Question:
Post op sciatica pain

I had a sciatica flare up pre op-had four days pain free at time of surgery. Now 3 1/2 wks post op and have not had a day without pain. Have lost 37 lbs (am thrilled about that) and pre op hip pain is completely gone-can walk all over. Just cannot get any releif from this sciatica pain unless I take pain pills. I'm afraid to go to the dr.-don't want steroids because of weight gain and was told not to use anti-inflammatoy drugs. Has anyone else had this problem-will further weight loss make a difference? I feel so wonderful after my surgery except for this-any help or info would be greatly appreciated.thanks.    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 22, 2000)

September 22, 2000
I am just over 2 months post op and have 2 herniated discs in my lower spine. I also have knee problems. Prior to surgery I couldn't wallk most days cause of this. I believe I also have the sciatic nerve pain. I can walk now, but had to get a cortisone injection in my knee yesterday. The last one lasted 11 wks. My dr. said no more injections and that if my knee isn't better in 3 mo that he will probably need to do surgery on the knee. As far as the back is concerned. The pain is not half as bad as it was pre op but I have problems sleeping at night cause I can't lay on either side for long w/o the pain going from my hip down my leg. I have to keep turning thru out the night. My orthopedic dr. is sending my back to see my neurologist to follow up on this. I am hoping w/ further wt loss, it will get better. I have lost 87 lbs. 57 post op and 30 prior to wls. I was hoping w/ this amt of wt loss that I wouldnt be having these kind of problems!! Good luck!!
   — kathy S.

September 22, 2000
I had a major sciatica flare just a couple months after surgery - set off by my scooting forward in the bathtub to shave my legs. ha! ha! Well, I've been getting chiropractic treatments and it is almost back to normal. When I had it though, the pains would shoot down my right leg and it was awful. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

September 22, 2000
I have sciatica once in a while. I go to a chiropractor for a couple adjustments. It works wonders. I see one that uses an activator vs cracking your back. GOOD LUCK!
   — ZZ S.