[Col]

Currently on my 13th day laid up in the house with the problem.
I have been to the doctor three times,seen an osteopath and have been to physiotherapy.
I have swallowed prescription pain killers and anti inflammatories like a greedy kid in a Smartie factory and still cannot walk far never mind work.
I an resigned to losing some if not all my commercial work but hope to keep the domestics as they are more understanding and loyal.
I am getting a Tens machine later to give it a try but not holding out much hope in that getting me back out on the road.

Trouble being a one man buisness is there is no one to cover for you and in twenty years of self employment this is the longest i have been off work,even holidays are restricted to a few days or a week tops so i could keep the work on track.
Anyway enough of the sob story is there any one else had this problem and any tips,the Physio is talking about six weeks and that was only on monday morning.

I am lucky in the fact that my wife is in a secure well paid job and we don't have kids or heavy outgoings but i don't think i can stand another couple of weeks of this never mind longer.
I have had the odd problem with a sore back over the years but always got over them in a day or two but this one came up on the blindside,went to bed feeling fine and awoke to find i had to crawl about with pain that words cannot explain.

[Alistair@AWC]

Col,

Do you not have a local window cleaner you can trust to keep your commercial going for you until you get back on your feet, you could even invoice them by post so he won't know what you are charging.

Failing that, if your sure your going to lose your commercial work why not sell it on at least you'll get something back!

Regards

Al

[Col]

Al S

Cheers for the reply
Fortunately the commercial work is not my main income now but it will still hurt me financially it is mainly pubs,shops and the odd office.
I used to do a lot of builder cleans but the recession has taken care of that.
As for selling the work it is spread out all around town and would only be attractive to some one who covered the areas already.

[GWCS]

where do you work?

Maybe nice nice members that have the time can help you out?

(the carpet cleaning section are rather nice like this - shame the window cleaning isnt, maybe we can change that?)

[Nathanael Jones]

My sympathies on your pain,.. I put my back out 2 weeks ago and couldn't even walk,.. luckily the tablets worked and I'm now back on my feet and working, but I have a newfound sympathy for those who suffer from back pain, it really is debilitating.
I would contact all those who are overdue and explain the situation, saying that you're getting someone in to look after the work, but he may be a few days late,... then its time to find a man who is reliable, experienced & trustworthy,.. not an easy challenge at times! Phone the local cleaners, see if any of them can help out, and maybe put an ad in the local paper for a worker?

[ftp]

and now for the bad news ........................ when i had it the doctor told me it could last well over six months 
I went to my physio and she agreed. After five months I was no better and getting very depressed the physio said unless I had certain 'red flags' i wouldn't be referred to a specialist. So, if you've only got it down one leg and can still control your bowels then you'll most likely just have to put up with the pain. The rubbish the doctor prescribed wouldn't touch the pain. Took well over six months to cure me and still have physio now three years later.
Just hope it's a 'bad back'.  

[Rob_Mac]

I had sciatica about 18 months ago. put up with it for three or four months before I was told to go and see a Chiropractor, £45.00 - one session. No more sciatica!!!!!!!. Best money I ever spent!!!

Rob

[weetot]

and now for the bad news ........................ when i had it the doctor told me it could last well over six months 
I went to my physio and she agreed. After five months I was no better and getting very depressed the physio said unless I had certain 'red flags' i wouldn't be referred to a specialist. So, if you've only got it down one leg and can still control your bowels then you'll most likely just have to put up with the pain. The rubbish the doctor prescribed wouldn't touch the pain. Took well over six months to cure me and still have physio now three years later.
Just hope it's a 'bad back'.  

Well thats made you feel a whole lot better aint it

[stephen s]

I had sciatica about 18 months ago. put up with it for three or four months before I was told to go and see a Chiropractor, £45.00 - one session. No more sciatica!!!!!!!. Best money I ever spent!!!

Rob

fully agree if you haven't been down this road then defo worth a try,   I'm 6ft-6 and well built and have suffered with bad back and shoulder problems for years mate.   the thing is injections and powerful sedatives only mask the real problem  and all doctors seem to do is send you from one consultant to another and more pills to take.

I found the Chiropractor to be the best help and although Ive had about 25-30 sessions its money well spent so defo worth inquiring about.

on your work front  I wouldn't mind doing the odd day here and there for you mate as long as you don't live to far away and would like to think there are others who may do likewise

[scud]

  I suffer with sciatica, have done for about 3 years now.

  The best thing you can do is stretch your back first thing in the morning and then go for it, the flashes of pain down your legs will maybe floor you at times, but carrying on is the best thing you can do.

[mark dew]

  I suffer with sciatica, have done for about 3 years now.

  The best thing you can do is stretch your back first thing in the morning and then go for it, the flashes of pain down your legs will maybe floor you at times, but carrying on is the best thing you can do.

I agree. Stretching is the only chance of sorting this. All other options will only relieve or mask the problem until it comes back.

[Clive McDonald]

I agree as well, very strongly. Stretch- one leg over other, try hand to opposite foot.
Tall people get this.

very sorry to hear your story.

[ftp]

I've tried them all - hanging upside down by your ankles, acupuncture, physio, heat and electric pulses, chiropracters and osteopaths. Physio works for me but only a particular massage that suits my back. I would agree though that keeping active is the best prevention but no guarantee. Anything that arches my back seems good for me whereas a curved back although aleviates the pain, causes all my problems.
Slumpys stretching might be fine in theory but on my back it would cripple me - as would touching my toes.

[Dan French]

Saw the sports massage guy at the gym and he sorted me out. bit of acupuncture and it eased the pain so at least you can still work

[the gedi]

Had same thing was given amitriptyline it worked for me ask doc or physio about it
 

[stephen s]

most hospitals now have Hydro pools which may just help with the stretching and loosening up,  could be worth a try

[Clive McDonald]

ftp do you have a fat belly?

[R W C]

where do you work?

Maybe nice nice members that have the time can help you out?

(the carpet cleaning section are rather nice like this - shame the window cleaning isnt, maybe we can change that?)

There are a lot of us that are good, Ive just helped someone build a static system and also another cleaner has just lent me there 30 foot ionics pole for the next few days as my pole is on its way back to gardiers, if col is any where near me i would be happy to help out and if it was too much work i could easily get a few guys to cover it.

Chris

[GWCS]

where do you work?

Maybe nice nice members that have the time can help you out?

(the carpet cleaning section are rather nice like this - shame the window cleaning isnt, maybe we can change that?)

There are a lot of us that are good, Ive just helped someone build a static system and also another cleaner has just lent me there 30 foot ionics pole for the next few days as my pole is on its way back to gardiers, if col is any where near me i would be happy to help out and if it was too much work i could easily get a few guys to cover it.

Chris

In general Chris this forum is not like that for window cleaners, compared to the total generosity of the carpet cleaners.

However ive also said i would lend a hand to another window cleaner near me, if he gains a contract which on his own is too much for him.

[R W C]

Ill always help out to a certain degree, but people only get one chance,