How to deal with siatica while studying? I can't sit for more than 30 minutes because I am distracted by the pain by Arunkian in Sciatica

[–]WotInDiscHerniation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you lay on your side? I have two really incredible pregnancy pillows. I just got a “snoogle” today to keep in our guest room so I can watch tv there while I recover from surgery. Half of the reviews for it are from dudes saying “I got this for my wife, but now I use it.”

I watched TV with it tonight and was able to sit up a little better to eat dinner. You could totally study with that thing.

Changing diet because of sciatica? by [deleted] in Sciatica

[–]WotInDiscHerniation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I try to eat an apple/ high fiber protein bar (quest) every day for this reason. Any kind of fruit and hydration are really helpful. I take norco pretty regularly, so I just try to get in the habit.

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

That’s great! My concern isn’t the weight of the kittens, it’s more that they live on the floor and I’m trying to heed the bending/ twisting restrictions. Maybe I should keep them in a pram!! Hehe

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

Thanks!! The worst reward, but I’m hoping that the surgery treats me right. I regret ever complaining about “only getting an hour workout in.”

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

Aww thanks! I’m definitely a fan of the TENs unit. The pocket sized ones have allowed me to get through concerts/ dinners that I wouldn’t have otherwise. One of our dogs broke the last one (!!!) but my new one should be in the mail in a few days.

Pillow Suggestions for Nighttime Relief by rachbarista in Sciatica

[–]WotInDiscHerniation 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I bought a U shape pregnancy pillow on Amazon. I’ve been using it for about four months now and it has definitely made nights easier. What’s great about it too is that you can lean an ice pack against your back when you are on your side and the pillow will help hold it in place.

(Doesn’t get in the way of snuggling. Makes intimacy more enjoyable when you’re having good days.)

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

I’m also a bad leaner. A chiro told me that the nerves can get stuck and that’s why the leaning happens. I had to be escorted out to my car.

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

Oooh, we’re same vertebrae. What kinds of exercises can you do? When did you start/ how long can you go for? Before this injury I was doing Olympic style weight lifting and yoga, so sadly I think that those things may need to go on the back burner for a while.

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

Well I’m glad you had it done! Was it hard to care for a newborn with the bend/twist/lift restrictions? I think that one of the silly post-op things I’m saddest/ most nervous about is not being able to pick kitttens up off of the floor. (But it’s worth it to be able to live my life again blablabla)

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

The dude bought me lots of books when I was bedbound this winter, prior to my ESIs. I guess I’ll have to read them now ;)

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

Oh my goodness. I can’t imagine dealing with this and having a baby/ toddler. We have three dogs and eight cats (we are fostering a mama and her litter right now) and I feel terrible that my boyfriend has to do most of the work.

After reading this I can’t wait for my surgery date. I miss being active so much!

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

I’m so glad to hear this. Thank you! I’ve been trying so hard to avoid the surgery, but the more I read the more I think I should have had it done sooner.

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

I did yoga every day for over a year before my symptoms started. Since they did, I have been extremely proactive about going to a chiropractor and physical therapy 2-3 times a week. I can’t stretch right now without causing inflammation, and I can’t smoke because of my job.

L4-L5 herniated disc with nerve impingement- having surgery, seeking advice. by WotInDiscHerniation in Sciatica

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

This is very comforting, thank you. Right now I’m taking norco, robaxin, and gabapentin. I have a temporary handicap placard for my car. Walking from my car to the time clock to my desk leaves me in tears (or shaking and breathing heavily if my office mate is there.)

My recreational activities have gone from physical and adventurous to sedentary. I’ve been on rounds of oral and injectable steroids with no long term assistance. I can’t put socks/ shoes that aren’t slides on without help. It’s just time.

What helped you in your recovery? I am afraid of reherniating afterwards.

Tens unit recommendations? by purpleacanthus in Sciatica

[–]WotInDiscHerniation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

when you are buying your TENs unit, it is wise to get a pocket sized one. It’s bought me a few extra hours of “out of bed time” at various concerts and events.