please keep your fingers crossed for me :/

buckeyegirl

buckeyegirl

Cathlete
Good morning all,

It's been a while since I've posted about my back problems, but I do in fact have a lumbar herniated disc. I've had such a trial since early April - started with intense low back pain- virtually debilitating. It actually subsided with PT and oral cortisone. My more recent issues are sciatic pain across my butt and numbness down my left leg and foot - sciatica secondary to disc. I was set up for a cortisone epidural this am to lessen the inflammation at the nerve root but we rescheduled for next week since I am showing some improvement, albeit slow. I don't even know if I want to do the injection - I worry so much about side effects and potential risks and those affecting our trip too. Don't know what to do!!

Good news: pain is better, I am more mobile, dr's think I'll respond to therapy and surgery is definitely the last resort

Bad news: we have our much anticipated family trip to Yosemite in 2 weeks. I am so scared that I won't be able to make it. I'm trying to remain positive and now that even if we do go, we'll have to tailor the trip more to my needs (less strenuous hikes, more low key)

It's all been so depressing. I eat well and exercise and this shit happens to me. Not fair! Who knows if I'll ever be able to run again...

Just venting- thanks for listening. Just keep me in your prayers that I'll be able to go and enjoy myself and our trip. We've been so excited about this trip out west!

Thanks,
Heidi
 
Sorry you are dealing with this Heidi!!! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that your trip goes well. Keep us posted!
 
(((Heidi)))

My youngest sister is dealing with back issues that sound similar to yours. Her passion is gardening and landscaping, so that's certainly been a challenge!

Don't stress about your trip! That'll only make it worse. Do what you can, and enjoy the surroundings! (((more hugs)))
 
Get the shot! Get the shot!

Heidi,

I'm so sorry about your pain and I hope everything heals quickly! Without going into great detail, I've been dealing with a low back issue for 14 months! Bulged disc and narrowing in my spial canal at my L4-L5. My pain is also located in my butt, leg, and foot and calf, oh and that dang sciatica! Mine is all on my right side. I waited 3 months before agreeing to a cortisone epidural; mostly because sometimes I did think things were improving. I wish I could go back in time and get that shot right away! The first cortisone shot I got was so helpful and brought immediate relief. Wouldn't have been able to do the Cathe RT without it!! With the exception of being a little tender in the location of where the needle went, I didn't have any side effects; just a lot of pain relief :) I just got another one a couple weeks ago and it improved my symptoms immensely.

Of course this was my experience with the cortisone shot and I'm not a doctor- tho' I am WebMd certified ;)LOL

I'll keep you in my prayers for your trip and that you'll get complete relief soon!
 
epidural

I have the problem with 4 of my discs in my neck.. I have gone for the epidural, what an improvement. I have been almost pain free for about a year. You can have the epidural under a local, I know my pain management doctor does it either way. I had it done in the office as I do not like being put out.
Good luck in whatever you decide, but if you chose the epidural the pain relief (if it works on you) will be almost immediate.

Karen
 
Oh no! Back pain is so debilitating. It is like having a migrain, . . it just prevents you from doing anything. I'm so sorry you are going through this. Sending you ((hugs)).
 
Heidi, I am so sorry you are going through this. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I hope and pray that you get better and are able to enjoy your trip with your family ((hugs))
 
Thanks for you replies and support. I have decent days - weirdly enough, days that I'm at work and on my feet most of the day. I do my best to do no lifting at ALL - have all my techs lift the dogs/restrain, etc. Clients have been very understanding about my limitations.

I also appreciate your experiences of the cortisone injection. The way my bad karma's been going, I just fear some weird side effect or complication just before our trip. So, as long as I'm hanging in there and slowly improving, I will hold off for now. From what research I have done, there are those it helps tremendously and those it does absolutely nothing for. I also worry about weight gain - some people gain 15-20 pounds due to the water retention - yikes!

This does suck, but I'm doing my best to remain positive (hard for me:confused:) and optimistic about our trip!

Thanks everyone!
Heidi
 
Heidi - Sounds like positive news at least! Try to focus on enjoying yourself on your trip instead of what you may or may not be able to do! You'll be with your family and on vacation! You still have 2 weeks and you may continue to improve!

In the meantime, I'll send you prayers and healing energy!
 
Hugs!!!! I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. Please know that we care and are all pulling for you.
 
Heidi, I will def keep you in my thoughts & prayers. I hope you get relief very soon and wishing you a good time on your vacation. (hoping you get to go!) keep us posted. BIG HUGS!
 
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