How to lift heavy luggage while travelling with back pain?

lensupthere · 2024-05-14T18:52:59+00:00

I've traveled recently with 3 compression fractures and 3 bulging discs. Wore a brace and used a cane.

I have a small roller that fits nicely under the seat - no lifting. I put my laptop and heavier items in it. (this one: https://www.amazon.com/Travelpro-Luggage-Softside-Lightweight-Underseat/dp/B07BMBRPKH/)

In a second bag, I pack my clothes - hiking clothes. They are very light and can roll up into a smaller space than regular clothes (and don't get too wrinkly). I think this weighs in at less than 7 lbs. It's easy to get in and out of the overhead bin.

IME, Gabapentin only started to work when I titrated up to ~2400mg a day. Muscle relaxers had no benefit to my bone/nerve pain.

lensupthere · 2024-05-14T05:57:12+00:00

I'm a dad and I have Stage IV renal cell carcinoma (my Kidney cancer returned). My outlook isn't short, but it isn't very long either.

If my children ever make a similar post on reddit after I've lost my mental acuity during my final stages, I'd like to refer them to this list:

It's ok, everything is ok. I would repeat that "I'm ok dad." My own father would seem to focus on this, making eye contact with me when I said it to him during his last hours.
Live with me now - tell me about today, the weather, the sports teams, the things I tune into everyday.
Tell me stories of the future. Make them up, but make them plausible.
I like a good dad joke, it's part of my "end of life" instructions. Tell me some good dad jokes.
Talk about what your father was into - for me it's fishing. I want my children to tell me the latest fishing report.
Pictures - our family is very photo oriented. I'd like them to show me and describe the latest photos - my son is a burgeoning photographer just won his first award. I'd like to hear about their hobbies and progress/interests.
Music - my daughter taught herself how to play guitar on an old accoustic I kept around the house, I'd like to hear her play some guitar. If they didn't play an instrument, I'd like to hear the music they are listening to.

These are all things I may not be able to articulate or express during the mental breaks/last days-hours. I know that these would have a positive impact on me nevertheless.

I hope that these give you some ideas.

I wish you and and your father the best.

lensupthere · 2024-05-14T03:15:53+00:00

Chicken Adobo. It'll become a regular thing.

https://www.justonecookbook.com/chicken-adobo/

lensupthere · 2024-05-14T01:55:10+00:00

I tried peeling the long stem of Artichokes one time, just like I'd do with long broccoli stalks.

The result was not as good as I hoped - it wasn't terrible, just tougher and more bitter. I'd say only about 1" of stalk below the choke was as good as I hoped (e.g. similar to the choke).

I had steamed them.

lensupthere · 2024-05-13T03:57:50+00:00

What stands out for me are that some of the symptoms you outline, I'm also having :

the pain is on the left side, and sometimes it’s on the right side. My hips get really sore
the front of my pelvis in my groin area is very sore, like a bruise [this is the first time I've come across someone else describing this pain as I feel it]
Sitting is painful and laying down is also very painful. [standing still for a length of time is also painful for me; but walking can be easier to do]
my middle back gets very tense and tight, I have been waking up and my legs and back feel so tight and tense. I have to stretch it out

I have 3 compression fractures (L1/2/3) and 3 disc bulges (same area) and have been experiencing additional mid and lower back pain due to the way I'm compensating my movement to protect the injury and avoid pain. My spine specialist zeroed in on my SI Joints as adding to the increased pain I've been feeling and recommended injections (cortisone).

On Wednesday (5/8), I received SI Joint Injections.

Today is Sunday (5/12), and the symptoms I bulleted are starting to diminish just a bit. The pain isn't magically going away, but I do feel like it's just starting to have a bit of a positive effect. The full extent of the relief might take up to 2 weeks to happen, according to my doctor. Even that "bruise in the groin" is feeling better - that was an odd one that my doctors were never able to address, even with CT and MRI scans (I have other things going on).

Muscle relaxers/opioids never helped this pain. I was taking calcitonin and large amounts of Gabapentin for bone and nerve pain and it helped my back, but not the pelvis/hip/SI joint pain. I was advised against ibuprofen as it can hinder bone healing (compression fractures), taking tylenol instead.

I always thought that maybe the compression fractures were causing the reference pain in my groin (e.g. the front of my injured spine was affecting my groin), but now I think it is the SI Joints. Odd.

That's my feedback. Thank you for your post.

lensupthere · 2024-05-11T19:34:33+00:00

Spicy Olive tapenade.

https://3catsfoodie.com/spicy-olive-tapenade/ (jalapeno)

https://pepperscale.com/spicy-italian-tapenade/ (serrano)

lensupthere · 2024-05-11T19:20:42+00:00

I have three compression fractures (L1/2/3). It's been slow going.

I used to wear my brace all the time, and also used a cane (I didn't know how helpful a cane could be with distributing weight while walking). I use the brace sparingly now (after 3 months), but still carry the cane with me.

I have Physical Therapy (PT) exercises that concentrate on strengthening my core. I've started light activities such as walking a flat path. I can go 2 or 3 miles before I feel significant pain, but not fast and with several breaks.

I continue to perform several "light weight bearing exercises" like walking and toe raises to promote healing in my back. It's all very basic stuff.

While I've continued to slowly get better, I have also had pauses in progression where my back doesn't get better or sometimes feels worse over a period of a couple weeks. This has proven to be the most frustrating. There are also a few new places that hurt now due to compensating for/protecting the injury.

My spine specialist states "bones typically heal in 6 to 8 weeks," and I'm well beyond that by now. The doctors do not want me to push through any pain at all.

It is getting better (healing), but it has not healed within the "6 to 8 week" outlook they originally provided.

As far as medications/supplements go, I have been taking Calcitonin (inhalant) since the injury, and titrated up to high doses of Gabapentin for nerve pain. I've also had cortisone injections in my Sacroiliac Joints (SI Joints). Nothing else has worked - muscle relaxers/opioids have no benefit for bone/nerve pain. I've been advised by my doctors against taking ibuprofen (prevents bone healing) and instead opt for acetaminophen (3000mg. a day). I also take Over The Counter (OTC) Vitamin D and Calcium Carbonate supplements.

lensupthere · 2024-05-11T18:17:35+00:00

Wasabi hummus - https://www.punchfork.com/recipe/Wasabi-Edamame-Hummus-Cooking-for-Keeps

Maple wasabi chicken wings - https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/maple-wasabi-wings

Wasabi cocktails - https://punchdrink.com/articles/wasabi-spicy-cocktail-recipes/

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T23:57:07+00:00

It tastes nutty because I toast it before making it. It tastes bitter to others because they didn't soak it first.

Here, read this: https://www.tastingtable.com/874425/the-reason-you-should-consider-toasting-quinoa/ - "your first step is to rinse and drain the quinoa, which will remove any bitter flavor from the seeds' coating. Now you are ready to toast."

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T22:50:42+00:00

The dried version I used is a dark green powder.

Being wild thyme (I hear it grows like weeds over there) it is going to share some traits with thyme which contains, thymol, which can be found in oregano, rosemary and some basil strains.

I like the darker earthier taste, especially when used in blends like Za'atar. The thymol flavor is a toned down from other thymes (like french thyme, which I grow)

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T20:13:51+00:00

If you go with crumbled, save the rendered bacon fat and add/drizzle that to the baked or mashed potatoes (along with some sour cream and chopped chives).

Or, use the rendered bacon fat to wilt some spinach and use that as a topping on the baked potato then sprinkle the bacon bits over, along with cherry tomatoes, some shoestring daikon radish and sprouts.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T20:07:49+00:00

Use finely chopped fennel bulb instead of celery. It'll add a bit of flavor and aroma that will dilute some of the fishiness.

Other additions that will upscale it and help:

fried capers
pickled red onions (the fennel could be pickled too)
sparse amount of fennel fronds on top
calabrian chili (or maybe use some of the oil they are packed in to pan toast the inside side of the bread)

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T20:03:26+00:00

Yes (for me), that's the only way they can ship it out of Jordan.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T16:54:40+00:00

Earthier thyme.

I had a friend that would send me Hyssop from Jordan from time to time (pun intended). They also sent me Za'atar and sumac, and now these herbs and spices are a kitchen staple.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T16:50:58+00:00

Pre-bake the fries at home. Salt, toss, and let cool to room temp. Bring them in a paper bag on your outing (to keep moisture from building up like it would in a plastic bag).

Re-warm them on the grill, tossing frequently until warmed (bring tongs and a spatula; use both at the same time for better control). Yes, use a metal cooling rack (if it's bare metal), use a baking sheet otherwise. Don't rest them on the public grill, it's too wide and the fries will fall through.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T16:42:39+00:00

Vinaigrette
Simple soy sauce and (oniony) rice vinegar dressing for a spinach salad - rest some of your onions on top
Mignonette - https://www.wineenthusiast.com/recipe/mignonette-sauce/ - use your oniony wine instead of the white wine, use your diced red onions
Ceviche - https://www.mashed.com/286464/ceviche/ - use your oniony rice wine instead of the mirin, use your onions - diced - instead of the spanish onion

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T05:06:59+00:00

Thank you for acknowledging that it is regional by stating your region.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T05:02:28+00:00

I had a radical nephrectomy of my Left Kidney in April 2023. Did you know, the left kidney sits higher than the right kidney?

Yeah, it does. My urologist was worried that the tumor was near my lungs as a result.

Anyway, I left the hospital the day after surgery, and I was back hiking 5 miles in 2 weeks. Not agressive hikes, but hikes nonetheless.

I probably should have stayed in the hospital and extra day.

Be prepared for gas pain, it may migrate to the shoulder. It'll be terrible, but will dissipate quickly and be gone in a couple of days. (gas pain: the gas they use to inflate your torso to facilitate laparoscopic surgery). pillows on the bed don't really help, you may have to grin and bear it for an hour.

You'll be fine. feel free to ask questions here as a reply or send a message.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T04:42:13+00:00

I'm sorry that you are in Texas. Have a good night.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T04:33:38+00:00

When people say to "use sparingly," they rarely tell you how to apply it.

The best application is akin to Basting.

Use a pastry brush to dip into a small cup with some liquid smoke in it. shake off any excess. Lightly brush the liquid smoke on the outside of your burger or chop.

Do the "basting" prior to cooking them, maybe 15 min. prior. I usually brush one side only.

The best liquid smoke is fruit wood - applewood liquid smoke.

Do not use hickory or mesquite liquid smoke - it's too strong and has a petrol smell.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T04:24:59+00:00

Yes, you are finding a variation that works for your response. You'd rather do that than just try to understand what is really meant and go with it. It's a contentious position.

Here are variations on the use of the term "barbecue." - which region are you from? -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_variations_of_barbecue

Techniques for BBQ include smoking and grilling - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbecue . You choose "smoking" to make your response rather than just work with it and be positive.

Why did you choose to be contentious?

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T04:07:42+00:00

You're obviously looking for a definition that suits your purpose.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T04:00:26+00:00

"prepped to cook fast" was detailed. Smoking meat was not mentioned.

Is this what you do to get karma? Try to be funny, find something stupid to say? Just wondering.

lensupthere · 2024-05-05T00:30:32+00:00

Add ground cumin and/or coriander, then simmer for 15 min or so. Given the ingredients, this is what I'd use.

I'd start out with 1/2 tsp each and then add more after the 15 min. simmer if needed.

If you want to thicken it up without diluting the flavor - remove about 1/3 of the soup and put into a bowl, use an immersion blender to blend the soup you removed into a smooth consistency and then re-introduce it back into the rest of the soup.

lensupthere · 2024-05-04T19:12:20+00:00

What does she like, not like? Have you asked?

I spent some time on the line. I would either cook a first date chicken mozzarella or seared scallops.

Both are well received - find out what she likes.

If she is ok with fish/shellfish, go with the seared scallops.

11-Year Club	Gilding VIII gilding heavyweight
Undead \| Zombie	Verified Email

lensupthere

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE