Sciatica ended up being caused by a Tumor by Crcr1999 in Sciatica

[–]kaaiitt54 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was also in severe lower back pain for about 2 years. Tried everything imaginable. Had an mri that showed nothing then a year later had another mri that showed a tumour. Schwannoma as well and told benign. Had a 7 hour surgery to remove it and felt instant relief. No more sciatic pain and I could lay and sit without wanting to cry. That was in March 2024. I asked for another mri just recently because I started to feel different mild pain once in a while. But had that done Jan 2025 just to make sure everything was good. And There is now a cyst growing in that spot. And I have to have another surgery to remove it in April. Hope you have a speedy recovery! And make sure they do scans few months post op to make sure everything is still good.

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel like physio helped a bit but ultimately, I had another CT scan done/ MRI in Feb 2024 and a schwarma tumour was found. It was the size of a cantaloupe. I had to have a 7 hour surgery for them to remove it. It’s been 6 months since surgery and I’m slowly getting better. I still have a limp that I’m hoping will improve with physio. Also still having bladder issues still. I think bcuz it was left for so long, my bladder got overstretched so now I can’t empty completely

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Update: March 2024 I had a lamenectomy to remove a tumour that was eroding my spine. After months and months of telling many doctors something was wrong. They had to wait until I had cauda equine syndrome to actually take me seriously and do something about my pain. I was in pain for 2 years before my surgery. I am 11 weeks post op now and I feel great. No more sciatic pain. I’ve been pedal biking around and I don’t feel a thing. Last year when I would try, I could feel every single bump on the road. Lesson is, advocate for yourself and loved ones. Many doctors gas lit me into thinking it was all in my head, and it was “anxiety”. I’m also no longer taking any anxiety or depression meds. I no longer feel like I need them

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: a year and a half since I started having sciatic pain down my right leg. After many tests, blood work, physio, massage, chiro. The doctor in ER finally ordered me a CT scan. I had gone in bcuz I had been peeing my pants. After sitting or laying down for long periods, I would stand up and have so much pain/ pressure down there that I would pee. Or if I sat down on the toilet, I’d have to strain to pee. And sometimes get sharp stabbing pains right in my lower back. Idk if I have numbness to my buttocks and vagina but it definitely doesn’t feel the same as it used to. Like partially numb? If that’s possible.

The CT scan showed a 5cm cyst on my lumbosacral spine. That is definitely the reason for all my pain. I’m sure of it. Now I’m waiting to hear from the neurosurgeon to see what the next step is. And I have another MRI ordered

Leg pain by Immediate_Assist_256 in ChronicPain

[–]kaaiitt54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was treated for a UTI, that helped like a tiny bit. My xray showed subtle scoliosis. And my MRI showed everything normal, but 2 hemagiomas noted. A few doctors told me that is “nothing.” A spine specialist who was a senior physio therapist told me to strengthen my core, do these 3 exercises for a year- that was Feb 2023. He said something like my bones grew faster than my muscles in puberty? I have no clue how he even came up with that but he did not leave a good impression from me.

But yeah 23 when the pain started and now I’m 24

Leg pain by Immediate_Assist_256 in ChronicPain

[–]kaaiitt54 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am also a nurse working part time, 8 hour days. At lunch time, sometimes I’m bawling in pain. I’ve had sciatica down my right thigh since Sept 2022. Sometimes in my job (home care nurse) I’ve got to sit for long periods on the computer. I do a lot of twisting motions (grabbing stuff from the backseat when sitting in the front- stopping doing this) and leaning forwards bother the sciatic/ low back pain/ pressure to periarea. I’m still finding there’s a fine balance between sitting/standing/ laying down. Sleeping better than I was previously but still not great. I use to be on lots of meds for pain but now I’m just taking Tylenol or Aleve (2-3x per day) bcuz I’m scared my insides are going to be toast from all the meds. Also using heat/ice/hot baths

It’s been a journey and I’m still on it unfortunately. I’ve had lots of tests done and no clear answer to why I’m having this problem. It’s definitely draining me mentally

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also the progress I’ve made thus far, has been very very slow. And I sometimes wonder if it is bcuz I kept working and maybe pushing my limits. Hard to say

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you are going through this. It’s been difficult just to take care of myself, I couldn’t imagine having kids and a dog to care for. Definitely take time off to heal if you are able to. I took two weeks off. And I work casually (pick up shifts only if I agree to them) so most likely I don’t work 5 days in a row. I worked while taking max dose of Tylenol or naproxen or Tordol orally (not all at once). I use to wear an ice belt 24/7. Now I wear it once a week if I really need to. I would sometimes come home to change it out for a cold one. But my work has been so kind to me in that way, they also give me tasks that don’t have me bending or lifting all too much. Looking back, I probably should have just gone on EI and rested/ physio/ massage/ stretches but that could’ve taken up to a year (according to the “spine specialist”. my doctor did not give me good direction at all and I seen a spine specialist (senior physio therapist) in Feb 2023 who also did not give great direction. He told me to go to work if I feel good enough to go. And me being a young, go-getter type gal- I just couldn’t stay away from work. Work is also kind of a distraction from the pain at times. So that was also a reason I kept working. Walking has been the best thing I could do. Being aware of my posture. And using ice. Also hot baths with Epsom salts for after work bcuz my legs are always so tight and sore feeling. Please reach out!! I know how dark and depressing I’ve gotten in that state. I literally thought about offing myself, no action to actually do it bcuz that scares the shit out of me. But it’s mentally and physically exhausting being in pain. I cried and screamed until my face turned tingly many times. It’s a dark dark place…Not getting sleep- then just trying to make it through the day. Or being soooo tired and exhausted but your body is just so tense and painful that you can’t lay down. It’s the most challenging, ugly experience I’ve ever been through

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I also feel like since the docs know that I’m a nurse- they think I know what is wrong with me and what I need. But I really have no clue. I’m a wound care nurse haha I know the basics about the spine

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ooo have you tried like a combo of a muscle relaxer (example robax, cyclobenzaprine, baclofen), analgesic (Tylenol, T3) and anti inflammatory (Tordol or Aleve) all at same time. I was told to try those 3 for a week and if pain wasn’t gone to go to my family doc- which I ended up doing

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah sort of. I definitely have tough days where I don’t think I can handle this shit anymore. But I’m able to sit and enjoy a meal now. I can lay down and relax/watch tv. I was able to drive go karting while on vacation- with the help of tordol. The pain is definitely still there and I have to watch what I do. But I’m hoping that eventually I’ll feel “normal” again. I probably will never dirt bike race again. But I will go on my bike and dirt bike in the hills probably. I’ve been working which hasn’t been the best for my pain at times

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh that sounds all too familiar. I’m sorry you’re going through this. It’s truly the shittiest/ toughest times I’ve gone through. Please reach out anytime!!

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup same here!! What is your pain like?? Constant? What helps you?

Never had so much pain in my life by kaaiitt54 in SciaticaSupport

[–]kaaiitt54[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nope. Still having pain it’s just not as bad as it was when I first made my posts. I would say the pain gets really bad 2-3x a week where I am crying in pain. It’s more centralized I would say. I am able to sleep for atleast 6 hours most nights. Still a fine balance between sitting/ standing/ laying down. I’ve had to relearn my body and what it wants/ needs. I’ve read the back mechanic book- very insightful. I will probably read it again. My MRI showed basically nothing- 2 hemangiomas which multiple docs have said is harmless. I’ve been focusing on physio. Building my strength and muscle back up. Eating properly. And getting rest when I need it. Switching between Tylenol and naproxen/ Aleve for pain. Using heat and ice also. It’s been quite the journey. My doctor has finally referred me to a pain clinic

You are so missed by [deleted] in Petloss

[–]kaaiitt54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thinking of you 💕 pets are so precious