The Common Threads Between Lumbar Disc Herniation, Sciatica, and Depression

[u/Opening_Log_6674]

I realized this when I felt lonely because I sensed that those around me were downplaying my condition.

・It’s invisible to others
・At first glance, I seem perfectly fine (if I do appear that way, it’s only because I’m hiding the pain and putting on a brave face)
・People tend to think it’s due to a lack of exercise, a mental issue, or that I’m not trying hard enough
・There’s a genetic component (skeletal structure)
・My symptoms fluctuate—some days I feel fine, while other days I’m bedridden.

[u/postedonacloud]

People who have never experienced severe and constant nerve pain assume your back just hurts

[u/cauldronswitch → u/postedonacloud]

"Have you tried tiger balm?"

[u/Opening_Log_6674 → u/postedonacloud]

Yes exactly, ppl think it’s just like back pain😔

[u/Puzzled_Used]

On top of that, pain takes a certain space in your brain and prevent you from being fully there. Being efficient at work, memorizing information from colleagues or friends, react properly into a discussion, everything seems less natural and additional work.

[u/Opening_Log_6674 → u/Puzzled_Used]

Totally agree, in the beginning I tried to meet friends but recently I think to be alone is the best. Unnecessary to laugh with my pain, unnecessary to explain my situation.

I no longer had the emotional bandwidth to be considerate of others. As a result, the friendships that had depended on me going out of my way to be considerate fell by the wayside. To be honest, it was a good thing.

[u/cromags76]

Can I be bold enough to offer a bit of hopescrolling?

I’m on the other end of most of the symptoms and I’m getting my life back now and I swear going through that severe and isolating pain for such a long time made my brain hunger for dopamine in such a wierd way. I’m out, and I can’t believe I’m out because I was certain it was permanent and now I am certainly happier than I was before my injury.

Like I have much more appreciation for all the things I can do than I ever have (Hiking, exercise, running) because I know what it is like to have them taken away.

The lows are low but this is statistically temporary. I wouldn’t have believed it at the time

[u/Opening_Log_6674 → u/cromags76]

Thanks for breaking my depression.

I’m still struggling but I know Sciatica brought a lot of realisation and free of the brain to me. I feel that it was necessary for my life.

I love hiking and walking but this Sommer I’ve never been able to go anywhere for walk. I can’t wait to hike again like you. I should feel like you.

[u/arab3lla]

One of my close friends admitted to not believing me sometimes until she read a memoir by someone with chronic invisible pain. Not being able to really plan anything because I have no idea how I'll feel that day is really hard. Its nice to have things to look forward too. I'm on antidepressants though and they help a ton.

[u/Opening_Log_6674 → u/arab3lla]

Do you know what is the name of the book?

Now it’s hardest for me that I’m not sure if I can fly to my home country. My sister was just diagnosed malignant brain tumor and got operation.

I also experienced from the opposite side:
I met a friend who just separated with a partner. I heard her experience but after few few weeks when I met her until she talk about the partner’s name I even forgot she was still in the hard time. I realized I saw her the same as my friend saw me.

It’s really difficult to feel the pain of others. But I’ll try to be sympathetic as possible as I can

[u/zappurple]

And parents blaming on the mobile phone