I was definitely on the fence in regards to ordering the GXP because of severe pain. I was troubled with Sciactic Nerve sending pain down the right side and severe Osteo Arthritis down the spine and in shoulders plus bulging disc in lower back (Lumbar 4, 5, and 6.) However, the Neuro Surgeon at K.U. Medical Center gave me some long term steps to take that might prevent surgery. He said to purchase a new extra firm bed. We purchased a Stearns and Foster extra firm King bed. Pain was much better. He suggested a series of Epidural shots. I had three Epidural's, a double and two singles. Two of the shots made a tremendous difference in the shooting pain brought on by the Sciactic Nerve. It was all but gone.
Doctor said to walk. Bought a pair of New Balance walking shoes that provide excellent support, and walk an average of 21-30 miles per week on a walking trail. Doctor said I was two heavy and recommended that I loose some weight. He suggested that for my build, size, and height that I loose 30 pounds very slowly. He said I had to reprogram my body and to keep it off for at least one year, more preferably two years would be better, and then the real challenge would need to be met, and that would be the most difficult. He told me that in recent studies that had been completed, people that diet, gain it all back within one year because they go back to their old eating habbits. It is really a life-style thing. He said you need to change your behavior.
He painted a dreary picture to me. He said that studies have proven that overweight can lead to other health issues such as Heart Attack, Stroke, Cancer, High Blood Pressure, Diebetus, Arteriolesclerosis, and breathing difficulties. My wife being a Nurse and now working in Administration at K.U. has been a positive influence as well.
Well, I did it, timing was pretty much perfect, as it turns out lost the 30 pounds while while waiting for are delivery to take place, and that took slightly over a year to happen. Timing was perfect. My Doctor had set my ideal weight to 192 and to maintain that weight for two years., and in the process I now have a new body clock. Well, I did and my health improved dramatically. Most all of my back issues have disappeared, and surgery accoding to my Neuro Surgeon is now not recommended.
I have maintained the 192 target weight for 3 years now, and its a miracle, I no longer have back pain. Today, 12/16/2008 I just weighed and our digital scale read 190.8 pounds.
If this story of mine helps anyone on the forum to better health, that is the sole reason that I have put these words into print. For I feel so much better with out that 30 pounds. Oh, I forgot, when I lost the weight I was 6 ft 4 inches tall. I have since shrunk a bit to 6 ft 3 inches. That is part of the process of getting older. I will be 68 years young on December 31st which is coming up and I feel like a new person. I fit better in "Miss Red Eagle"!
GXPinKC
Ron
