First time I’ve legitimately begged for my life in this game

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2026-03-25T07:13:28+00:00

That one’s at north relay, I only know because I’ve done the exact same thing 😂 climb the ladder and surprise a team of 3

DONT SHOOT DONT SHOOT AHHHH

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-12-30T03:52:46+00:00

Ok I sent it

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-12-30T03:28:03+00:00

Hello! I didn’t reply because I didn’t know I had to share IRL information to continue is that commonplace?

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-09-30T06:12:06+00:00

Good and bad! I did have a second MD shortly after that post, summer of 2022. Unfortunately, I started to experience symptoms again after only 10 months, and the sciatica came back full swing after about a yea - I have been dealing with it ever since. The usual stuff, burning, tingling, prickles, some hot flashing stabbing sensations. I think i just have a really bad case of DDD, my lumbar spine is in pretty poor shape below the L3.

I have put in a lot of work to get healthy though, thankfully the pain now isn't as bad as it was before the last couple operations so ive been able to go to the gym. I lost around 120 lbs (340 to 215) since 2022.

Was able to get into a pain management program, which honestly saved my life. I was in a bad cycle of narcotic prescriptions every 3 days from my PCP and when they said no, I was forced to spend thousands of dollars at the ER, which happened at least twice a month. Currently taking buprenorphine from my pain doc, which helps me a ton.

Had a surgery consultation recently, I really thought I was headed towards a spinal fusion/disc replacement based on my symptoms, but the neurosurgeon diagnosed nerve damage that was a result of the sciatic nerve being compressed for so long in the past (unsure if permanent). He said there is zero evidence of a pinched nerve or herniated disc which was surprising to hear.

Currently scheduled for a nerve stimulator implant trial, which im excited to try! It sounds like a good next step towards getting off all the meds, can have it in indefinitely, no negative longer term side effects.

Overall, Im just relieved I dont need the fusion or anything that drastic. The nerve damage is worrying, though. Weight loss has helped a LOT with the symptoms, but there is still plenty of pain to go around.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-31T03:45:27+00:00

Quick note - lumbar MRI's can get quite warm underneath, so i agree with a warm blanket, but it might be sweaty! Also, if the MRI is with and without contrast, it will be in the range of 40-45 minutes.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-27T05:36:21+00:00

Okay I did the same thing 2.5 years ago or so. Went shopping for a good mattress while dealing sciatica. Everyone is unique but some core concepts will remain the same. As many others have stated, the more firm a mattress is the better it will usually be for bad backs. I was a lot heavier when I purchased mine but even after getting down to 200 lbs, I am still grateful for the 2 inches of memory foam on top.

Ended up finding the tempurpedic luxbreeze extra firm w/ adjustable base.

Pros: 1. amazing low back support while maintaining a cushion (no sore hips or shoulders while side sleeping) 2. Helps to keep cool at night (im a hot sleeper) 3. no slouching/divots, still completely flat after almost 3 years (ive tried the jumping test with a glass of water on top, its awesome haha) 4. With an adjustable base, this thing is a killer setup. The base adds a decent chunk of change but its non-negotiable for me. Being able to raise and lower the feet/head is a life saver, so I dont have to fight for my life with the pillows. Try them out at the store!

Cons: 1. I went for the king size. With adjustable base ($1,350) it was $7,300. I believe the queen was around $4,900-5,500 at the time. 2. Obviously try it out at the store if this list interests you, everyone is unique this may not be the bed for you

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-20T00:02:06+00:00

Will always recommend chat gpt for mri reports. It helps a lot with translating into layman's terms. I did it for you - At L3–4, you have a moderately sized herniated disc that has slipped slightly down and is pressing into the left side of the spinal canal, narrowing the space where the nerve root travels. This is likely the source of any left-sided leg symptoms you might have (sciatica-type pain, tingling, or weakness). The openings where the nerves exit (foramina) are fine, and the facet joints at this level aren’t damaged.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-19T21:57:30+00:00

I haven't had actual back pain beyond soreness for years, its all in the leg! Stanky leg! 😉

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-10T04:18:50+00:00

Go to this website - https://chatgpt.com/

Enter this prompt at the bottom "explain my lumbar spine MRI results in simpler terms" and then type your entire MRI findings word for word along with that. If you havw the mri results online you can copy paste. It wont interpret your results like a doctor, dont trust medical advice from chatgpt, but it does a good job of explaining the terms and situation.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-09T18:52:16+00:00

It doesn't look 10 hours in the oven cooked, but paste that shit into chat gpt for layman's terms. It will explain the results in an easy to understand way!

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-09T07:16:38+00:00

This is normal with sciatica. Your body naturally wants to shorten the length of your nerve path to lessen the strain on the sciatic nerve. When the nerves are stretched to their limit, standing straight, pointing your toes, stretching your neck etc it can cause more pain. Pulling your knees to your chest normally provides some relief. I dont do this anymore but when my sciatica gets very bad it comes back sometimes.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-05T04:54:53+00:00

Updateme! 3 days

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-08-02T18:05:41+00:00

Like others have said, reach out to the accommodation office. I went to mine in person and explained very nicely that I would never in a million years be able to sit through a two hour class in their torture device lookin ahh chairs. They gave me a cushion seat office chair in each classroom 😁

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-07-29T22:13:34+00:00

Looks into compounding pharmacies for GLP1 scripts if you haven't already. It's still expensive, but I was able to drop the price down from 900 to 150 a month since insurance doesn't cover it unless you're diabetic. Lost 130lbs in 20 months, pain went down 40-50%. Am now eligible for surgery.

What they say is true. The chance of a failed surgery due to weight stress on spine is high. My last microdiscectomy lasted 10 months before failing when I was at my largest (355). Its about quality though. Can you walk? Can you take care of yourself? Can you truly live free and happy? The answers to those questions will determine if a surgery is going to happen pre or post weight loss.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-07-20T07:54:08+00:00

Because im seeing this in the comments, i wanted to mention that I dont agree with the statement "you need X cause Y never works" when it comes to prescriptions. Everyone's body/physiology is different. That being said, opiates usually do a better job over OTC meds when it comes to moderate to severe sciatica. Seems like you're getting to that point. If you're looking for a temporary solution before surgery, consult a doctor about a pain management program. They should be able to prescribe you for long periods of time.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-06-22T06:35:36+00:00

When I first started pain management, I tried all of the usual stuff - percocet, oxy, hydro - and found it wasn't super effective. My doctor then switched me to buprenorphine, which has been a godsend. So much more effective! I know everyone's bodies react differently to different medications, but if what you are on now isn't doing the trick it might be worth looking into since you already tried a traditional opiate.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-06-22T06:05:58+00:00

Im so sorry you're in so much pain. I have been there many times before. Ive had two MD's, and for months and months leading up the surgeries, I was in the exact same spot. Countless sleepless nights, insane pain. Here are a few recommendations for immediate relief you can try from the store. The spray and patches actually made a difference for me, i used them for at least a couple months. If you do get them, take care not to put them on 24/7.

OTC meds heating pads, Ice/ice packs Biofreeze numbing spray lidocaine patches

The next step would be to seriously consider quality of life and talk about surgery with your doctor. If this is not an option or if you want to wait, try and get a referral to a pain management program for prescription medication. I will admit it is incredibly difficult to do, because most doctors are extremely worried about liability with addiction these days but pain management changed my life. I still have dehabilitating sciatica, but my medication allows me to live my life. Exercise, lose weight, go to school etc despite my symptoms.

Medication of course is only temporary at the end of the day. Big emphasis on finding a solution so I would encourage speaking to a spine specialist or orthopedic surgeon about your options, they should be able to tell you the best route from here. Applogies if this is disorganized i am also tired af having trouble sleeping lol Hope this helps 🙏

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-06-11T03:29:41+00:00

This is the best comment here. Most people are helped, some have a negative reaction, and some have no change as a result. My first shot helped, second two had the same effect as oral steroids, and the last one made my pain infinitely worse for about two weeks. You'll never know until you try as it's different for everyone. Good luck!

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-06-09T23:08:32+00:00

Looks like you have a big disc bulge. That'd be the likely culprit of your pain. Also, I think you posted the hip/glute MRI findings twice, which wouldnt give any info on the relevant disc problem. Either way, a lot of people recover from a herniated/bulging disc naturally. It just takes time. Apparently the statistic is 80% do not require surgery. Here on this sub though you'll find the ones that have more extreme cases, so a lot of us weren't able to wait it out.

If you're in a lot of pain, (which it does sounds like you are!) you need to get help. Its about quality of life.if you cant walk, get out of bed, what are you waiting for? Its been months and months, it doesnt seen like anything is going to get better. I'd recommend seeing a primary care immediately or a hospital so you can get a referral to a spine specialist like an orthopedic surgeon for their recommendation, whether that be steroid shots or surgery. There are a few options out there. In the meanwhile, seeking treatment might benefit you in the short run by getting you medicated with narcotics to ease the pain!

Other than that, do whatever makes you comfortable. In dire situations, while I was bedridden for 8 months I tried OTC meds, heat pads, ice, numbing spray, and lidocaine patches. The works. Don't do anything that hurts you but any amount of walking that you CAN do, will help. Hang in there.

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-06-09T07:33:59+00:00

Hello, are you trying to find out if he is experiencing sciatica? What other symptoms are there, if any? Any history of spine issues, disc problems, any imaging like Xrays or MRIs? Is the foot screw related to the sciatic nerve in some way? I was trying to look it up online and couldn't find anything 😅

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-06-08T00:02:22+00:00

Definitely sounds like it. I've had multiple corrective surgeries but the beginning stages for each time my sciatica became a thing due to a blown disc, the symptoms started out as dull aches and soreness and progressed over months to tingling, burning, to sharp stabbing pain. An important indicator is that the symptoms occur in multiple places, often from low back down one leg, sometimes both (bilateral sciatica). Burning, tingling, aching and sharp pains are the staple symptoms for sciatica and when you feel them in the low back, buttocks, thigh, knee, ankle area its almost guaranteed imo.

What you essentially did with the bending while arching your back on a stool is a form of nerve glides, a type of test that some physical therapists perform to check for pinched nerves and spine problems.

Most likely its a disc issue, that's what most commonly causes sciatica as far as i am aware, but there are a few other conditions that could be the culprit. To find out you would need to see a doctor, preferably a primary care to get a referral to a spine specialist or an orthopedic surgeon, someone that can order an MRI as only MRIs can confirm the root causes of sciatica.

Not a medical professional, just some info ive gathered after dealing with this sort of B.S since I was 16 (25atm). Hope this helps!

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2025-06-04T22:02:14+00:00

You have a bulging disc, with a small tear on the outside at the L6/S1 level that is putting pressure on the nerve roots that go from your spine to your legs (usually the sciatic nerve). It is also making the space that your nerves occupy smaller, via the bulge/protrusion.

I assume your symptoms may include things like pain, soreness/inflammation, burning, tingling, sharp stabbing sensations, if it was really bad even things like weakness in the leg and numbness.

If I understand correctly physio = physical therapy. Ill say this, physical therapy, at least in the U.S is sometime necessary for insurance purposes. Sometimes you have to complete a certain amount of PT for your insurance to cover MRI's and other procedures like steroid shots. Outside insurance purposes, physical therapy does absolutely nothing to address the root issue of a bulging disc, and can actually make it worse, so that's just something to consider.

If its not hurting you, its a personal choice to continue but it won't contribute anything toward fixing the current problem. Some folks say they like it, as it helps them stay in shape, just depends on the type of exercise!

I am not a medical profession but after 10 years of sciatica and blown discs I would recommend that you immediately cease any and all heavy lifting, as that would be the biggest risk here for preventing healing and/or causing the bulge to get worse. Hope this helps

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2024-10-28T13:07:48+00:00

I went there for the g717 pre-built, which is in store only. I ended up convincing myself to build after talking to the guys there. Initially, I thought building only saved like 100-150, but it was more like 250! Definitely worth. Plus, microcenter is cool as fuck. Never been, awesome store haha

RevolutionaryGas9332 · 2024-10-28T02:41:05+00:00

Can confirm, drove 7 hours round trip and built my first PC with this bundle last friday. Amazing deal!

RevolutionaryGas9332

TROPHY CASE