I shared this on my Instagram/Facebook last week, but wanted to share my experience here as well in case anyone is going through something similar.
“It’s been a rough year.
I don’t put a lot of this on the internet for a few reasons: I’m a master deflector, I don’t want to be a burden and I really don’t want to be the recipient of anyone’s pity.
Without going into the technical terms (I’ve got them if you want them), the lowest disc in the base of my spine has been herniated and pressing into my sciatic nerve in my left leg since October. That translates to daily, constant pain. I’ve dealt with flashes of lightning when I step and numbness down the side of my leg and from the ball of my foot to my heel. Daily.
My GP told me that I was going to have to figure out a way to manage the sciatica and essentially that it was my life now. I left that appointment in January crying. And then I picked myself up by the bootstraps and sought out a specialist. We tried several procedures, none of which worked consistently.
My mental health has been in the trash this year. As someone who likes to be everything for everyone, I’ve struggled with the constant pain and limitations.
So today, I had a microdiscectomy (back surgery) to remove the portion of my herniated disc that has been sitting on my nerve for 3/4 of a year now.
I am medicated and I know that the pain in the next few days is not going to be fun. I’m relying on Jared more than ever and incredibly thankful my mom came to help this week. I’m out of work anywhere from 4-6 weeks and limited from lifting, bending, and twisting until then. I cannot drive or be what I am for my family usually until at least my two week post op appointment.
All that to say: I’m on my way to healing and getting to be me again and I’m so grateful for that.
Gentle reminder that the internet is a snapshot of people’s lives, but never all of it. Everyone’s going through something. Be kind.”
This year, I have had two epidural injections in my spine to try and reduce the swelling from the herniation onto my nerve. I have had MRIs, CTs, and x-rays. I have been on multiple medications to try and lower my pain.
None of them worked.
My doctor was really clear that this procedure was not going to solve my lower back pain. My disc is shot. This was solely to remove the pressure off of my sciatic nerve to relieve the constant pain.
I’m almost two weeks out of surgery now. Hoping to be able to reduce some restrictions at my appointment Tuesday. I have been frustrated with my inability to be “normal” but I am trying to be patient and listen to my body and my doctor.
I’ll continue to post my healing and updates on the blog. I may detail the day later as well.
If you’re going through something similar, I see you and hope you make it to the other side too.
Leave a Reply