[AngryMetalsmith]

Muscle relaxers.

Yes that would be awesome. But unfortunately my go to flavor, Orphenadrine (Norflex), has been discontinued in the US. Used to keep a bottle on hand at all times just in case. It unlocks a muscle spasm very quickly where as some of the other meds are time released.

Know of any quick acting exoskeletal muscle relaxers ?

 

[Westy]

Yes that would be awesome. But unfortunately my go to flavor, Orphenadrine (Norflex), has been discontinued in the US. Used to keep a bottle on hand at all times just in case. It unlocks a muscle spasm very quickly where as some of the other meds are time released.

Know of any quick acting exoskeletal muscle relaxers ?

My doctor gave me cyclobenzaprine when I tore a muscle in my back, worked wonders for me.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

My doctor gave me cyclobenzaprine when I tore a muscle in my back, worked wonders for me.

Not sure, but Flexeril may have been discussed with a physician. Since it's primarily an antidepressant, then it might not be so great for exoskeletal muscles. However a friend said it helped him a lot with his arthritic neck.

I have this one book marked. Might have been when I picked a P.A.'s brain while taking my dad to the VA.

Zanaflex: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com

Zanaflex (tizanidine) is a short-acting muscle relaxer used to treat spasticity by temporarily relaxing muscle tone. Includes Zanaflex side effects, interactions and indications.

www.drugs.com

If I don't leave on Monday because of this, then I'm definitely making an appointment with my Dr. to get a prescription. I know one tab of Orphenadrine would end this in a few hours. So frustrating.

 

[jonKranked]

My doctor gave me cyclobenzaprine when I tore a muscle in my back, worked wonders for me.

Second cyclobenzaprine. I've had issues with my back for several years now and that's my go to. Doesn't need to be a large dose. I think my rx is like 5mg.

 

[jonKranked]

Second cyclobenzaprine. I've had issues with my back for several years now and that's my go to. Doesn't need to be a large dose. I think my rx is like 5mg.

I will say this about it, if I take it for more than 3 nights in a row I start feeling groggy when I wake up

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Just read some promising stuff on Mayo Clinic about Cyclobenzaprine. Available in quick acting tablet form as well as time released capsules.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Anyone notice withdrawal type symptoms when stopping Cyclobenzaprine ?

 

[Pesqueeb]

Anyone notice withdrawal type symptoms when stopping Cyclobenzaprine ?

I was told by my Doc not to take them regularly. Not because of withdrawals or addiction, just that one develops a tolerance. I take Cyclobenzaprine for my shoulders, but only as needed, which these days seems to be maybe once a twice a week, if that. As an exapmle of how often I take them, I got my last 30 day supply back in september and am down to two. Your milage will vary of course. Like @jonKranked, I definitely notice some hard starts on mornings if I've taken them more than two days a in a row.

 

[slyfink]

No, not really. But for me the groginess sets in pretty much within a couple of hours of taking it. Like I'm drunk or something. Then I feel like I have a wicked hangover the next day. It renders me unable to work. My brother took it for an extended period of time and he found he eventually got used to it, and could fuction normally. After a while, it didn't work well for him. He's now taking gabapentin, which I also tried. It blocks signals in your nerves I think, but it did nothing for me. It seemed to work miracles for my brother. I guess it all comes down to what the vehicle for your pain is, and finding the right medicine to address that pathway.

When I feel back tightness coming on (actually, more of a stabbing pain where my ribs attach to my spine) I'll take meloxicam. It's an anti inflammatory. It seems to work well for me, as long as I take it early enough.

Oh, I also take CBD daily now (at night - I find it helps me sleep too), but I've found it helps reduce the intensity of my back pain.

 

[Pesqueeb]

But for me the groginess sets in pretty much within a couple of hours of taking it.

I forgot about this. I only take one at night, they definitely knock me out. I wouldn't plan on taking one if you hope to accomplish anything for the next 6-8 hours.

 

[Westy]

Anyone notice withdrawal type symptoms when stopping Cyclobenzaprine ?

No, but never took them for more than about 5 days in a row. I would miss the quality zero fucks given sleep I had on them.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

I was told by my Doc not to take them regularly. Not because of withdrawals or addiction, just that one develops a tolerance. I take Cyclobenzaprine for my shoulders, but only as needed, which these days seems to be maybe once a twice a week, if that. As an exapmle of how often I take them, I got my last 30 day supply back in september and am down to two. Your milage will vary of course. Like @jonKranked, I definitely notice some hard starts on mornings if I've taken them more than two days a in a row.

I can keep a 20 count bottle of Orphenadrine for a couple years and maybe take two. If taken after a car accident or DH crash it can prevent a spasm. And it can unlock a siezed back and chest in a few hours. Totally knocked me on my ass the first few times. Powerful med for sure.

Cyclobenzaprine might not be as potent but I’m willing to try. Hell, anything short of a truck stop massage I’m down for if it gets me on trail.

 

[Westy]

You should go see a chiropractor.

 

[SkaredShtles]

You should go see a chiropractor.

 

[Pesqueeb]

a truck stop massage

 

[6thElement]

+rep for Father Ted

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

First round of Cyclobenzaprine down the hatch. Hopefully one or two days of eating muscle relaxers will finish loosening up back and now fatigued chest muscles. String together at least two days of no inflammation then I can reschedule my itinerary and get to some long distance wandering.

 

[jonKranked]

First round of Cyclobenzaprine down the hatch. Hopefully one or two days of eating muscle relaxers will finish loosening up back and now fatigued chest muscles. String together at least two days of no inflammation then I can reschedule my itinerary and get to some long distance wandering.

Take 'er easy the rest of the evening

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Take 'er easy the rest of the evening

Really ? But I was going to head over to the local axe throwing club to giver a go. Seems like the perfect opportunity to try something new.

 

[jonKranked]

Really ? But I was going to head over to the local axe throwing club to giver a go. Seems like the perfect opportunity to try something new.

Only if you're throwing from a fully laden fok lift

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Update: My back is feeling a whole lot better. Just booked my itinerary for the third time. Hopefully this is the one that doesn’t get cancelled. Have to pack my food, a couple of resupply boxes and take care of a few details then I’m outta here.

Will start a new thread (with Venmo link) when I get down there.

 

[Westy]

Lift with your knees this time

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Bump

So as some of you will remember I made an attempt at the Appalachian Trail last year and had to quit 534 miles in due to a sprained foot. I sat in a hotel room in Marion, VA deciding what to do. To rest and continue to the unofficial half way point at Harper's Ferry WV and go back there the following year to complete the other half of the trail. While not a thru hike doing the whole trial in two sections would be an acceptable consolation prize. Or throw in the towel and go go back to the beginning the following year and re-hike the first fourth.

I am heading back down to N GA in a few weeks to start over.

My itinerary has been booked and I'm getting everything in order.

Getting nervous but feeling confident since I return not as a newbie but as full on Hiker Trash.

And I will of course start a new thread once I get to the first town stop or Hostel.

 

[jdcamb]

Anyone notice withdrawal type symptoms when stopping Cyclobenzaprine ?

Yes.

 

[rideit]

I really like that you kept this thread. I think it’s very common to have to take a few stabs at it, and that shows some integrity on your part.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Currently holed up in a hotel waiting on a storm with a cold front to pass. Lots of hikers getting off trail. Been a rough few days since my tent has failed me. Will start the 2024 thread while I’m here. But first much sleeps.

Hope everyone is doing well.

 

[SkaredShtles]

Currently holed up in a hotel waiting on a storm with a cold front to pass. Lots of hikers getting off trail. Been a rough few days since my tent has failed me. Will start the 2024 thread while I’m here. But first much sleeps.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Jeezus. The tent failed almost immediately?

 

[Montana rider]

Bummer -- 20% off Six Moon Designs tents here:

Six Moon Designs Products - Backcountry Gear

www.backcountrygear.com

 

[eric strt6]

bummer about the tent. That's kind of why I stayed away from ultralights. I have spent too many trips getting hit by serious storms to trust any tent that's not 3+ season rated when I am in the middle of BFE and its going to take multiple days to get the hell out of the mountains. Hell I didn't trust the rainfly sealant on my solo tent so I stripped it and redid the fly with a urethane coating. I can hit it with a hard stream nozzle from the garden hose and nothing leaks.

get a better tent and press on AM we are rooting for you

 

[dump]

Wishing you good luck. Please do share some updates and photos. You have a crew over here rooting for you.