I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

bluedahlia

Crap Barbara!  Osteoarthritis sucks but its better than the alternative!  Isn't that sad that our minds think like that.  Nothing worse than back pain!

BarbaraA

Yes, Anne & Blue, I looked up causes of sciatica and they are:

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Spondylolisthesis

Piriformis syndrome 

Spinal tumors. 

Trauma. 

The first four I don't want and the last one didn't happen to me.  So which of the first four is it? I guess an orthopod is in my future because the stupid thing is no better today. 

bluedahlia

None of the above.....Stress?

208sandy

Barb - I've had sciatica since I was 17 years old - mine is generally caused by "trauma" and now that I have arthritis in lots of joints I guess I have something new to blame it on - worst episode was from building a garden in South Carolina - guess I overdid the lifting patio blocks (65lbs. each) and the bags and bags of mulch and the digging and the opening the 50s garage door with one hand - anyway that time I was in agony for four days - lots and lots of painkillers and some exercises given to me by a physio neighbour got me through that - glad you're going for help - I hate that it scared you so badly but we all understand that feeling.  Gentle Hugs, Sandy

BarbaraA

Sandy, maybe I did have trauma unbeknownst to me. Sigh. Hope this passes and I get to the bottom of the casue and cure that, not just treat the symptoms. Blue, stress could be a factor as you all know how much I HATE MY JOB!!! Time for a beer, even though it is only 10 AM. So what!

Anonymous

Barbara, that sounds like a BACK MUSCLE SPASM - terrifying pain.  They are more painful cuz usually pressing down on muscles, nerves in your back.  Expect doc will give you a muscle relaxer, like Valium or something newer, and appt. to see a phyiscai therapist.  Hoping that's what it is - terrible, just terrible pain, but honestly does go away quickly once muscles are relaxed.

 I had back surgery years ago, and still swear by a book by John Sarno Mind Over Back Pain.  Docs used to have us "rest" - now mosre important to stay as active as possible, and looooosed up those muscles.

Mary - I am so sad to think of people being as evil as the ones who called your parents.  Won't say what I think should be done to them - no, no, no excuse for that behavior in the world.  Hard to imagine how frightened your parents must have been.  Thank God for Guardian Angels.

BarbaraA

Mary, I so wish the cops could get those many scam artists who prey on older folks. So totally sucks.

Thanks sunflowers, I really want to get to the bottom of what is causing it. Meanwhile, I take drugs. sigh. 

Bren-2007

Barbara .. I am so sorry to hear of your pain and discomfort.  I sure hope the orthopedist can help you.

Mary .. Can't believe your parents almost got scammed.  They had a guardian angel for sure.

Been busy in the yard getting up the acorns.  And yes, Otter, there seems to be a bucker crop of the little suckers this year.  I can't repeat the actual language I used to describe them!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday .. and Barbara that you can get some relief from the pain.

hugs,

Bren

lassie11

Barb - I have had a bad back for half of forever, degenerated disc, arthritis and all that good stuff.  Stress and lack of sleep are two things that really contribute to making it worse aside from the obvious too much heavy lifting. Good sleep, good mattress, keeping up with my exercises and reduced stress all make it much better.  I prefer to avoid drugs whenever possible. Wine isn't a drug is it?!

covertanjou

Barbara, I am so sorry to read that you are in pain....((((HUGS))).  Please go see your doctor to see what's up and get some pain meds.  

Mary, I can't believe that your parents almost got scammed.  I hope the bas***ds that did that get arrested.

To everyone, great big (((HUGS)))).   

suzieq60

Barb - being the expert on back pain I think you should see a physio or chiro. I don't have to do anything to put my back out - even a small turn at the waist while standing can do it. I've been on anti inflammataries for ages for my knees but they help with my back too. Lots of arthritis in there. My physio puts me on a traction machine and also does manipulation after a big time massage of my back - I can be almost not being able to walk when I go in and can be fixed after only 2 treatments. If you can find a physio that does manipulation that's the best thing. personally I don't like chiropractors any more. I do have exercises to do that he gave me and a heat pack on the lower backworks wonders. Hope you start to have some relief soon.

Sue

YramAL

Thanks everyone for the shared outrage at the (almost) scamming of my parents. I doubt the perpetrators will be caught. I googled the scam and it's been going on for quite some time. My parents did file a police report and they are changing their phone number and getting caller ID. 

Barbara-I'm sorry you're in so much pain. I agree with the others who have said that stress contributes to pain. I know you hate your job. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time.

Mary 

rosemary-b

Mary

How awful.

Barbara

Back pain is terrible.

Hugs to both of you.

kira1234

Today is my grandsons birthday. He is 4 today.

My DH goes to get the stitches and staples out later this week. He is a pain trying to keep him from scratching it. He heals slowly, so we are hoping they can come out. He has to have another area removed at the same time the stitches are removed. Lets hope this is the end of it for him.

Barbara so sorry you are dealing with  so much pain.

rosemary-b

Happy Birthday kira's grandson. Everything crossed for kira's DH.

kira1234

Thanks rosemary-b. We took Landon to the pumpkin patch for his birthday. He and my other grandson had a great time.

suzieq60

Kira - did they get clean margins when they did the surgery?

1Athena1

((((Barbara)))) - I'm going with unknown trauma of some kind - maybe a subtle movement had a chain reaction and preyed on an old injury or something? I do hope you get to the bottom of this. As long as it's ABC it is hopefully treatable or curable.

(ABC = Anything But Cancer)

Kira - I bet you will be as happy as your DH to see the stitches and staples out - hoping the other thing is the last they have to do and the last you and DH ever seen in the world of melanoma. Fingers crossed. 

Lovely weather here. I am forgiving the sun for existing and enjoying it instead, for once. With cooler temperatures and thinner, cleaner air, I can finally enjoy everything like the rest of nature's children. 

In the absence of our chaplain, I will do the bartending honors tonight. Have another one, Barbara. About to fix one for myself as well. 

Hugs back at you, Covertanjou! (Can't call you Mary - there are too many around here :-) ) 

Anonymous

Barbara -  I still 'vote' for muscle spasms.  I don' think most people realize the PAIN they can cause - when a person's back "goes out" - that's usually what it is.  Can happen very quickly, bending over to pick something up, not able to straighten out.

I've had very successful back surgery - but still suggest you goggle John Sarno "Mind Over Back Pain was his first book, I PREFER HEALING BACK PAIN.  But some prefer his first.

Meanwhile - the exhaustion of Arimidex is hitting me very hard - sleeping thru the night - about 9 hours, and then still, 3 hour "naps" in the afternoon.  I swear this is cumulative, like the effects of chemotherapy, I"m in my 5th year with the little white pill. Such a paradox to give thanks for it, while hating the SE's at the same time... LIFE.

1Athena1

Sunflowers, I believe you are right about the effects being cumulative. Meds can be that way in my experience. How long before your release date? (Meaning, the date when you are allowed to exit the Arimidex prison?)

I lasted 18 months out of my five-year Tamoxifen prison sentence before I escaped. But the effects felt cumulative and it took me about six months after stopping Tamoxifen to gain the energy and stamina I had before it. So I say I did a two-year sentence.  

rosemary-b

Six months...hmm... It has been about three months since I got off Femara and I do not have the energy level I would like. It's good to know things could still improve.

kira1234

Yes on that one they got clear margins. Lets hope the one they do this week will not be as large an area.

suzieq60

Kira - I didn't know they were doing another one!! Hope that one comes out OK.

My DH has had several cancers cut off his right hand in recents months - it's like they all decided to appear at once.

covertanjou

Athena....I've missed you!

Kira, Happy Birthday to your grandson!  Good luck on your surgery.

Barbara, I second Athena's post ABC--anything but cancer. 

YramAL

Kira-I didn't realize your husband had to have yet another surgery. I hope this one goes well, too. 

I like that saying-ABC--anything but cancer. That's what I wish for you Barbara. I'm no medical professional, but I don't think pain that severe from mets would present overnight. Just my humble, non-medical professional, optimisic opinion.

Mary 

suzieq60

Hi Girls - I find out about that job at 9am tomorrow - not holding out much hope - I believe in being a bit pessimistic because then, if it turns out ok, I'll be really happy and if it doesn't turn out ok, I'm prepared.

Have a lovely day!!! See you in the morning (your evening)

Sue

BarbaraA

Susie, good luck!

Thanks for all the well wishes. I must say I do feel better after taking it very easy over the weekend. Seems to be lots better. I am supposed to go to Boston on Wed. but I can't really lift my computer bag in and out of the car let alone into the overhead. I will try to get out of it.   

Anonymous

Athena - LOL - love your description of the timelines - it looks as if I may be a "lifer" on one or another of the little pills!  Literally praying the Clinical Trial going on now, for women who have been on for at least four years - it has two "arms" (computer generated) one will take it for the next five years, the other will take it for 9 months, and then OFF IT for 3 months, for five years.

I drew a very good "straw" for the clinical trial I volunteered for with my chemotherapy, but just couldn't face the possibility of drawing the 5 more years arm of this trial, so I chose not to do it.

EAGER to hear, but sure it will be a few years, if the 9 months on 3 months off works as effectively as the everyday approach.

Vicious circle, some injuries, meant no walking, exercising, then allergies kicked "asthma" into full bloom - and I feel worse than a garden slug.  Keep having to remind myself this little pill is vital for me, and tho I do loathe the SE's - I am grateful for the option of taking it.  Know I"m not alone in this struggle - and some days it really IS a struggle - ah, well, off to paint.

Hope all are feeling well - Barbara, be kind to your back.  Have you ever used Tiger Balm - it's my favorite for sore muscles. 

duckyb1

Barb..................try accupuncture......................helped me tremendously.....I swear by it.........but make sure you get one who really knows what their doing.............I have one that I love..............she graduated from the University of Shanghai, and is expert in physical medicine.........little chinese woman............she does accupuncture, with stimulation, then massage, then "hot stone massage", and then cupping...........it makes you feel like a new person...............good luck

Bren-2007

Barb .. I hope you're feeling better this afternoon.  Were you able to get out of the trip this week?  Having a stressful job that you hate can just wreak havoc with your body.  I know I was physically very sick when I worked for corporate America in a high stress job.

Susie .. good luck on the job ... hope things turn out well for you.

Kira .. hope your DH is doing well .. I'm keeping you both in my thoughts.

I had a busy day outside cleaning out my flower beds and weeding.  What a mess .. I really had let things go.  There is just so much to keep up, and now the leaves are starting to drop from the walnut tree .. the others are just changing beautiful colors. 

Hope everyone is enjoying their day.

Bren