Back Pain Part IV – A New Hope

I got the epidural steroid shot last Thursday. It was weird. The doctor used an x-ray machine to hit the right spot and I felt the steroid go down the back of my leg to about the knee.

Although I don’t feel “normal” still and I’m still in a little pain, it has definitely taken the edge off. They say it can take about two weeks for the steroid to really kick in, so I’m hoping it’ll get even better.

One strange side effect though, and this came after watching The Incredible Shrinking Woman the night before (coincidence?). While putting lotion on my legs I noticed my left calf was significantly smaller. I measured it, over 1/2″ smaller! I’m left-handed, so I know the left side of my body has always been a little bit larger and was probably even swollen a little due to the sciatic pain. Weird.

Ouch Pt. III

I saw my MRI today at the spine clinic at Kaiser. MRI’s are cool, I’ve got to say. If there was was way to get one, just for curiosity’s sake, I’d say do it. It’s neat seeing all the layers inside your body. Anyhow my L4 disk is herniated and L5 has a small tear that can possibly be leaking disk fluid (which is apparently very irritating to spinal nerves). I think it’s similar to the Aliens‘ acid blood.

So, on Sept 27th I’m getting an epidural steroid injection. I’ve never looked forward to shot before, but they could inject my eyeball for all I care. I’m ready to try anything.

On a positive note, I set up my computer and sewing machines on a “bar table” from Ikea that’s 41″ tall. Now I stand while doing most everything. Swapping the amount of standing and sitting time has helped a lot. I would recommend it to anyone. I don’t think we humans were built to sit, especially not for 8 hrs everyday. Plus working at my bar table gives me a constant anticipatory feeling that a margarita and chips are coming any moment now.

Ouch Pt. II

My doctor called today about my MRI – I have a herniated disc, L5. Hmm…I wonder where I’ve heard that before. I’m being referred to a “spinal clinic” and that can take up to 2 weeks. (that’s not my mri btw, I just wanted a visual aid to bitch with)

On a lighter note, I’ve found that lying flat out on the floor feels good. For a brief period of time afterwards I have no sciatic or back pain. I’m planning on doing this a lot. I’ve arranged various TV remotes, a phone, some catalogs and magazines, water bottles, a yoga ball, and my laptop, all on the floor.  My poor children have had to suffer through a summer of watching 6 million hours of television.

Did I mention my back hurts?

I’m gonna do Kaiser’s work for them like usual and just diagnose myself. I have a herniated disc between L5 and S1. I spend most days in pain, depending on how much Ibuprofen and/or Vicodin I’ve taken. Oh, and then there’s the muscle relaxants, but they’re scary. I don’t know how I did it, there was no “oh crap, my back” moment.

This is what scares me (from webmd.com: “Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. About half of people with a herniated disc get better within 1 month, and most are better after 6 months.¹ Only about 1 person in 10 still has enough pain after 6 weeks to think about surgery.² “

I’ve had this for 6 weeks and it’s not getting better. Am I going to be in pain like this for 6 months…or possibly forever?! I would trade this 6 weeks of pain for childbirth. If you are reading this; sit up straight! Trust me.