I asked poor dear DH to help me dig up an old dead azalea. It actually had two offshoots (or so I thought) that I wanted to try and save and move. We haven't had any rain to speak of, and even though I used the soaker hose in the bed yesterday, the ground was hard as rock. We managed to get #1 out. The we started on the side ones. The first one came out, but the second one was tough. That's because it was actually 3! these were suckers from runners from the original plant. I also asked him to dig up these suckers from my boxwood that are driving me crazy. We planted a Japanese Maple in the spot. I was also working in the vegetable garden.

Luckily I have some rather strong muscle relaxers that may help if I need them. I also usually take ibuprofen before and right after working in the yard. That prevents some of the inflammation.

I guess you do get wiser as you age. Because if you don't, you are going to suffer !!!!!

Digging up shrubs are hard work - I sure can relate - and I am happy for you that you got it done.

In the future I will take it more easy and take more days to get the job done ...still have 7 more roses to plant and are going to a rose nusery this week - I think I will try to control myself ...

Wine helps - A little Buford - a little :-)

I always knew those wretched nasty weeds were evil but now here's additional proof....they ruin your bones and posture.

I hope you feel better soon. :)

I started to follow her example about 5 years ago and found that I had very little spring pain as long as I kept up the program. I have better agility and endurance, too. I HATE to exercise, but I don't miss the pain and as long as I can work harder and longer than I did 5 years ago, I am going to keep up the program.

Like all gardeners, I get plenty of exercise in the garden, but those morning sessions let me work pain free.

Smiles,
Lyn

Hope you feel better soon :)

I do 2 hours a day pretty faithfully at my local YMCA (half aerobics, half toning) and have started teaching our Pilates class. It's amazing how much difference a little repositioning can make in those back and joint problems everywhere. Just a minor change in tucking in at the pelvis has helped a colleague get past back pain from walking and working out. I've gotten so I can tell when I'm stressing out one body part too much, and I'll stop mid-gardening and do some stretches or change my activity for a while to get things back in balance. We've learned over the years to listen to our roses, now we have to do the same favor and listen to our bodies! Not exactly quick fixes in either case, but definitely worth it.

Cynthia

I did go to physical therapy to develop a routine that hit my problem areas specifically and to learn a routine that I can do regularly and not feel too put out that I "have to exercise".

I've managed the pain from a permanent back injury, an tear in one of the ligaments of one of my knees and now a shoulder injury with targeted exercises.

The heaviest weight I use is 5 lbs., and I use a light resistance band during my routine. I am not buff and that's not my goal. I just want to work pain free.

I am not a doctor, so please check with one before you start an exercise program, so that you get the right advice for you.

I have had good results and have to agree that it is very much worth the time and effort. Even a little bit of work makes a difference.

Smiles,
Lyn

Many years ago Prevention Magazine reported that 80% of back-pain sufferers improved with taking a high-dose vitamin D. When I was in my 30's and NOT taking vitamin D, I had really bad backpain. Thanks to the news linking vitamin D deficiency and backpain, I took vitamin D & calcium religiously - until I neglected it this year.

Came down with severe backpain, could not even watch TV - I had to walk or lie down. I had my annual check-up, the doctor informed me that I'm deficient in vitamin D, and prescribed outrageously high vitamin D pills. After 1 month of that, no more backpain! Recently I shoveled 4 cubic yards of dirt into 6 raised beds, then mixed in 10 bags of lawn clippings from neighbors. No sore back whatseover!

So far this spring, I've weeded & fed 5 beds/borders and am still not half done. That was just in the front (and doesn't include the front slope--UGG). I've also planted a few innocuous plants and moved a few here and there. But the real killer was hauling away the tree limbs that hubby graciously pruned from the trees. All that bending and lifting...

Last summer after shoveling, packing in the auto and unloading, spreading 24 -5gal buckets of horse manure every weekend for about 6 or 8 weeks, I was down with serious pain in the back. I would have been OK except I must have stepped the wrong way while standing on the slope that is my garden.

I don't think any of us ever learn. It has to happen at least once every 5 years to remind us.

Cupshaped, you've got it easy at 42. But, this is what you have to look forward to at 66. More of the same.

Still haven't finished pruning my roses. I already have buds. I guess it won't happen this year. I'll be lucky to get them fed.

At my age, it's more like what gets done, gets done. What doesn't get done-well you know.

One-day-at-a-time Barbara