Random Thoughts Since Thursday

[This is just an attempt by me to catalog my experiences so I won't forget the chronology.]


Sciatica is not such a big deal.

Mine began on July 17.

A little inflammation, a little discomfort, a little medication, a little rest, a little therapy, and voila! You're good to go.

I spent a lot of time in the recliner, where I could find a couple of truly comfortable positions, helped by either ice or the heating pad.

I also found a comfortable position in bed, which was almost totally pain free.

We followed directions to the letter.

I have kept track of every pill taken since July 17.

I haven't cooked a meal or cleaned the kitchen. I have been able to do laundry. I have trouble standing.

Before the first therapy appointment I was totally off all pain meds except Tylenol for 2 1/2 days!

I was walking slowly and with a limp, but hardly any pain.

I was feeling very proud of myself. (That's what goeth before a fall, you know.)

But when we got to the therapy part, we were blind-sided by something...who knows what.

After the first therapy session I was walking slowly, assisted by a cane.

When I got home I took some pain pills just because of the jostling of the clinician's evaluation.

After the second session, I couldn't walk or stand without the cane.

The pain was worse than anything I had felt since the onset.

It's too painful for me to sit or recline for any length of time.

I can find no comfy position in either the recliner or the bed.

Walking (with the cane) is horribly uncomfortable.

When I walk into the bathroom, if no one is around, I whimper like a 4 year old (not my usual style).

I called the clinic on Friday to explain my situation, and to ask for suggestions for something I could do to help myself.

Rest, they said. Rest and call back on Monday.

I wish I could find a position really conducive to rest.

So I've been in bed all day Friday and Saturday, with one more day to go.

We have seen no improvement, not even one small improvement.

There is constant discomfort despite the pain meds.

I have totally lost my appetite.

Dick has been very watchful and helpful. He's really good at keeping me iced.

He got me a beautiful teddy bear named Fleming.

We had thought that I was far along on the road to recovery.

What the hell happened?