Sciatica /slipped disc

@Allofaflutter i went in the pool recently with my kids for the first time since the awful incident. It literally felt detached from my body so I know what you mean. Despite physio saying any walking in the water etc was really good for it. I constantly look around at everyone so normal lifting their kids, lounging around etc and think gosh you are so lucky

I'm going on holiday, scared of the pool so thought I'd use a float and ask family to keep an eye on me just in case.

swimming is the only exercise safe for me, but since i had to start using my walking stick full time, i admit i'm nervous of the walk around the pool, and if i'll have the strength to get myself back out.

@Allofaflutter

Forget the back belt what a waste of money 🙈

On the other hand my folding cane was a godsend today. Woke up all knotted up. Was panicking because I had to be at church for the school concert. I was in so much pain reversing out of the driveway trying to avoid husbands pride and joy new car and the big transit doing work next door for the neighbours I hit my wing mirror on the big gardening bin, it's fooked.

Got to church, oh joy a hardcore car park on a slope. So out came the cane on its virgin trial.

Got across the car park, up the church path, there were benches hallelujah. Because twenty minute wait until the school let us inside for the concert.

I was in good company with a wheelchair, two young mummies on crutches and an assorted bunch of grannies with back, hip issues.

The sunshine was glorious we all sat having a good natter while the queue of able parents grew.

I shall be having a quiet word with the school about Christmas concerts when we're left to queue for Forty minutes in the rain, cold at Christmas though.

"Nerve Oil For Compressed, Irritated Nerves | Eases Numbness & Tingling – Zen Maitri" https://zenmaitri.com/products/nerve-oil

Went down a rabbit hole last night. Watching American programme someone mentioned wintergreen. Well that set a bell ringing in my head from my childhood.

So I wiki searched, noted medicinal uses. Kept digging up popped sciatica. Found this site, read the reviews which are good. More research needed.

I've a strong feeling that it's an old remedy that my grandmother used. I remember my grandfather had awful back issues. Looking back I suspect it was osteoporosis because he became as stooped and bow legged as an old cowhand rider.

Anyway I thought it worthy of further research.

Weirdly a retired plumber in the village with wicked pain swore by horses liniment another old remedy.

"Absorbine Gel Embrocation 340G. Gel Liniment - Horse : Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies" https://www.amazon.co.uk/William-Hunter-Equestrian-Absorbine-Embrocation/dp/B009OEULN4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZSCVTMYteI18RubFeogvls7xp4wcZcqgxNnkm9RKJpYP1nI46I9rDCbIc1-2oTtNfS_5ENCnGl9ej8K9PoGml4D-qnhIGnZUJl35f8Ywch6y8trAohC3XhDzCDpt5Iw7LQhumsPmG73GelGawdZVrkwgrHF2LV5Vrn2o-lQdTfBnYemcKu1pD61EIzIKVo1zFJ2qOhQUBhwtbw0hxVxpCw.T2-vuAlfeNgy6egoSaHQ7FIX9ekxIfGWuseUaHUzwyo&dib_tag=se&keywords=horse+liniment+for+humans&qid=1719141648&sr=8-1

Well I'll go to the foot of our stairs. It does work.

I've just come back from a holiday in Europe, and I took my stick with me for the first time ever. I'm only 47, but feel about 100.... I have not used the stick when I should, as I feel super self-conscious, and embarrassed about it.
I shouldn't have worried, really. It was a good indicator to people that I might be a bit slow/need a railing on stairs, etc. I'd encourage others to consider this.
I'm still in pain/numb, but it's a little bit of a help.

For those asking about paracetamol and it not working, I'd say that it's an excellent 'base' drug - but honestly, do consider pushing for a decent nerve painkiller. There are only three in use in the NHS in Scotland (not sure about elsewhere), and the amitriptyline did nothing for me, the gabapentin made me a zombie, but the pregabalin is somewhat therapeutic for me. It's the expensive one, so they do make you go through the others first....
Hoping all affected have a good week.

@HollaHolla so you used your stick well done you.

I'm on Gabapentin three a day officially. Get by on two. One in the morning, one going to bed. Told husband taking a third made me sleepy. He thinks it's psychosomatic on my part. Good to know I'm not imagining it.

@HollaHolla do you feel better for the holiday?

Yeah, I was on 9 a day at one point. Three tablets, three times per day. I was off my face.
It's well known that gabapentin doesn't leave you sparklingly bright.... :( So, you can tell your husband that!

I jolly well will. He thought I was being lazy nodding off during the day 🙈

Thank you. Yes, it was lovely. I was in Greece, and the warm weather, and lots of swimming, helped a bit. I am slightly broken by walking more than usual.
My friend who I travelled with, booked the assistance for the airport, to save me standing a lot, and it was amazing. 20 mins from bag drop to gate, and no waiting at security/passport control. I'd recommend it to anyone who is swithering. You can request it at any time up to 48 hours (I think) before, so you don't have to have requested it when you booked - and it's free!

I'll be thinking about that for sure. Although seeing easy jet left three wheel chair users on the runway the other day while their luggage and plane took off has made me somewhat leery.

Hi OP have just found your thread after looking up slipped disc. How are you now? I hope a lot better xxx

Currently struggling myself, so would like to know how OP is now too.