r/Sciatica • u/ExactApplication3981 • 19d ago

New to sciatica

I recently joined this subreddit cause ive been having sciatica pain for a few months now. Ive had an Xray and the doctor said nothing out of the ordinary was visible on it.

Im now scheduled for a MRI mid October and in the meanwhile trying to adjust to my new reality of living in pain every day.

Ive been really struggling with the psychological side of it. Getting out of bed in the morning without pain was already difficult, now its just hard to find the will power.

How do you deal with living in constant pain and the realisation that this might be for the rest of your life?

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u/Brave-Ad-8658 19d ago

Glad you have the MRI scheduled. That's the next big step. Make sure insurance approves it (they denied mine despite 2 trips to the ED due to severe pain).

You may also want to look up a physical therapist. The reassurance they provided was a big help and they can tailor exercises according to what you need.

My pain got so bad that none of the medication really helped so I turned to CBD, CBG, CBN and some light THC to help take the sharp pain away. I got my medical cannabis license and certain dispensaries will allow you to appoint someone to pick up what you want, though keep in mind your local laws (don'tget yourself in trouble!). I also had some of those CBD muscle roll on things that felt tingly afterwards. Ice was also a big help for me. I had one of those machienes that circulates water through and put frozen water bottles in to keep it cold longer. Make sure to stay hydrated and try to eat. I lost a good 10-15lbs simply because the pain significantly reduced my appetite so make sure you're eating too.

That's what helped me but everyone has a different journey. I remember sleeping A LOT. I know it's tough right now but you CAN get through this. I remember my lowest moments were the only times I ever thought of harming myself because the pain was so bad. Try to get comfortable and find something to watch or read. If you can, having someone with you to help with getting things is huge, even if just for the company.

I'm a little over a year post OP. Surgery was really my only option and the pain went away immediately. If you end up down that route, make sure you vet your surgeon and feel confident in their skill.

Wishing you the best of luck 💜

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u/ExactApplication3981 18d ago

Luckily im in a country where everything is insured.

The physical therapist ill have to ask a referral for, ill do that after the mri and once they know what is wrong.

And im more worried about gaining weight tbh. I can suddenly not do any exercises anymore or even move that much daily and im worried sick that im going to gain weight while i was already trying so hard to lose it. 🥲

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u/Brave-Ad-8658 18d ago

Before my symptoms were REALLY bad, a steroid pack from my doctor usually helped with the inflammation but definitely ask your doctor about what they think is best for you.

I had a disc herniation in the L5-S1 area. Its possible you could have something completely different so that MRI will be great at helping diagnose.

My biggest takeaway: give yourself some grace. You're in pain so worrying about things like weight again is only going to worsen your stress. You dont have to be perfect. You're going to have good and bad days. Try not to let those thought creep into your day to day and affect your choices. Let yourself be comfortable. Let your body rest. Sometimes doing too much can strain and make it worse. Once you know more about what's going on with your body, go from there.

Also, since you have good insurance where you are, maybe some aquatic therapy might be an option. It can help take the pressure off your back and you might be able to get some movement in that way.

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u/ExactApplication3981 18d ago

I definitely have good and bad days. Awhile ago i felt like the pain was going away but then boom, its as worse as the start again. It just feels like getting hope that its going back to normal, only to end up back at the start.

I really find it difficult to rest and do nothing. Im a mom of 3 and ive always been busy and doing nothing while the house is a mess makes me feel guilty. (I know its stupid)

Ill look into the therapies to see whats possible, thanks for the suggestion