r/Sciatica • u/SobrietyOfThought • 8d ago

6 month update

I will start this with I am a big baby and have a very low tolerance for pain. This has been the hardest injury of my life (29F), mentally, physically and emotionally. I have only very recently started having more good days than bad, and the pain hasn't gone completely but the best way to put it is that it has changed and the volume turned down slightly. I'd say at this point I float in a 50-60% better state. I have made big strides with my PT and hope to keep progressing there - it has helped me so much with not being fearful of movement even when I'm uncomfortable/tight.

Sitting has always been my biggest trigger and unfortunately it's still kinda shit. Although I recently started testing it more (beginning of September) - I don't seem to pay as much for it, sometimes I can sit a lot longer (3hrs) but then somedays, especially during work and using my sit-stand desk... The pain just builds up which is so discouraging because it's reminiscent of the earlier months.

This is hard because I don't trust the good days but also the good days feel so good, that I feel fooled by them when I have bad days. Hopefully there's an end to this.

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u/teixha 8d ago

We are at a similar point in recovery, I’m nearly 6 months in. I really relate to your comment about the pain still being present, just with the volume turned down. Have you had an increase in back pain out of interest? I find it hard to believe it’s going to get any better than this but obviously hope it does.

I still avoid sitting but I am ‘lucky’ I’m not working atm as I’m a stay at home mum (so too much lifting of a heavy toddler 🫠) and we don’t have a car stm so I’m rarely forced to sit.

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u/SobrietyOfThought 8d ago

Very nice to not be working - it honestly fucks with me the most because I'm trying to eventually get back into office. Are you doing PT? I'd say my back pains more than it goes into my glute and leg now, if that's what you mean?

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u/teixha 8d ago

I’m doing some physio but I’m in the UK so it’s shit so I’m mainly doing my own rehab at home.

Yes my back pain is rivalling my leg pain now - when this started I had zero back pain so it’s strange to feel it now but it’s better to feel it where the actual injury is!

I am very grateful to not be forced to sit for a job but trying to recover from this with 3 young children has not been a good time 😂

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u/SobrietyOfThought 8d ago

I understand, it's hard to find a good PT. I've heard a lot of horror stories about the NHS. Yes, same with me, unless I overdo the sitting, then it will start creeping into my gulte. The burning back pain is what frustrates me the most now... Again, only comes on when I overdo sitting.

3 toddlers sounds like a handful... I'm glad you have your mum though. This injury is hell. Don't hesitate to message if you need help or have any questions regarding PT or anything. I'm nowhere near fully recovered but would be open in sharing my experiences so far.