Fractured rib, herniated disc, sciatica. This is awful.

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KatsMeow12
KatsMeow12 Posts: 64 Member
in Motivation and Support
First, in November, I injured my back. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc (L5) and sciatica in my left leg. It was so bad it necessitated an epidural. This was a huge setback to my exercise routine, which had been going so well. I was so proud of myself.

So after that healed, I vowed to get back on the horse. I was doing pretty well until two weeks ago when I fractured my rib in a skiing accident. I pressed on, trying to at least walk one mile each day, no matter how slowly.

Well, now I seem to have re-aggravated my herniated disc and sciatica to such a degree that I can barely stand upright, let alone walk. I'm not sure if the re-injury is a delayed reaction to the skiing incident or something else. I'm seeing my orthopedist tomorrow.

But basically, I feel defeated. I hate not being able to be active. I can tell I've put back on the weight I did such a good job losing last summer. I feel sluggish and helpless and fat. And sciatica is AWFUL. I'd rather have the fractured rib (which feels pretty okay now).

I just need to *kitten*. Pity Party for one. It hurts and it sucks to be immobile.

Replies

  • Gogohobbs
    Gogohobbs Posts: 31 Member
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    Please add me as a friend. This month I've had sciatica for 7 months. I'm in awful pain. Just had my first nerve block..
    Its miserable in my right leg and hip most of the time !
  • scolaris
    scolaris Posts: 2,145 Member
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    Ugh. I am so sorry. Feel better soon...
  • flsunshine
    flsunshine Posts: 188 Member
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    I have AS with herniated disc along with damage to my hips, knees, and ankles. I feel you on the pain. I, too, lost motivation after i broke my metacarpals in my hand.
  • TheBeachgod
    TheBeachgod Posts: 825 Member
    edited March 2016
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    Decompression treatment by a PT was the only thing that took care of my sciatica. It took about 24 sessions but when it finally worked the relief was immediate.

    lumbar3.jpg
    http://www.backclinicsofcanada.ca/sciatica-understanding-the-underlying-cause-and-relief-through-spinal-decompression/
  • janjanyesucan
    janjanyesucan Posts: 12 Member
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    Hi , please add me as a friend .. I have ongoing chronic leg/back/arm/hand pain from osteoarthritis/spondylothesis/ lumbar stenosis/cervical stenosis and walking upright is pretty difficult lol :) big hugs and hang in there..I was medically retired from a job I loved and saw my fitness activity go down from 4 gym a week/ 7 miles a day walk to almost nothing..its been hard ,very hard ..but it is what it is and I'm learning :)
    x
  • wendsg
    wendsg Posts: 668 Member
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    Yikes. Sounds familiar. I've never ruptured a disc, but have herniated discs throughout my lumbar region and have been diagnosed with DDD in L3, L4, L5 and S1. Also tore my hip to shreds two years ago - stretched ligaments that have yet to heal. Carpal Tunnel in right wrist, knee that hasn't behaved since I twisted it in High School running Cross Country, two ankles that have been broken and sprained multiple times.

    What's saved my athletic enthusiasm is swimming. Might want to give it a go. It's a great whole-body workout that can seriously kick your butt depending on how much effort you really give it. :)
  • KatsMeow12
    KatsMeow12 Posts: 64 Member
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    Thank you, guys. It helps to know others are in the same boat and that I'm not imagining this pain and discomfort. It's like the internal feeling of nails on a chalkboard. So far, Vicodin is the only thing that works. But I miss being active so badly. Immobility sucks.
  • ldashburn
    ldashburn Posts: 7 Member
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    I've had a ruptured disc L5-S1 and sciatica for 12 years. I've been through pretty much all the treatments available. The first thing I have found that actually works is a type of epidural. Its called a trans-forametal injection. Its pretty painful when its happening, but the relief is practically instant. Within 5 minutes of the injection I can walk standing up and no burning in the leg either. I was getting regular injections at least once a year. Since 2012 I've had 2 series. The last one was almost 2 years ago. I highly recommend you talk to your talk to your pain management specialist about it. I also recommend doing all the stretching exercises you can find. Yes, they will hurt (especially with a broken rib) but they need to be done every day. Hope this helps
  • KatsMeow12
    KatsMeow12 Posts: 64 Member
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    ldashburn wrote: »
    I've had a ruptured disc L5-S1 and sciatica for 12 years. I've been through pretty much all the treatments available. The first thing I have found that actually works is a type of epidural. Its called a trans-forametal injection. Its pretty painful when its happening, but the relief is practically instant. Within 5 minutes of the injection I can walk standing up and no burning in the leg either. I was getting regular injections at least once a year. Since 2012 I've had 2 series. The last one was almost 2 years ago. I highly recommend you talk to your talk to your pain management specialist about it. I also recommend doing all the stretching exercises you can find. Yes, they will hurt (especially with a broken rib) but they need to be done every day. Hope this helps

    Thank you. I have an epidural scheduled for this Wednesday. (Soonest I could get in.) I've had one before and you're right: it works wonders. I just cringe at becoming dependent on them if this is going to be a recurring thing. As soon as I'm better, I really want to focus on finding good lower back strengthening exercises.
  • ldashburn
    ldashburn Posts: 7 Member
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    Thank you. I have an epidural scheduled for this Wednesday. (Soonest I could get in.) I've had one before and you're right: it works wonders. I just cringe at becoming dependent on them if this is going to be a recurring thing. As soon as I'm better, I really want to focus on finding good lower back strengthening exercises. [/quote]

    Rowing works both the strength and flexabilty. Another one I like is good mornings. Put the weight (preferably a barbell) behind your neck. bend forward at the waist until you are parallel to the floor, hold it for 10 seconds and then return to start. Also works the flexability. Again, I can't stress enough the importance of stretching on a daily basis.

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