Herniated disc, ruptured disc? Need to pass the time?
When I cast my mind back to my deepest and worst times with my herniated disc and sciatic leg pain, all I can remember is a fuzz (primarily due to pain killers). Basically the most I did during the day was write an entry on the blog, eat something small, and watch a bit of TV or a few movies.
The problem was the pain killers were so strong, I was in a haze.
However over time you get the pain under control, you start getting a little more comfortable, reducing the pain meds and basically you start getting really bored. My partner had to keep working to earn the cash to pay the bills, so that left me a lotta time to fill.
You can’t go for a walk, you can’t do much in the house, so you have the internet, movies, tv, books and magazines.
I stumbled on to something recently that I wished I had during those times to pass many of the boring hours, and although I don’t want to turn this into an IT techie blog I feel that my experience with this insane world changing technology was worth sharing for anyone who is stuck at home, needs to keep themselves connected to the world and needs to keep occupied if they’ve got niggling pain.
An amazing friend of mine bought me an Amazon Kindle (Kindle: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device
It’s linked to Amazon, and it allows you to buy books, newspapers, everything.
The battery life lasts about 8 days for me (wow), less if you have the wireless on (about 3, but who leaves it on). It weights about 10 ounces (about 0.29KG), so it’s easy to hold and read (long into the day and night), and comes with inbuilt wireless (apparently the same as your mobile phone, but doesn’t cost a cent!) which is awesome because you don’t need to hook it up to a computer, and you don’t need your own wireless internet! I know, wow!
So, the best things on the device for me are the books. They’re cheaper than buying the actual book, and after watching TV shows (no I don’t watch Oprah, okay, sometimes I do) you can download the book and get cracking right when you have the inspiration.The 1 downside is the cost. At around $399US I think it was worth every penny, I guess it comes down to where you are financially and what your sanity is worth 
Fortunately I had a friend gift it, but if you want to give your family something to contribute to, I think it’s worth it - assuming everyone has read this post in particular tip number 11, and now owns a cold pack and uses it regularly!
Anyone watch the movie Jane Austen book club.. me neither, damn it, okay, I did, but I was forced. Well if you got inspired to start a book club, I recommend everyone getting one of these puppies. Also good for bed gatherings with family for a laugh!
There is a promo video on the site (here), which basically tells it like it is, and more interestingly it seems that there are ways you can check your email over the Kindle, and I’m sure there is more to come.. so convenient, small and light…
lastly, they’re not joking when it says it looks like ink.. it really does.
Unfortunately, now I’m back in Australia it doesn’t work - ie I can’t download anything through the wireless - targeted for US market. However, I can through USB.
For all US readers, well you’re in luck and hopefully in range. I think I’ve already mentioned it, but the books to buy through this device are more than half price… I’m not sure how long that will last, but it is awesome.
This is about one of the only pieces of technology, asides from an iPod I think I’ll recommend on the blog. But trust me, it’s worth it.
Check it out:
Click Here
Cheers
Matt
Things I think anyone stuck at home with a bad back should have:
8GB iPod Nano …….. Amazon Kindle ………. Back Pain Books ……
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April 29th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Hello, I just found this site, it is Monday April 28th, I am trying to take it all in. I have a scheduled MRI this Wednesday to confirm a herinated disc in the L4 L5 region. This is all new to me, it started with a mild back ache a month ago and has grown to just trying to manage the pain on a daily basis. I am only 31 and have 3 kids that are trying to help their poor mom but this SUCKS!! I teach dance and run like it is a religion so this has put a huge STOP sign on my life. Any advice would be great and very much appreciated. I meet with a neurosurgeon on Monday the 7th, the waiting game is the hardest. You can find me at: rtgiard@rof.net Thanks in advance