Monday, January 16, 2012

Pain pain go away.......

So I've had this pain in my right butt cheek--so a real pain in the ass (pun intended)--for like a year. I have difficulty with twisting my right leg to put my foot up on my knee (like you would to tie a shoe or put your socks on). And at night I have to change positions a lot because it just aches too much. It aches pretty much all the time, but when I'm lying down it seems worse.
Well, last Thursday this pain got way worse. Right before I went to bed it was shooting pains down my leg and around my knee. I couldn't put any weight on it to walk, and there was no comfortable position to sleep. I ended up taking an 800 Ibuprofen and 3 Tylenol just to get to sleep. Once that episode was over, I finally decided that I needed to see the doctor about it.
This morning was my appointment, and basically my doctor told me that he thinks I've pinched my sciatic nerve. I feel bad now. Because anytime anyone has ever told me they had a pinched sciatic nerve before, I pretty much thought it was bull. I know--so bad of me. I apologize to everyone whom I ever thought that about. I guess I deserve what I got :(
The doc also sent me to get x-rays, just to make sure that I don't have any other injuries. He said you can't be too careful and he'd really hate to misdiagnose a different problem.
But, if it is a sciatic nerve problem, basically I will probably live with this pain for the rest of my life. And it will likely get worse. He said that over-the-counter meds (like Tylenol and Ibuprofen) help, and that I need to make sure I get enough exercise. And, drum roll please, I really need to lose some weight. Ya. Knew that was coming. But it's the truth, so I'll take it.
He also scared the living crap out of me by telling me that in some cases it requires back surgery. Eeeks. I've never known anyone who had back surgery to come out of it better off than before. So that scares me. But, he said it was rare. So hopefully that's not my fate.
And, this is the same problem Shane has with his legs. Now I understand why he drinks so much. I'm not going to do that--I think that's the wrong way to handle it--but I guess I understand better now. That, on top of his crushed discs, must really kill his back and legs. And when it's cold, and he's working outside, the shivering must really do a number on him :( My poor hubby.

2 comments:

NanaConnie said...

Oh, Shell, I'm going to be praying for you. As soon as I read your first description of the symptoms, I knew exactly what it was, having suffered sciatica pain myself. Mine went away after a couple of weeks of directed exercise and readjustments from a chiropractor. But while the pain was there, it was horrendous. Personal recommendation before you consider surgery: see either a chiropractor or a DO (Osteopath, as opposed to an MD.) Surgery is not a very reliable option with the sciatic nerve. Hugs, my friend.

Sandi said...

Shell, I too feel your pain and know what you are going through. I also had it but mine too went away after a few months.My sis however had it and needed the back surgery that turned out fine now. She has no more back pain. You do what you have to I guess. Thanks for your lovely comments on my blog.
Huggs