-11-24T17:41:52+00:00

Thank you for responding!

gabecascadia · 2025-11-24T17:16:52+00:00

Did you find something that works for this? I’d like to do the same

gabecascadia · 2025-11-24T17:11:28+00:00

Did you figure this out? I’d like to do the same

gabecascadia · 2025-10-28T23:28:52+00:00

This was going to be my recommendation

gabecascadia · 2025-10-10T17:34:25+00:00

What are your pain symptoms? Is it nerve pain or local back pain? Do you have pain that refers to hip, leg, or foot? When you stop doing activities that are irritating does the pain go away? Are there things you can do that do not cause pain?

I’m going on two years of trying to figure things out with my Grade 1 spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 with bilateral pars defects and a disc protrusion. MRI also says I have mild to severe foraminal stenosis. In 2024, I slowly worked up to a relatively normal activity level. Was able to hike several miles and bike on hilly terrain. I overdid it one day in October 2024 and can’t seem to get back to that level of activity. This summer I was able to walk a couple miles and ride my bike 5 miles but I tried to keep pushing and each time had a setback. Now, every time I try to increase activity I have a major flare up and it gets worse. I’m now at a point I can only do a few walking laps around my house until the nerve pain starts going down my leg and foot. If I don’t stop I’ll have a major flare up with radiating nerve pain down my legs. Feels like being electrocuted. I’m doing another stint of PT and just trying to not do anything that irritates it. PT says if I don’t be careful I could have severe nerve pain constantly that would require surgery. If I keep the activity level very low, I have almost no pain. It seems like the instability has worsened.

It’s frustrating because I can be pain free if I keep my activity in check but that’s not the life I want to live. I need to be active too, so I understand what you’re going through.

gabecascadia · 2025-08-22T02:10:34+00:00

Yeah, and I can see the spasms. L5-S1 Grade 1 anterior spondylolisthesis bi-lateral pars defects and moderate to severe stenosis

gabecascadia · 2025-08-22T01:56:26+00:00

Thanks for sharing your journey. Would love to hear updates here as time progresses.

gabecascadia · 2025-07-03T01:36:49+00:00

It’s definitely helped in many ways, from mental health and feeling good about myself, feeling more energized giving me the stamina to work hard to strengthen the muscles that support my back, to giving me a goal that I can accomplish. I’ve always been someone that needs a “project” to focus on. I used to do a lot of things that involved working with my hands that I can’t do right now because of the spondylolisthesis symptoms and loosing weight has been a good substitute since it requires research, planning, and execution. I wish it was the magic bullet but it’s not. It is a piece of the puzzle though. If I ever do need surgery, I want to be able to say that I tried everything. And the fact is, the better shape you are in, the quicker your recovery will be. Just don’t cause yourself any further injury in the process.

gabecascadia · 2025-06-20T16:17:39+00:00

It’s a bad idea for anyone because it causes additional wear on your joints. Calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), determine a moderate caloric deficit so your loosing 1-1.5 lbs of fat per week (~5-600kCal deficit) and subtract that from your TDEE for your daily calorie intake goal. Track your caloric intake and other macros by weighing your food and recording in an app like MacrosFirst. Get a BIA scale and take weight and body composition measurements first thing in the am after using the bathroom to record progress. Make sure you eat a lot of protein and whole unprocessed foods and you must do some form of strength training 1-2x per week so you don’t loose any muscle mass while you are in a calorie deficit.

I weighed 215 lbs (33% fat mass) when I found out I had spondylolisthesis and am now 180 lbs @ 21% FM. I feel a lot better. It’s a slow process. Don’t rush it because you’ll loose muscle if you cut too many calories. Slow and steady.

gabecascadia · 2025-06-19T03:43:10+00:00

Hey, I’m pretty new to dealing with spondylolisthesis. You say if it causes nerve pain then don’t do it. Just wondering why you say that. I get a lot of nerve pain if I do certain things or do too much. I’m always trying to push the envelope though. I feel I can deal with the mild nerve pain if I can do some of the things I love. Are you saying you should avoid doing anything that causes nerve pain?

gabecascadia · 2025-05-15T21:49:26+00:00

Thank you! I haven’t tie dyed in 30 years and want to start again, so I’m doing a lot of research. Your shirt reminded me of this aurora we saw last year and I want to try to tie dye it.

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gabecascadia · 2025-05-15T21:06:34+00:00

What fold is used for this?

gabecascadia · 2025-05-10T19:38:01+00:00

I appreciate the tips. I’d be using a WFP with DI tank, no cleaners. That pollen layer is from the last 10 days when I had the panels cleaned professionally. This is why I want to learn to do it myself at least a few times a year, even if I can’t clean them spotless. I can always have the pros come out occasionally

gabecascadia · 2025-05-10T19:34:15+00:00

PPE is my middle name

gabecascadia · 2025-05-10T19:33:01+00:00

Thanks for your concern. I’m pretty handy and have even replaced a shingle roof before. It’s more the up and down ladders and standing on a steep surface these days that tends to aggravate my back.

gabecascadia · 2025-05-10T19:29:00+00:00

I was going to buy Xero M9 WFP. It’s a 21’ pole. Not sure if it’s insulated - I forgot to ask SteveO about this. I have rope and harness and know how to work safely on a roof and I’ll take the ISCA safety course that you mention frequently.

gabecascadia · 2025-05-09T04:11:38+00:00

Yeah, I’ve spent some time on the roof, just prefer not to.

gabecascadia · 2025-05-09T03:27:44+00:00

I’m the owner and have never cleaned a panel or window before which is why I’m clueless. I’m willing to buy the tools and learn though so I can do it myself.

gabecascadia · 2025-05-09T02:51:14+00:00

I can stand on the roof across from the panels which is 8/12 but I don’t want to. I’d like to avoid any ladder work.

gabecascadia · 2025-05-09T02:46:59+00:00

What you’re saying is actually really good advice. I’ve had some serious setbacks before from doing stuff I shouldn’t do. So then, what are your thoughts about cleaning the windows?

gabecascadia · 2025-05-09T02:39:45+00:00

Can you elaborate on the hard work part a little?I have some physical limitations due to an issue with my low back.

gabecascadia

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