i've dealt with this off and on for years. it can be hard to find a solution. and it might be easier to resolve than you imagine. remember that surgeons always recommend surgery. i would find a highly recommended physiatrist or sport medicine doctor if you want to work with an MD.

however, if you have had good results with chiropractic in the past, that would be my first move, before engaging with doctors who will run lots of expensive tests that will likely be inconclusive. it is extremely important that the chiropractor knows what the hell he is doing. finding a *good* chiropractor is not always easy.

This sounds like living hell, Mark! So very sorry.

One thing I have always thanked my lucky stars for, was that after my major spinal surgery despite the numerous bad side effects I had, I never had sciatica.

Although the surgeon DID mostly correct the deformity that had developed, he left me with a number of disabling conditions. From what I heard from other "spinies", though, sciatica was one of THE worst pain-wise and is not uncommon with or without spinal surgery.

Very much hoping you can sort it out without surgery, but if needed, surgery can be a blessing (as Lisa said). I also second what pique said about chiropractors. There is a WIDE range of quality, effectiveness (and safety!) between them. Some are miracle-workers and others are outright quacks. (What MUST their schools be like??)

There's nothing quite like severe pain. When you have it, it becomes your whole world such that you can't even remember the world as it was without it. May it be a scarcely recalled nightmare soon!

Doc did x-rays and prescribed a muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine and an anti-inflammatory, Meloxicam.

Once a day on the Meloxicam and 2x daily for the cylclobenzaprine.

Took my first dose at 12:45 and then went to bed and I was actually able to get a couple hours of restless sleep
Better than no sleep.

First PT session is scheduled for January 4th. With the holidays, I was told I was lucky to get one that fast. They also put me on a cancelation list.

Using a walker for the first time in my life.

Doctor followed up and said I have now more arthritis since my last xray in 2018. X-rays show mild to moderate degenerative disc disease.

Getting old is freaking painful.

quote:

Doc did x-rays and prescribed a muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine and an anti-inflammatory, Meloxicam.

Ah, Flexeril. Makes me sleepy. There are a bunch of muscle relaxants that can work, and you need to find the one that works best for you. Alternatives include Skelaxin (Metaxalone), Soma (Carisaprodol), Ativan (Lorezepam), and good old Valium (Diazepam).

Metaxalone doesn't put people to sleep.

Glad you got seen and that you got some medicines!

I hope you sleep ok and feel better tomorrow!

quote:

Using a walker for the first time in my life.

so sorry to hear. i hope you find a solution quickly.

I use cyclobenzabrine when my muscle spasms get out of control (as in shrieking pain). Sometimes it is the only thing that works. It does give me a hangover, though.

One thing to bear in mind is that cyclobenzaprine isn't a muscle relaxer *per se*. It is a *sedative* and should be respected as such. Please read the full disclosures on dangers and side effects that come with the prescription, if you haven't already.

Once asked a doc if a muscle relaxer would help a muscle problem.
He said, "Do you drink?" I did at the time
"Have a drink."

quote:

Originally posted by markj:
Doctor followed up and said I have now more arthritis since my last xray in 2018. X-rays show mild to moderate degenerative disc disease.

Getting old is freaking painful.

Oh man. I’m sorry.

Sorry you have to endure this, Mark. Glad you are getting some relief!

How are you doing today, Mark?

I have nothing to add, but my sympathy. I’ve never had sciatica, but enough other things that debilitate.

For 15 years now I have been told I am too young for a knee replacement. I’m 60 now. I’m apparently still too young.

I hope you are better soon.

Mark,
Hope you are better today. That is a form of hell.


pj, "Too young" seems to be BS.
A knee is as old as its functionality IMO.

pj. find a better orthopedic surgeon.