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Sciatica Hell

December 3rd, 2008 by Mommie

After 28 weeks of pregnancy bliss, it all fell down today when I woke up, basically unable to walk. I started out my 3rd trimester in some major pain. I can’t put that much weight on my left leg at all and now I can’t seem to find a position, ANY position, that makes the pain go away. I was having some other issues, so I ended up going in to be evaluated, as I wondered if maybe my water had broken…

Lucky me, there’s nothing that can be done for my back pain. We are thinking it’s Sciatica, which I didn’t have with my son. My son gave me a whole different set of pains, including my hip popping out of place on a regular basis. I couldn’t walk with him either and wore a brace on my back for the whole end of my pregnancy. Honestly though, it was nothing like this.

This is quite the pain. I hope it eases, as I’m pretty sure I can’t take three months of this. On a brighter note, my water didn’t break. We had to check though, as my day seemed to be going worse and worse.

So treatment for sciatica include:

1. Getting as much rest as possible (obviously whoever said that doesn’t have a 19 month old who likes to shatter Christmas tree ornaments)

2. Heating pad

3. Stretching (I do yoga, not sure why that’s not helping)

4. Tylenol (if recommended by your doctor)

Many say that you’re not doomed with it for your whole pregnancy, although with my luck I’m sure it’ll get worse everyday! Also, the added weight doesn’t help much. I’m not going to be using diet supplements anytime soon, so I can be confident in the fact that if it’s the added weight causing it, I’m in for one hell of a ride!

10 Responses

Dianne writes:
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:15 pm

Ohh! So sorry to hear about your back pain! That’s no fun at the best of times, let alone at 28 weeks.

My former boss suffered from Sciatica problems, and she used to sit on a magnet. Yes, a big, strong magnet helped her manage on the drive from Ontario, Canada to Florida.

On a cheerier note, I stopped by to let you know that I’ve selected MommiesHome.net as an award recipient! You can read about it here: http://www.wahm-cafe.com/2008/12/03/i-love-your-blog-award/

Please keep up the great work and pass on the love.
Carol writes:
December 4th, 2008 at 12:22 am

I can completely identify with you on this pain. I’m not pregnant but I do have this kind of pain now and then. It strikes without warning and almost takes my breath away. My solution is complete bed rest, a heating pad, take ibuprofin, and drink OJ. I know you can’t do some of those things though. I guess I just wanted to comment to empathize with you. I truly feel your pain! Hope it goes away for you.
Emily Canibano writes:
December 4th, 2008 at 4:37 am

I feel your pain, at 38 weeks I have started having some similar issues. My legs go number if I lay on my side, my baby has hit a nerve in the leg and my groin goes numbing with shooting pain and I can’t stand.
Have you tried Threading the Needle Pose, with a block or blanket under the head (if your belly is large like mine it is necessary) – this is a pose that relieves sciatica supposedly, I also find that “puppy dog” or modified downward facing dog with the forearms on the mat, hips stretched back and lifted, but legs along with mat works to stretch the lower back area with out the reverse gravity effect.
Natural writes:
December 4th, 2008 at 4:56 am

OMG, i suffer with the same problem now. of course when i went to the doctor about the pain, he told me i was pregnant, but i always had the pain probably from an injury. hope you feel better. i go to a chiropractor.
Jess writes:
December 4th, 2008 at 6:41 am

Ugh the sciatic pain is the worse!! I had it really bad with Isaac’s pregnancy and luckily only a little with Ella’s. Have you thought about going to a chiropractor? They helped me out tremendously. I hope you wake up feeling better today and glad to hear your water didn’t break!
Lynne writes:
December 4th, 2008 at 8:19 am

Oh no! That sounds miserable. I hope you can find some relief, somehow. If a chiropractor isn’t helpful, how about a pre-natal message?
Mommie writes:
December 4th, 2008 at 9:25 am

ooo, that’s a good idea. I have a GC for a massage, I think I’ll book it. It’s about that time anyhow, the time to take it easy for myself.
Susan Helene Gottfried writes:
December 4th, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Ask your OB for a physical therapist who specializes in pregnancy. A PT can stretch you out properly and give you the right set of stretches to do at home. Ask about light exercise, too — I’ve found a lot of relief on a bike.

Good luck. Been there, have the scars to show for it.
Heather writes:
December 5th, 2008 at 4:51 pm

I’m sorry about the pain. I totally sympathize, as even now, 13.5 months after my son has been born, I’m still suffering off and on. I was told about a certain pregnancy adjust that you can get from a chiropractor that helps. I’ve just never gone. Silly me!
Karen writes:
December 8th, 2008 at 9:50 am

My husband had that and found the most relief by going for walks. As hard as it was, he worked through the pain. When I can’t find a position that doesn’t hurt, I lay on the floor with my feet up on the couch. Hugs for you. I hope it eases up soon.