Wellness

[sfnative]

Hi Everyone,

Not wanting to burst into the really fine on-going thread on sciatica, I felt expressing my need separately would be best.

My sciatic event began at the conclusion of doing dinner dishes on May 20th.  The pain has been excruciating and complex.  From the initial turn away from the sink, a sharp pain around L4-5. along with horrid muscle spasms (paraspinals I'm guessing) on a trajectory up from L4-5 for about 12 cm, including mid-glut pain shooting down to my heel.  All of this occurred at the same time.  I froze in pain.  Couldn't move.  This hasn't stopped.

Knew I had to wait the prescribed 6-8 weeks to determine if "things would settle down."  Nothing settled down.  Not only that, but one month later, while making a tuck in bed linens for my paralyzed left foot and toes, had horrid pain lacerate from mid-glut down to the "privates" area on the right.  Last week tingling settled into the gluteal fold.

Not returning to the ortho-spine I saw 18 months ago. She dismissed me with a "So sad, too bad."

Found well-recommended neurosurgeon at very comprehensive practice, where my hand surgeon is.  Have an appointment with his nurse practitioner this coming Monday the 19th, just to get me in, have films taken and get MRI/CT, then I'll see Dr. N.  (Have had to wait nearly 3 months for just this appt.  No, can't go to E.R.  Here, we have two Level 1 E.R.s: one is for trauma only and the other for "sick" only.  I don't qualify for either.

Am asking, please, for prayers or kind thoughts.  I not only need a solid diagnosis, but an aggressive treatment plan, as I'm way beyond PT/massage.  Am fearful, at this stage of losing bladder/bowel control.

Thank you, everyone.

XXX ~ Rebecca

[Terrywu]

Prayers for some relief.  I suffered with sciatica pain for years.  For a very long time I had great relief from a chiropractor.  When that stopped working I had PT and shots.  Finally had surgery 9 years ago and after a lengthy recovery I have very bearable discomfort.  

No no way to get comfortable as I recall.  Hopefully you will get some answers.  Seems you have been in pain for a long time.  Wishing you well.  Keep us informed.

 Terrywu

[KentuckyWoman]

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.  I certainly hope your doctors can find a treatment that helps you.  God bless.

[Miz]

Rebecca, 

I read every word and my heart goes out to you.  I can't imagine how much sleep you've lost which is undoubtedly unbalancing your body further....sitting clenched, trying to find a comfortable  position, stress-filled, and your mind overflowing with worry and fear.  Remember, you are going THROUGH this.  You will not be in it forever.  There was a beginning and soon there will be an end.  Hopefully 8/19 will be the beginning of some real help.  Also, please look up Miranda Esmond White and try her gentle stretching techniques called Essentrics.  A former ballerina who developed excrusiating pain, unable to function, and  she designed this program which has helped so many people.  Thinking of you...

[september]

Dear Rebecca,   My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I’ve had some bouts with sciatica in the past, including one ER visit.  It’s an awful thing  to go through, but I’m more or less ok now.  Just don’t ask me to drive a car for longer than three hours.   That triggers it.  

I wish you the best. Please keep us updated. 

[vsm]

Oh my, Rebecca -- it sounds unbearable.  Yes, my prayers are with you and will remain with you.  This is way too long to have to wait for help, which I hope will begin on Monday with a strong anti-inflammatory after your tests.  My ortho surgeon prescribed meloxicam, which gave me some relief while I awaited my first epidural.  I encourage you to ask that an anti-inflammatory be prescribed for you pending the results of your tests, so that you can hang on until you have whatever procedure you need.  Just know that you will get through this.  Please put yourself first --  make a pest of yourself if you have to.  You will get through this.

[Alexia]

So sorry to hear but I know what you’re going through.  It’s really one of the most horrible pain you can have—I could hardly move after doing something so simple. Long story short, I did everything besides surgery but knew I couldn’t live my life like that anymore. I’ve gone through two disc surgeries which helped tremendously, however, in 2016 I had a fusion. I am completely pain free and living life. I hope you get the relief you deserve but please select a really good surgeon if you decide to go that way. I had the best and I thank God everyday. Good luck❤️

[Trinity11]

I know all too well how painful sciatica is @sfnative . Praying that you receive some relief in the days ahead.

[PamfromCT]

Rebecca,

I am so sorry you are going through this very painful time.  I am hopeful about your appointment on Monday,  but I certainly hope you don’t have to wait three months til you see your surgeon.  I hope there is something you can take for pain relief in the meantime.  I will be praying for your recovery.  And please post here after your appointment on Monday to let everyone know how you are doing.

Best wishes,

Pam

[haddon9]

I'm so sorry that you are suffering so much.  I can't imagine how awful it must be!  My brother in law had a bad bout with sciatica pain and is doctor gave him some muscle relaxants which helped ease the pain.  

I hope you find some relief soon!  It's a good thing you can see someone on Monday even if it's not the doctor....maybe she can get you a pain relief prescription until you do get to see the doctor.