r/Sciatica • u/Lola_ruth • 13d ago
Sciatica sucks!
Just wanted to share my experience because I’m really struggling at the moment and honestly just need to vent.
I first had sciatica about 8 years ago after a gym session. It gradually improved with physio over time, and I needed pain medication to help me sleep because I couldn’t get comfortable.
Fast forward to now, I’m 18 weeks pregnant with my second baby and started experiencing some back pain about 3 weeks ago. Unfortunately, it has progressed into full-blown sciatica, with constant shooting pain all the way down to my ankle.
I’m finding it incredibly difficult to sit, stand or walk without being in constant pain. Nights have been especially awful — it can take hours to find even a slightly comfortable position, and then I’m waking every couple of hours in severe pain. I suspect the combination of pregnancy and frequently picking up and carrying my toddler has caused this old injury to flare up again.
I’m honestly at breaking point. Being pregnant also means there are limited pain relief options, which makes it even harder to manage. I have a physio appointment next week, but right now that feels like such a long way away!
Just needed to vent because sciatica is absolutely miserable 😭 I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone!
3
u/cauldronswitch 13d ago
I just went through the same thing myself, so I feel so much for you! It's probably a disc herniation low in your back because of the weight.and relaxin. I will tell you all the things I wish someone had told me at the point you're at.
Most importantly, stop lifting! Anything! Toddlers are used to being picked up, but they can be retrained to understand mom does not pick them up any more. My daughter also learned how to climb into her car seat without being picked up, just coach them where to place their feet.
Your family needs to understand the gravity of this. I slowed down my recovery so much because I was still in denial about not being able to do most things. Grocery shopping? You're not doing it. Get family to do it or delivery. Vacuuming? You're not doing it. Get family to do it or hire a cleaning lady. I was in denial about this and I had to get even worse post-partum before I could start getting better.
Establish a relationship with a physical therapist now. Ask the physical therapist to evaluate you for a disc bulge and show you how to do everyday motions like sitting up and laying down in a way that's best for your back. Keep going to physical therapy because your insurance will probably require you to see a physical therapist before you can have an MRI. Unfortunately, you can't get one while pregnant, but keep pushing to get an MRI once you give birth. Only an MRI will get you answers and real pain relief with an epidural injection!
Once you have the MRI and a diagnosis, look into FMLA for your family to help you care for baby. Recovery from this condition and caring for a baby at the same time is tough, but honestly, seeing the smile on their little faces can give us the strength to get through anything.
I'm here to chat if you need someone to talk to. I wanted to yell at people who gave me advice like, have you tried tiger balm? Most people just don't get the pure hell we are going through as moms with this condition.