Second Bout of Sciatica

Hi everybody, I am not really sure where to start, but I just needed to reach out to people who are in similar situations to me. I'm currently in my 8th week of a second bout of sciatica.

I had an urgent MRI and got the results yesterday; luckily nothing serious. A herniation of L5/S1 on the right hand side. Apparently there's also a slight bulge on L4/5 on the left, but not showing symptoms, so ignoring that; I got enough to deal with.

The frustrating thing is that I am only 25.

My first episode occurred in 2011 which lasted for about this same amount of time. There was no MRI done that time round and I made an almost full recovery, just had to be careful.

There was no single incident that led to this occurrence, probably just a build up of minor things, as beforehand, I was a very active person.

Physicians say these things clear up on their own, but am really struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am on fairly strong pain killers, which keep the suffering to a minimum.

However, I have been off work for the majority of the time. I tried going back part time, but had what can only be described as a relapse, which was soul destroying. I was feeling incredibly happy six weeks in, as thought I was on the right track and was weaning myself off the pain killers as a result.

It is a nightmare waiting for PT appointments, because what are you supposed to do in the meantime? I have been advised to do as much as normal, so while I have been signed off, I have been doing that.

The pain is manageable, so long as I move about. The tingling is in my right thigh, with tightness in the glute area. I can function, but I am terrified of making it worse by doing something wrong.

How can I get over that fear?

It is having such a massive effect on my life. I am steadily sinking into depression, which is not a word I use lightly.

Any positive stories from people who have suffered the same issue resulting in sciatica would be greatly appreciated. - Laura

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