My battle with chronic lower back pain

For about 2 years now, I've been suffering from lower back pain. It all started off as an acute sensation in my back, most likely caused by my generally poor posture when doing things (especially sitting upright).

I never really did anything about it as I thought the pain would go away on its own. Today, my pain has developed into a full-blown, chronic problem. I've had to cut down on many activities, including scuba diving, which involves lifting lots of heavy stuff, especially tanks (I once hurt my back while hoisting myself out of the water and into the boat).

To fix my pain and scoliosis, I was told to do core exercises and use a back support pillow while sitting, 2 things I've never done before!

Last month, I got an x-ray done and unsurprisingly, was informed that I have mild scoliosis.

I'm now undergoing rehabilitation for both my pain and scoliosis, and aim to fully recover within this year so that I can begin scuba diving again.

Part of my rehab includes several core exercises for lower back pain, which aim to strengthen and improve the endurance of the muscles that support the back.

All the exercises I'm currently doing imposes safe amounts of pressure fon my spine (3,300 Newtons if my memory serves me well).

I was also told to avoid certain exercises which may worsen my condition, including standing toe touches and sit-ups. Luckily, I don't lift weights or else I would have to stop doing that as well, as my chiropractor explain that lifting weights over your head can compress your spine and hurt your back.

The other thing that my chiro suggested I do is use a back support pillow for driving because I spend loads of time in my car. My current commute from home to my office takes about an hour and a half each way (about 3 hours return).

Truth be told, I was one of those skeptical ones when it comes to these 'support pillows'. For some reason, they always seemed gimmicky. I used to always laugh and think to myself: who on earth would be seen using this?

I am happy to say, however, that today I am a convert. Everyone who sits for more than a couple of hours a day should be using these magical things!

I am currently saving up for a new regulator, so I only got one pillow for use in both my car and office. When I get my pay at the end of this month, I may very well invest in another one because they really feel comfortable. I might even write a review one of these days if time permits.

My next visit to the chiro is next week, so hopefully by then my condition will have improved a little. More updates when they come!

Came home to a lovely surprise

Awesome news! After a long day at work, I came home to an amazing surprise :) My happiness level right now? 11/10 :DDDDD

This is what greeted me on my desk after my hour long drive from work:

Oooooooh!!!

I'm finally an Open Water Diver!

After what seemed like an eternity, we've completed all our theory sessions, 4 pool dives, 4 open water dives in the ocean and a multiple choice test.

Everyone in our batch made it except for a German lady named Suzi, who received a provisional license. I think it means she can only dive if an instructor is present.

What's next? My trip to Mabul of course!

Open water diver theory test

Can't believe I'm burning the midnight oil for this, but our open water diver theory test is tomorrow afternoon!

If we make it, we'll be certified open water divers (fingers crossed)!

Then I can seriously start looking into booking my Sabah trip together with Z. Oh my, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking of the endless fun we'll have!

Back to studying for now, but before I go, here's a pic of our Recreational Dive Planner and nitrogen table (yes, the very one that's been keeping me up all night).

The nitrogen calculation questions are some of the toughest in the test.

I hate the nitrogen questions (and everything else that involves numbers).. my favourite are definitley the questions on hand signals!

Another thing that I've been considering is getting a dive computer, which would make such calculations much easier (plus, it looks really cool). But the only thing holding me back is the price :D Anybody feel like contributing to my dive comp fund? ;)

Happy New Year everyone!

Wishing everyone a happy new year 2016!

"We will open the book, its pages are blank. We are going to put word on them ourselves. The book is called 'Opportunity' and its first chapter is New Year's Day". - Edith Lovejoy Pierce

 May the new year bring health, happiness, joy, lucky, opportunity and everything good to all!

Merry Christmas

Merry Xmas and Seasons's Greetings everyone!

I'll just leave this here, one of my favourite Christmas songs, really get you in the festive mood :)

How I wish I was some place where it's snowing really heavily!

Loved my first open water dive

Our first open water dive was amazing!!! Now I know what it feels like to be a fish :)

Well, it was slightly scary at first, going down the dark, unfamiliar mass of water but once we reached the seabed, it felt as though everyone regained their composure and started feeling more comfortable.

We practiced several skills that we had been doing during our pool dives, including clearing our masks of water, removing and replacing our BCDs, recovering our regulators and hand signals (my favourite).

We have 3 more open water dives to complete. Thereafter, we each have to sit for a multiple choice question test and upon passing, would finally be qualified open water divers. How exciting!

Here's a pic from our first open water session (I can't remember who took the photo but the camera belongs to Susan):

Sorry for the weird cropping :)

I really need to start looking at underwater casings for my GoPro. No dive would be worth it without that little device :)

First open water dive

Seems like just yesterday that I experienced my first breath underwater during our first pool dive but guess what, we've completed all 4 of the required pool dives already and we'll be having our first open water dive in the sea this week!

I'm a little nervous but apparently Timothy, our instructor has told us that we all seem to be doing fine (except maybe for Jane).

From what I understand, your first sea dive will make or break you. You'll either love or hate it from then onwards. I'm certainly hoping its the former for me.

Taking the part-time certification hasn't been easy as I've had to juggle between studying for the test and refreshing my memory regarding all the skills I've learnt (still got to brush up on clearing my flooded mask) as well as my day job.

However, this has allowed me to be one step closer to my dream...visiting Mabul and Sipadan!

 If everything goes according to plan, I should be able to realize my dream in February 2016, when everything at work should have been settled and I should have obtained my licence.

Oh well, can't wait!!! Bring it on, sea!

Ending my post with this meme/pic, enjoy!

This made me LOL like a retard in the office