Supple ideas for hardcore recovery issues - Serious Help please

jdonyx · 01-09-2009, 03:26 PM

Hey Supplement Gurus:

Background:
Here is my issue, 4 months ago I had back surgery for a herniated disk and for the first 6 weeks post surgery everything was going according to plan. Then one day I was grocery shopping and forgot to use a cart since I was still on lifting restrictions and instead used a basket. Before I realized how dumb I was being, I had walked around the whole store with more weight then I was allowed to lift. Initially I was fine, a little sore on my right side, then the next day was a different story. My disk herniation was on the right side and it appears what happened was that my body was very mad at my poor choice of using a basket the night before. My obliques and erector spine muscles had completely locked up, I was in excruciating pain and I couldn't move. After calling my Doctor and explaining my situation I went through a varied course of steroids and muscle relaxers to help, but all that ended up happening was that I was able to manage the pain but I still was having many muscles problems. The only way to explain it is to say that my body looked like part of a question mark ? with my hips being the straight line to the dot on the bottom, and my stomach and upper body curving to the left above my hips. Oh and my muscles atrophied because of the pain and fear I had during this initial problem.

I have been going through PT for 8 weeks now, combining that with Yoga and Pilates and Chiropractic to help get me moving again. The Doctors (I have been working with 4 of them, 2 orthopedic surgeons, 1 Neurosurgeon and my Chiropractor) are all in agreement that since my muscles atrophied in response to this situation this is going to take a long time for me to recover. Every day is a challenge but since I will not let this deter me, I move forward.

Here is my question: Since I am working so hard to change my body with PT, I believe I should be adding supplements to help my muscles with strength and endurance and recovery, but I have no idea what is right to help me! I am a novice outside of adding some Whey protein to my diet, I have never really delved into supplements. So I went shopping and bought San's V12 Magnum recovery drink and I also got a tub of Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey protein. I use the V12 post workout, and I take the Whey 2 times a day with meals to help increase my protein intake. But am I doing this right? I still am crooked, I wake up every day with back spasms in my erector spine region. This has gone on for 2 months now, but I am improving in both strength and endurance, it is just that I am getting a little impatient and want to do my best to help myself to get better.

I have also blogged about this on my body space and now that I have my digital camera back from my friend I let borrow it, I can take a picture so you all can see how messed up my back is.

So if any of you supplement gurus have ideas for me to help my body's biochemistry with proper supplementation please help with your suggestions. I am a novice to say the least.

Of course the other issue is this: My damn back has cost me a small fortune and supplements are not cheap. I am going to be able to claim the %7.5 percent tax break for 2008, that is how bad this has been for me. I even reached my out of pocket maximum for my health insurance last year. I want and need 2009 to be my recovery year from this. I am on my way, but need some guidance.

Lastly, I am not too proud to beg, if someone from a supplement company thinks their products can help me and you want to send me some free supplements, I will journal about it as a "proof" for you. I will document EVERYTHING!

Thanks!

jdonyx · 01-12-2009, 08:51 AM

bumping my thread for help!

~~Aries~~ · 01-12-2009, 09:01 AM

What is it you are asking specifically? You want some products to help you recover from a herniated disc? You talk about workouts. What kind? PT or lifting?

jdonyx · 01-12-2009, 10:34 AM

Sorry I thought I was clear.

I looking for supplement suggestions for muscle recovery and strength gains. I am trying to use supplements to help my body recovery from the inside, changing the chemistry in conjunction with my PT.

jeremyleinen · 01-12-2009, 10:37 AM

well, a pwo drink consisting of some carbs, protein, and some added BCAA's is always good. Though that stuff isn't really meant to aid in recovery in an injured state. I'm honestly not sure if theres anything thats going to make a real difference in your case.

EDIT: Maybe some epsom salts?

~~Aries~~ · 01-12-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdonyx

Sorry I thought I was clear.

I looking for supplement suggestions for muscle recovery and strength gains. I am trying to use supplements to help my body recovery from the inside, changing the chemistry in conjunction with my PT.

Besides protein, BCAA's, and maybe creatine I don't see much that could help you in your situation. I have back and neck problems as well. My only options are shots, pain management, then surgery. You can only do what your body will let you. If your problem is as severe as it sounds I would worry more about recovery and listen to your doctors and PT. Maybe look into beta alanine for strength as well.

jdonyx · 01-13-2009, 02:28 PM

thanks all -

dvsness · 01-13-2009, 02:33 PM

Right now I am doing FST-7 training (Hany Rambod is my trainer, you may know him as Phil Heath's trainer) which is brutal and recovery is hell. Granted, it is nowhere near the undertaking you are going through (chiropractic is great, though - I have scoliosis). Anyway, Hany has me using Glutamine, Creatine and aminos to aid in my recovery and gains. I take Glutamine 4x/day, Creatine PWO and Humino MAAX pre and post.

Having enough protein and caloric intake to heal and recover is crucial as well.

badfish51581 · 01-13-2009, 02:56 PM

There's going to be lots of supplements that will help (marginally), but you mentioned that you need to keep your expenses down.

First, I wouldn't expect miracles from anything, but I would start with Fish Oil and Cissus Quadrangularis (specifically Osteo-Sport). Fish Oil is a pretty potent anti-inflammatory that I consider a basic and is going to help with pain management and could even take the place of stronger NSAIDs.

Read about ---> http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/...-oil-back-pain

Cissus is going to help promote nutrient delivery into tendons, cartilage and ligaments as well as decrease inflammation. It's also useful for recomps and can help with weight management. I think finding supplements that will help you work through the pain and promote healing would probably be the most useful.

I would definitely throw in creatine since that promotes growth/strength and maybe Beta-Alanine or Citrulline Malate to help push past fatigue, but otherwise stick with the proven basics. Diet is going to be important. Make sure you're getting enough macros - protein, fats, carbs.

Hope that helps.
Joe