Sciatica

[Blue2010]

Blue, have you had an MRI? I had problems like yours 2 years ago. Found out I had a tumor called a Schwannoma that was causing my issues. I got instant relief after surgery. In fact, I was bird hunting again 2 weeks later.

I had an MRI from UVA when I originally injured the disc four years ago. It sounds like I'm headed for another one tomorrow though.

 

[jcolucci]

I ruptured a disc 12 years ago and was pretty much bedridden until I had surgery. Felt like a toothache from my butt down to my left foot. I literally did not sleep one minute for the week prior to my surgery, started hallucinating from lack of sleep. I had surgery and it helped tremendously, gave me my life back. I still have occasional pain and numbness in my calf and foot. I've had 3 knee surgeries but nothing compared to the pain associated with hurting my back. I feel for you.

I know surgery is a last resort and that they've made advances in treatment since I had mine. But it enabled me to keep working. Good luck. I'll say a prayer for you.

I went through this same thing in 2000 for about 6 weeks. Incredible pain in lower back with spasms at first...then pain shooting down left side from butt to my ankle. My work at the time involved travelling every week from Atlanta to Philadelphia and lugging a suitcase and computer bag and I had to take a leave of absence. Went through x-rays, mri's, orthodpedists, painkillers, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, MRI...all that jazz. Finally went to the right neurosurgeon who was ready to cut the next day...and woke up a new man. The doctor said during the microdiscectomy that they were arguing about how I was able to walk. I now occasionally get pain in my ankle when I've sat too long or something but I'm pretty much 100% now. Play golf twice a week.

If you've got same thing, seriously recommend finding a neurosurgeon that's ready to fix it versus treat it. Good luck man.