Newbie

[wwewlclt]

Hi there

Was looking on the internet and came across this website, i thought that i was the only one in the world going through this pain. I have had this now for many years and last year was admitted to hospital because of the severer pain, i was given a epidural and mri scan which diagnoised 2 prolapsed lumbar disc and 1 disc had disappeared as they say, thus the 2 prolapsed discs causing the sciatica. they packed me off from hospital after 10 days and told me i would be fine!. Here we are now over a year later where i am awaiting my results from my 2nd mri scan (this week i hope). I am 33 years old and the medication i am on is enough to sink a battle ship, Tramadol, co-codamol, naproxen and diazepam, and antibiotics for a water infection brought on as i am unable to go to the toilet (to much info lol). Please can someone tell me that there is light at the end of the tunnel as i have that much time of work with the pain and being unable to walk that they have demoted me from my job and now im worries is that as i live on my own and have the operation that what is going to happen to me. what does this opertion involve and what is the recovery time as i cant afford to be having to much time off work because of sick pay (6 weeks full pay). At this present moment i am feeling like it is the end of the world and have lost my personality and im feeling very down. Sorry if i have depressed you all but i woould like to hear from anyone whom has been through this and there seems to be plenty of you out there, just a little bit of support and positive thinking passed my way would be amazing, then i can start to get my life back on track. Many thanks Sarah x

 

[Girly Man]

Hi Sarah,

There is definatey light at the end of the tunnel. Long term pain is something that drains all hope out of us. Medication at best only seems to bring temporary relief.

Without going into a long list of my medical history, I've damaged my back through motor cycle accidents, have a short leg due to compound fractures, and broken many other bones.

I went through a time where the sciatica was so painful, I could hardly walk. Perhaps I'm stubborn but I don't like to give into anything. I was in my mid 30s, and my brain still felt like is was in my 20s. So I decided to do what I can.

First to deal with pain, I learnt through breathing, relaxation and meditation that I could minimize pain the more I relaxed. That lifted my spirits enough to allow me to think about what I could do to stop the damage. So I started work on my posture, diet, lifestyle, etc.

Now I do karate, and don't suffer from sciatica at all. I'm in my 50th year and I'm probably fitter now than I was at 30.

So yes there is light at the end of the tunnel, but without sounding too harsh, you need to take the responsibility for your back and take control. There's lots of good information on the internet, and lots of good links of NHS direct.

Namaste,
Myarka

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi Sarejane

Best of luck with your MRI results. At least with an MRI, you will (hopefully) know for sure what you are dealing with.

What sort of operation are they talking with you about? Is it a discectomy?? If so, you will find a lot of useful information on the 'After the Discectomy' thread from those of us who have been through that particular procedure.

It is disappointing to hear that your workplace has not been supportive of you through this difficult time. Unfortunately, many people have similar experiences with their employers being unsupportive or downright difficult... The financial cost of 1) having an operation and 2) the time you have to take off work if you aren't paid can have a huge impact. I empathise with you.

Best of luck to you, I hope that there are some answers for you soon.

 

[King Hippo]

Hi Sarejane,

So sorry to hear of your current situation, and understand about the needing time off and not being able to afford it.
Maybe its worth finding out if your employers will be paying you statutory sick pay, i am on that at the moment, and as you are living alone, you may be able to get a top up from income support, then be eligible for help with rent from housing benefit. Possibly even then, council tax benefit.

I hope this helps from the financial side of things, and hope you get your scan this week.
Best wishes,
Ali x

 

[Ted X]

Hi Sarajane

Listen to Mycara she sounds (and am I sure is ) a wise lady. By taking responsibility for yourself you will discover a whole new wonderful world.

I would also recomend trying to see a complementary therapist I know that money may be an issue but if there if there is any way you can raise some cash then do so - if you have a birthday coming up see if you can get anyone to buy you vouchers or pay for some treatments.

The reason for this is that whilst the medical profession may be able to work wonders on your condition - a complementary therapy will be able to work wonders on the rest of you - body, mind and spirit and any therapy you choose will work alongside the medical treatments. I often find that the two working together can be greater than the sum of their individual parts.

If this is not possible I would use the web/library or any other source you can find to learn some relaxation techniques these too will work wonders and help you through this challenging time in your life.

I am very happy and willing to send you some Reiki (no charge) if you would like me to then feel free to contact me and we will arrange it and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about Reiki, I do quite alot of distance Reiki and I know it can be a bit of a mind bender to get your head around if you don't know much about Reiki.

wishing you all the best and good progress whatever you choose to do

Lou xxx