Has anyone seen my stamina???

frogmella

Oh NB! I had two bouts of slipped disc and at its worst I slept as much as I could. It was the only way I could escape the pain - although on really bad days I dreamt the pain too! I wouldn't blame you for taking to your bed for good while the pain is acute. My GP never suggested gabapentin - I only got that with the fact joint arthritis - and I think it would have helped with the relentless nerve pain. I found a heat pack as hot as I could bear helped - but I am not sure whether it was that the burning pain distracted me from the nerve pain! haha! I tried TENS and that didn't help. I did find I was in the least pain lying on my front with a pillow beneath my ankles with a heat pack on my back. Also I would lie on my side with the top leg resting on a pillow.

On top of the pain all the drug side effects wipe you out. Honestly don't be so hard on yourself.

On a positive note they do say that the worst of the pain should be easing off after 6 weeks (and this was just about true for me the first time it went). I know that doesn't sound great but it is better than when it just stays (which it did for me the second time).

I hope your occ health meeting went well.

What a lot you are going through. I feel for you. ((()))

nearlybionic

Hi Frogmella
Thanks for your reply. Sorry to hear you too have had slipped discs, they really are awful to deal with! I find heat helps too.
I had my Occ Health appointment. The nurse read out parts of the letter from my manager, which said she wanted them to see if and when I could return to my full role and duties although she was aware of my restrictions re low seating, kneeling/crouching etc.. I asked the nurse which `tasks` she was supposed to get me to do, and she said kneeling was one but because of my back issue she wouldn`t ask me to . I then said although I have been taught by the Arthroplasty practitioner how to get down to a kneeling position (kneeling up rather than down on heels) my job needs me to then reach forward to a crouching over position and this would break the 90 degree rule I have been told to keep. So even if my back was ok what would be the point of showing her I could kneel?? She asked about medication, mobility aids being used, any current treatment eg physio, and typed it all up. Then she asked how I am in myself. So I said I was feeling a bit nervous/anxious about my upcoming HR meeting, and she then presented me with a questionnaire to complete about anxiety/ depression!! I laughed when reading some of the questions- "do you find it difficult to sit still?" I said yes due to pain! "do you have difficulty sleeping?" again yes due to pain! But I did not put yes on the questionnaire as I do not have theses problems due to anxiety!!
So she looked pityingly at me and said "you are young to have all these problems!" GRR!!
So I am now waiting for the HR meeting on Monday :roll:
BUT-on a positive note, I picked up my new Motability car today so can travel in relative comfort!
Hope you all have a restful weekend
NB

frogmella

I have had those questionnaires too, NB. I found them impossible - do you look forward to things like you used to? Ha ha! As you say, it is difficult to pick out the pain/depression/anxiety things. They are so intwined.

I hope you have a positive HR meeting.

stickywicket

Well, Occy Health down and H R to go. I hope it goes well. At least you can arrive in style. That's good

nearlybionic

Hi Sticky and Frogmella
thanks x
The union man has just rung me, yes on Sunday afternoon! To ask me to meet him a bit earlier than the meeting. Not sure what to think about that.
I wish it was in the morning, but I have to meet him at 2.30pm, but will need to set off early as parking there is awful.
I am really struggling with sciatica today and low back stabbing pain. I have 3 heat packs on the go, and have maxxed out my dullers.
I am not looking forward to the meeting but need to get it over with and know what my future holds!
I hope you all are keeping dry today! It is truly awful here!!
NB

barbara12

Hi NB...good luck with the meeting...sciatic pain is awful my injections are on Thursday so I am hoping these will help me...I will let you know the other lot didnt work...let us know how you get on xx