ShortorderCook62 Loc: Grand Junction, Colorado

Well fellow stagers, as you suggested got up Monday morning about 6 am. Let out the cat and dog while the Kurig was brewing my coffee. As I reported have been using a walker since Sunday afternoon. Well got to my recliner and my back would not let me sit back, only on front leaning forward. Woke wife up and told her to get dressed we were going to ER. At the hospital by 7 am. Long story short doctor says I have sciatica. Lumbar radio somthin or other. Says it is common that after a lumbar fusion (L4/L5 on 5/12/2022) the disc above will cause problems due to now working overtime. The L3 bulged disc ruptured in 2019 causing severe nerve damage to right hip and leg. Now it seems it has done the same to left hip and leg. Got appt with my spine surgeon on Tues 8/29. Seeing PCP this afternoon to plan pain management until then. ER only prescribed prednisone thru tomorrow. Had to sit on front edge of chairs all day leaning on right elbow to take pressure off left hip. Long day! Iced hip/leg well before bed and slept well until 6 am. Got up to pee and found the left knee was now painful and wanting to collapse. Rolled on Biofreeze from hip to knee and laid in bed 'til 7 am. Brewed my coffee and found I could sit in my recliner with a fat pillow behind me. Major improvement. Sitting with heating pad on hip/ leg/ knee has given some relief. Still if I move wrong it feels like getting stabbed in the hip.

Appreciate your prayers getting thru this. Wife has been really confused of late with worrying about me and disturbed rest. The alzheimers is really confusing her when her routine is changed. Son and granddaughter helping but they work so have limited time. Granddaughter brought over a bunch of microwave meals and snacks so we dont have to cook much. Thanks, all for your prayers and advice.

Randy

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Good luck Randy, and prayers for relief and a quick resolution. I hope they can correct it without too much discomfort. Prayers for your wife as well.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I’ll be praying for you, Randy. I know just what you’re going through with the sciatica and back fusion. I’ve had the same, except L3/L4 ( one lower). My orthopedic Dr. told me the same thing about the disc above and below wearing out sooner, due to extra work.
There are some simple stretching exercises that will really help relieve the sciatic nerve pain. Ask your orthopedic doctor or check Google. If you can’t get them, I’ll try to copy and send them to you. Just let me know…

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

RANDY,
Here is a video that has several exercises for sciatic pain relief. I couldn’t find the paper I used with illustrated exercises, but the one that worked VERY well for me is the last one on this video: standing up next to a wall or doorway with your painful leg OUT/AWAY from the wall/door. Try it - it worked wonders for me!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pim88_Sce_Y

ShortorderCook62 Loc: Grand Junction, Colorado

thanks Randy. Will try them.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

I'll keep you and your wife in my prayers Randy. Hope you're able to find relief somehow.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

So sorry to hear this. Praying for your relief and your wife's as well.

HBM

Prayer from NC. Bobby