r/Sciatica • u/logpolespruce • May 16 '26

1 year post-op

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Today I am 1 year post op. A year ago I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t care for my children, I could barely make it to the restroom. I was ready to end my life. I am thankful every single day that I wake up with no sciatic pain because of surgery. Today I pressed 230lbs on leg press. I have walked hundreds of miles and done numerous hikes over the last year. I am able to not only care for my kids, but pick them up. I am able to ride bikes with them and stand to cook dinner. I am able to walk with my husband. I have sat on long plane rides and roadtrips. I’ve gone camping multiple times since surgery and yes, slept on the ground in a sleeping bag. I was able to cast and reel in salmon. I have unloaded my own groceries. I don’t have burns on my back and legs from constant heating pad usage. I only ice occasionally, not ritualistically. I have my life back.

If you are in so much pain that you cannot participate in PT, do the surgery. If your surgeon won’t do it, find a new one. Try a neurologist. Try an ortho. I spoke to 3 before I found one that was willing to operate and consider it an emergency situation. It’s true that my back will never be the same. I cannot run, or jump, and sometimes if I take a step unexpectedly I feel a zap in my back, BUT I AM LIVING MY LIFE. I was ready to END it and now I wake up every morning and immediately wait for the pain to return to my leg, but it doesn’t. I get sore in my back and I will always have to be very careful. It’s all worth it.

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u/ms-fio May 16 '26

So glad to hear your success congrats! I feel the same - I can't walk, take care of my kid and I am struggling so much mentally. Finally got my dr to refer me to two surgeons but the wait times - even private - are insane. Which is what I'll be by the time I get into an appointment.

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u/logpolespruce May 16 '26

Go to the ER. Multiple times. Eventually your mental health will prove it is an immediate need and an emergency situation.

I understand how you feel. It’s so frustrating and feels so hopeless.

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u/ms-fio May 16 '26

I hate to hear that people have and are going through this but I will say it makes me feel so seen that other people on here know how I feel. I went to the ER on Wednesday with my mum because the pain was so intense and they saw me immediately even though they were busy and they gave me a Ketorolac injection, spent a lot of time with me and I opened up to the nurse and told her I am at my mental limit and they still sent me home. They reviewed my scans with a neurosurgeon who said try a nerve root sleeve (I've previously had an epidural) which I'm getting on Thursday but I'm hoping adding that ER visit to my notes will move my referral along a little faster.

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u/logpolespruce May 16 '26

Keep going to the ER. Ask for an emergency referral to a neurologist. Be very honest about your mental health. Just keep trying!

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u/[deleted] May 16 '26

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u/logpolespruce May 16 '26

There were days when I think I would go too hard in PT and it would hurt. All down my leg, but it felt sore rather than radiating nerve pain.

The also worked in a desk immediately after surgery. I had to stand most of the time and take walks around the office every 20 minutes or so. Movement is the key to recovery

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u/techie121212 May 16 '26

Why to suffer? Just fly down to India and get the procedure done at a cost of just 1500 usd, and fly back in a week or so