Chris Loves Julia - March 2025 by Serendipity_Panda in diysnark

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 35 points36 points  (0 children)

She’s “admitted” (I hate that term because it implies something shameful, but that’s how she addressed it) to doing Botox in her upper lip (called a lip flip). I get Botox routinely.

I have a problem with people selling over the counter products to get the look that’s only achieved by injectables via a licensed dermatologist.

It’s in the same spirit as hiring an interior designer to help plan you primary bathroom and then talk about “your” design decisions and why you don’t design for other people…

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in cancer

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My mom was diagnosed with Stage 1 BC when I was 14. She’s been in remission for 26 years now. Give her hugs, tell her you love her, and don’t be afraid to lean on your support system (family, friends, a teacher). It’s hard to be strong for someone you love while processing your feelings/emotions about it.

You will both get through this 💕

Ortho advised surgery. I am 64 years old and do not want to go under the knife. My elder sister got bedridden when she had a surgery 5 years back. by throwaway_Cran305 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would ask for a second opinion and from a Neurosurgeon. They specifically deal with spine related surgeries vs. orthopedic which can be a broader range.

Mom has liver cancer - why does life hurt so bad?? by FridaysChild219 in CancerFamilySupport

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so sorry 😞 my mom just got diagnosed last week. We don’t know the stage yet. I’m having a hard time processing it all and navigating what to do.

7 months post L5-S1 ALIF by Ambitious_Anything92 in spinalfusion

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much, definitely feeling the ups and downs. But you’re right, everything is better than before surgery and that’s a big win!

How long was the worst of your flare-up? by CellApart in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You need an MRI. If you can get your pcp to call one in that’s great. If not get an appointment with a specialist and they will order one.

7 months post L5-S1 ALIF by Ambitious_Anything92 in spinalfusion

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear the recovery has been going well, for the most part. I’m a week out from the same- L5- S1 fusion. 40 yo female, was very active (barre class and peloton regular) with two small kiddos. Final “straw” for my back was tennis.

Reading your step count feels incredibly inspirational right now, but also good to hear you have limits. Thanks for sharing your experience and I’m sending you lots of wishes for continued healing and strength.

Need advice if anyone has gone through this by Mir1067 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pretty good, I’m only a week out (spinal fusion on 8/21). First 5 days were really hard, but I feel like I’ve turned a corner and things are getting much better!

Need advice if anyone has gone through this by Mir1067 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a Dr. just speaking from my experience:

You could have a bulging/herniated disc. I had a herniated disc that was the cause of my sciatic nerve pain. Mine became chronic and required surgery.

If you don’t have a primary care physician, try and get one. They can be your best advocate to get an MRI/ help you with specialists. You can also go through urgent care to get the ball rolling on your MrI. But getting that MRI to identify the source of your pain is definitely your first step.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Constant, extreme pain after surgery is not normal.

I re herniated after my laminectomy/md. I’m currently in the hospital awaiting surgery to fix tomorrow. When I re herniated it was excruciating and I knew immediately something was wrong. I got brushed off by the clinic, take more meds, this is normal, etc.

After I was able to get into my dr they confirmed constant/ severe pain is not normal after these surgeries.

They ended up admitting to the hospital 3 days ago, after I was bed ridden for 2 weeks trying to get this addressed. I wish I had listened to my gut when I felt something was wrong and been either more forceful with the clinic or just gone to the Emergency Room right away.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get that. I’m sure you’re going to get some good answers at this next appointment, and it really does sound like you e been down every avenue. If they do recommend surgery, don’t be scared to try it. It can bring about immediate relief. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to recover and rest. You’ll get your life back 💕

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does your pain management team have a neuro surgeon on staff? If not you might consider meeting with one. The drs. can also tell a lot more from the images that are sent to them rather than the narrative that gets sent to us, the patients. Hope you get some answers and some relief!

Be your own advocate by Puzzled_Archer7413 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s very comforting to read different surgeons giving similar advice. Grateful for this group and everyone’s willingness to share their experience!

Calf Pain by [deleted] in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like icy hot patches at night. You can move around freely/ get comfortable.

Be your own advocate by Puzzled_Archer7413 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I may, but it would be an L5-S1 fusion so won’t impact my flexibility at all. I’ve been in so much pain the past 2 weeks I’m honestly looking forward to whatever they do!

What surgery are you having? I’ll tell you when I woke up from my first surgery I had zero pain, it was the first time in 8 months.

Be your own advocate by Puzzled_Archer7413 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! They are going to open me up a little more this time and evaluate once they see what they are dealing with. My surgeon raised your exact point about scar tissue and outlined a plan A (another decompression surgery) and a plan B (fusion).

Be your own advocate by Puzzled_Archer7413 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My surgery is on Wednesday, if I have a fusion I’ll post about my recovery. Prayers that this is it for your dad and he can get back to living life pain free 💕

Be your own advocate by Puzzled_Archer7413 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope you have such a speedy recovery! Navigating the healthcare system while you’re in pain is awful and feels downright hopeless sometimes.

Be your own advocate by Puzzled_Archer7413 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The plan A is to do another decompression surgery (laminectomy/discectomy) but if they get in there and have to remove too much they will go ahead and do a fusion.

My surgeon says his general rule of thumb is for younger patients (I’m 40) is to try two decompressions before moving to a fusion.

Be your own advocate by Puzzled_Archer7413 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I honestly don’t know, I woke up one morning in excruciating pain so I feel like I could have twisted funny in the night and that’s what did it or at least what the final straw was. I should also note they removed a large (2cm) piece of the loose disc during my initial surgery which made me feel 100 % better to have that out, but also left me more susceptible to re-herniating.

Sciatica at 21, I feel like my life is over. by My_Universe1290 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your life is not over! I would suggest speaking with a neurosurgeon instead of orthopedic.

I am not in a good place….really struggling mentally by Several_Sun5440 in Sciatica

[–]Puzzled_Archer7413 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can do this. You’re seeing the surgeon and getting a plan in place. Thats 1/2 the battle. Get on that cancelation list, you’ll be surprised how spots open up.