www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Sciatic Nerve

ANYBODY?

The pain is so bad, been going on for a month. I do good to walk to the living room. Nothing working from doc to chiropractor. Thanks!

Figure, I have an adjustable therapeutic bed - my kids made me buy it - so I am lying across my bed, with a soft pillow behind me, occasionally using heat. So I have the head pulled up holding the pillow in place, with slight pressured. So I pull the foot up, kind of squeezes me. That is how I get relief. Go figure.

Dear Pani Rose,

I'm so sorry you are having this pain, and will keep you in my prayers.

I had this problem for awhile a number of years ago, but not as bad as you are having. My doctor gave me stretches to do, and that proved very helpful for me, but maybe you are already doing that, or maybe you are unable to, given the amount of pain you have. A friend of mine has had sciatic trouble for many years, and he says stretching makes it manageable for him.

Another thought is acupuncture - I've heard that is sometimes helpful for sciatic pain.

When I had sciatica a few years ago (fortunately it only lasted for a few weeks or so, but it was unbearably painful), applying ice provided the most relief. I was helped more by the chiropractor than by pain medication. You might also consider massage. I hope and pray you find relief soon.

Dear Pani Rose,

I know that it is an unbearable type of pain...

I agree with Jaya about those stretch exercises...they really do help take the pressure off of the nerve and help it heal. Perhaps you are unable to do them (on the floor on all fours--push yourself forward and then bring yourself all the way back into a prostration like position--as many times as you can, and as many times as you can do it each day), but if you can, try it.

Needless to say, dear Pani Rose, I pray that you will be healed of your suffering pain, through the intercessions of the saints you hold dear, the blessed Mother of God and our merciful Lord God.

God bless you.

Sending you a big hug,
Alice

Prayers for you. I know what that feels like, but mine was easily corrected. I removed my wallet from my back pocket. I wish yours could be fixed so easily.

I had this condition about two years ago. It was awful, came on rather suddenly. Physical therapy helped immensely. Hang in there, I have been pain free for over a year since. (Fingers crossed. The parting words of the therapist stick with me though. - No guarantee it won't recur...)

Wow, it is amazing literally that y'all made it through. To know that it ends is a blessing. Funny how something like that brings you so totally off your feet.

Thank you all for your encouragement, and recommendations. I have tried most, not acupuncture yet, but it is getting closer.

I went to the ER today because it was just unbearable, and I have a very high pain tolerance. They gave me two shots which were to reduce the inflammation, now the pain is all the way down my leg . When the medicine wore off, the pain was worse than ever. I had to call my DIL to come over, the pain was excruciating, and I couldn't get to anything.

You know, this started today's before Lent started. I am about to think it may stop when Lent ends.

Thank you again for your prayers! I know it makes it easier!

I got my answer today. :)&:(. Anyway, here goes.


Ok I have not made church all of Lent Because I literally couldn't walk. All the doctors say oh it is sciatica. So I went to the ER at the VA today, this is the best that I can understand what they told me and why....So just got back from ER at the VA hospital. What I had finally figured out, plus more. When I had the bought walking bent over fCe down and leaning sideways at the first of Lent. My lower back is covered with athritis, which inflamed the sciatic nerve, which inflamed the bersa sack that holds the joint fluids, then when I started using gdad's walker because I couldn't get up or keep my bounce, it caused everything else to inflame. I guess that's a domino effect. So I have to go back tomorrow for my own walker. Then to the women's clinic for letting them get to know me again and physical therapy! Geesh!

the suffering has been horrible. A lot of nights I just laid there and screamed it hurt so bad. Them last night, and God forgive me for sharing this, but it was the first time I was truly able to thank him for the pain. Now I didn't stay there long, mind you, but I momentarily entered in. I think that is why all the answers today. It has changed me.

This all started two days before Great and Holy Lent did. It is two days before Palm Sunday. I will be free by Pascha.

You are probably right...
Crazy things happen to people of faith during Lent.

I remember the time that at precisely the hour of Forgiveness Vespers one Lent, I heard what sounded like like little animals in my walls and floorboards. Exterminator found no sign of anything.

It continued to unnerve me greatly throughout Lent, gave me a final scare at 3AM Pascha morning and then ceased for good.

Please be assured that you are in my unworthy prayers at every Compline service (2x a week) that I am blessed to be able to attend.

'Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us--for in times of distress, we have no other help but you.....Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us!'

Prayers continue for you.

I slept on my back last night! I have not been able to sit but a few minutes, and only lye on my right side all these weeks. YEAH GOD!

Thank you Charles, Alice, and everyone for carrying me through.

WOW Alice, that would be UN-nerving. I think instead of animals, it was spirits.
THINKING OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM'S HOMILY. Hades is angered! Just imagine all the souls being freed. Anyway, that was what immediately came to mind. I'm gonna post it on here, for someone that might read this, but has never heard the homily.


[edit]The Homily

If anyone is devout and a lover of God, let them enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival.
If anyone is a grateful servant, let them, rejoicing, enter into the joy of his Lord.
If anyone has wearied themselves in fasting, let them now receive recompense.
If anyone has labored from the first hour, let them today receive the just reward.
If anyone has come at the third hour, with thanksgiving let them feast.
If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour, let them have no misgivings; for they shall suffer no loss.
If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour, let them draw near without hesitation.
If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour, let them not fear on account of tardiness.
For the Master is gracious and receives the last even as the first; He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, just as to him who has labored from the first.
He has mercy upon the last and cares for the first; to the one He gives, and to the other He is gracious.
He both honors the work and praises the intention.
Enter all of you, therefore, into the joy of our Lord, and, whether first or last, receive your reward.
O rich and poor, one with another, dance for joy!
O you ascetics and you negligent, celebrate the day!
You that have fasted and you that have disregarded the fast, rejoice today!
The table is rich-laden: feast royally, all of you!
The calf is fatted: let no one go forth hungry!
Let all partake of the feast of faith. Let all receive the riches of goodness.
Let no one lament their poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one mourn their transgressions, for pardon has dawned from the grave.
Let no one fear death, for the Saviour's death has set us free.
He that was taken by death has annihilated it!
He descended into Hades and took Hades captive!
He embittered it when it tasted His flesh! And anticipating this, Isaiah exclaimed: "Hades was embittered when it encountered Thee in the lower regions".
It was embittered, for it was abolished!
It was embittered, for it was mocked!
It was embittered, for it was purged!
It was embittered, for it was despoiled!
It was embittered, for it was bound in chains!
It took a body and came upon God!
It took earth and encountered Ηeaven!
It took what it saw, but crumbled before what it had not seen!
O death, where is thy sting?
O Hades, where is thy victory?
Christ is risen, and you are overthrown!
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is risen, and life reigns!
Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in a tomb!
For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the first-fruits of them that have slept.
To Him be glory and might unto the ages of ages.
Amen.

AND THE PEOPLE SHOUT 'HADES IS ANGERED' IN REPLY!

That is a fixed piece of the Orthodox Great Pascha liturgy. Read every year.

I always have some sections of it in my homily....often close with the final section.

From me, too.