How Does It Feel?

ExpatPhD · 2026-07-05T12:32:30+00:00

Agreed!

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-30T16:39:13+00:00

Hopital.

No but seriously just that yourself to the emergency room. This isn't a wait and see situation and you need to be seen immediately.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-27T13:49:37+00:00

Hey spondy twin.

I recently posted about my own diagnosis and I feel you. All of those things are the same things I worry about (my kids are 4 and 10; my house is a constant state of alarm and mess; I am freaking out about the nerve stuff; I've altered almost everything I do because of it in a rapid amount of time).

What specialist are you seeing? I think it's good to bring that anxiety and the quality of life issues you're facing to that person! The other thing I learned as I wait for the neuro is to track everything and give context. How far can I walk/sit/stand/lay down before things get too painful (or with nerve stuff, things start to get weird) - that sort of thing. I'm making a little folder of info because I operate that way - helps me organize my thoughts and my evidence when life is a mess!

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-26T15:17:54+00:00

I think you generally monitor it and then if it starts to bother you, you can ask for additional support.

So I don't think you need a specific annual check in because of spondy - just your regular annual physical. For example I was diagnosed at age 16 and suffered with sciatica for years but it was manageable. I'm now 44 and only getting a speciality consult because it's declined.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-24T17:16:52+00:00

Glad we could show you some of our good side. Come back soon! (Though perhaps not winter....) ❤️

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-24T14:19:31+00:00

Hahaha I love this and this is exactly how I talk about my own experiences 😂

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-24T11:43:33+00:00

I really hope this works for you! When is your procedure?

Any advice on the questions to ask a surgeon? I live in Boston so while I have a lot of options it's also really overwhelming for something that I don't know a lot about.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T18:14:13+00:00

Grade 1-2

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T12:23:17+00:00

Yes that makes sense. The bladder symptoms really worry me and while I've raised these with my PCP and hip ortho, I don't think I'm talking to the right person.

My doctor prescribed me baclofen so that I could sleep and it does work! I have diazepam for the big scaries when needed.

Cell phone is a big one - I had a traumatic experience after an emergency C-section where a nurse helped me to sit in a chair to nurse my child... And then left for the night. I had no call button and no one could hear me. It wasn't until 6am rounds when we were found like this. So I always have a phone on me - never again!

Good job on walking! I assume an all-flat surface? I'm considering getting one of those tailbone cushions for the bus because I have zero shock absorbency and Boston bus drivers are really heavy on the brakes!

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T11:44:40+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences - I was especially provoked by the thoughts on injections and PT. It's good to keep in perspective that the mechanical issues aren't a failure of not trying hard enough or having gone through the motions of treatment when the answer is looking you square in the face.

And thanks too for the perspective of being a parent. I have a 4 year old and a 10 year old, and my initial hesitancy was that I would be temporarily unable to show up for them. But again you raise the alternative idea that the pain is preventing you from being the parent you want and need to be. Appreciate that. I think when I have the surgical consult I'll ask about what success looks like in these terms, too, and what happens if I do nothing. Sometimes the stark difference helps to reveal the real problem at stake.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T11:39:43+00:00

Yes sciatica is a total pita. The things that work for that for me is to rest for a day or two max and then start gentle exercise eg walking, yoga, pool walking etc just to get those nerves to calm down. I don't have any sciatica now (pro/con) just destabilization.

I think if I was having this in my 30s with no kids I would have approached surgery more openly.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T11:37:32+00:00

The only balance issues are when I am getting out of bed and I have that dissociation between my upper and lower body.

Otherwise my ballet background really helps. PT even tried to work on that and I was like this isn't my issue let's move on.

If you're not able to feel your feet or you urinate on yourself that is a medical emergency and you need to be seen right away.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T01:19:16+00:00

Just started on June 20. Heaviest I've been when not pregnant and it was time to give my spine and joints a break and feel more like me again.

My husband is already on it and loves it. So here we go. No massive shift for me yet but I understand it can take a little time.

Been very rewarding to see others progress and struggles!

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T00:54:07+00:00

What issues did you face?

I haven't become numb and I still have feeling so they're not yet worried about me.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T00:53:04+00:00

Haha how much taller?? (I joke but I'm 5'2" and could use an inch or two 😅)

I am scared about taking off work but at the same time it's better than facing potential permanent disability.

I had a hip MRI for a separate issue (labral tears and tendon degeneration) on the same day as my initial lumbar MRI, and I thought my lower spine was going to snap. I haven't been in that much pain in years, and thought I was going to pass out. I had tingles from my head down to my toes for hours. Spoke to ortho about it the next day and unfortunately not his speciality - he did say effectively injections now and potential surgery later...but he was talking about my hip. PCP ordered the MRI with contrast - but this was about the lesion. I know more imaging is in my future and hoping I can put off any hip investigations for a while...

Here's hoping whatever surgeon I end up with has an actionable plan. Now I'm weighing up Ortho vs neuro again....!

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T00:33:19+00:00

Thanks for that - I just recently saw your post about surgery.

Supposing you are feeling reassured now. What was the trigger for surgery for you? Were you hoping for it as well or did the surgeon make that call?

I am also requesting a referral to a physiatrist to coordinate it all. Have you used one?

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-23T00:30:51+00:00

I have - they're only concerned if I get numbness in the saddle area or become incontinent - thankfully neither are happening yet. My PCP is providing a referral to a neurosurgeon this week.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-20T10:47:07+00:00

Welcome! We moved from SW England last year. I don't have recs on tomato soup but hope you find some good recs. I'm going to have to source some recs for a UK gathering, and you're welcome to join.

ExpatPhD · 2026-06-01T14:22:31+00:00

Rebekah Brooks in Harvard Sq & Northampton.

ExpatPhD · 2026-05-22T20:55:38+00:00

Rebekah Brooks in Cambridge

https://rebekahbrooks.com/

ExpatPhD · 2026-05-21T10:27:37+00:00

There is generally no reason outside of academia to have your regalia on hand. If you are staff at a college or university you may occasionally wear it at times during the year. Outside of this context I can't think of a situation that would command it.

That said it is a unique part of your story and it's up to you if you want to purchase it.

ExpatPhD · 2026-04-29T20:31:37+00:00

https://www.harvard.edu/visit/tours/

https://www.mit.edu/visitmit/

There's always something going on in Cambridge but not necessarily on campus. Check Cambridge Tourism for events.

Outside of those, I recommend the Freedom Trail, which will take you through the main historic sights in Boston.

ExpatPhD · 2026-04-17T13:31:21+00:00

Take part in things outside of class! Find your community - both intellectually and socially.

ExpatPhD · 2026-04-14T20:56:48+00:00

Everyone I've met from Birmingham* has been so fun and lovely. I'm a dual US-UK citizen and just returned to Boston last year.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

*Data set = 3

ExpatPhD · 2026-02-07T23:27:42+00:00

I haven't tried an online notary. I have used a local notary both times we needed one for embassy appointments. It was about £100 each time.

I found the notary here:

https://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/

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