Sorry you're going through so much

Anchie - really sorry to hear all of this. Re the back and sciatica - have you had an MRI? All the PT in the world won't help if a disk has slipped and is pinching that big nerve or if some area of the spine has otherwise degenerated. Neurosurgeon for this problem....
Not sure about the weight, but I definitely lost weight during the few years that my back and leg pain were so dreadful, due to the loss of muscle mass.

I feel for you - serious empathy!

Thank you all so much for your sympathetic ears and empathy. It seems that back problems are unfortunately very common.

I do have scoliosis, same as my daughter, it is genetic predisposition. I have been suffering from lower back pain for years now. It never goes completely away, just goes from acute, immobilizing and quality of life affecting to a more tolerable one that hurts only when doing some movements like bending or when standing for too long. I never know what triggers the acute phase and I never know how long it will last - it is usually between few weeks and few months. When I am in acute phase like now I get depressed and desperate- and I will try anything and everything - pain killers, injections, physical therapy, chiropractor and osteopathic treatments, massages, exercises and stretches, creams, vitamins, supplements, cold and hot patches - you name it, I probably tried it. And then when I eventually get better, I never know what helped. I was just planning to have MRI but last few days I feel somewhat better - pain in my leg is gone and I can walk again. So will give it few more days.
And today is 4 weeks since my dental surgery and I finally managed to smile without discomfort. The cut was in front, just below my nose and every time I moved my lips to talk, smile or eat, I would feel it. I am pretty sure that is the main reason for my weight loss, so I am not going to worry about it any more.

Things are improving and I am very grateful for that. I have to work 3 more days and then I will have 2 weeks off - so looking forward to it.

Wishing you all restful and stress free holiday season and all the best in new year. And good health - that is the most important.

Anchie, I wish you a happier and healthier 2020. Back pain is debilitating - and dental surgery sucks. (((HUGS))). Stress causes weight loss - especially when you're off carbs. I hope you find comfort and weight gain soon.

Have you tried Pilates? My friends with scoliosis swear by it.

Angie - how did you know I started with Pilates beginning of October, 1 hour 3 times per week. And after a full month of exercising, just before my Seattle trip I was actually pain free. But did not last long. When I returned my trainer was away and classes were canceled, then I skipped few after the dental surgery and then the back pain was suddenly back, worst than ever. But since beginning of December I am doing Pilates again and I see some improvements, both with my back pain and my mood

Poor you,l do sympathise.Chronic back pain is horrible and very wearing.Exercise as you are doing is often the best thing but as you have found ,you have to keep it up which can be hard when you are busy or in pain.

Oh Anchie! I’m so sorry to hear about these challenges! I hope you find the right recipe. Like so many who have responded here, I have struggled with low back and neck pain for decades. Keep searching for the things that help and prioritize yourself! Pilates, yoga and a sacro-iliac belt have all helped me at various times. Hugs and healing thoughts.

There seems to be also some unexpected consequences of Pilates. I have increased carb consumption and managed to put back the weight I lost recently but my body is still size smaller. Not sure if it is only from Pilates or maybe my loose skin after weight loss is shrinking back. I was so happy when I reached my target weight and size - I bought a lot of new clothes. And I bought the best quality I could afford thinking that I can finally start building my dream wardrobe. I don’t want to even think how much money I spent. Well, this morning I tried all my new pants and they are all too big. Some I think I can save by taking them in, but I don’t want to rush again. Fortunately blazers are little loose but still OK. How long you think I should wait to be sure that my size is stable? I don’t want to spend any more money and have any more transitional clothes. At this point I don’t even care what size I am, I just want it to be stable. Last 12 years I was never the same size from one season to another and have been every size from 10-2 US. I had to constantly buy new clothes, and because I couldn’t replace everything at once all the time, I always had to wear some not very well fitting clothes. So much waist and frustration.

This is maybe not off topic any more, should I start a new thread in the main forum about this?

Just a quick update - my lower back pain got much worse since beginning of the year, I have being diagnosed with slipped disk (9 mm) that is pressing on sciatic nerve. I am now on long term sick leave, I am unable to sit and can walk max 5 min before collapsing in pain. I need help getting dressed or doing any activity that requires bending.I have palsy in my left leg. My neurologist is advising surgery but my physical therapist is advising more conservative approach. I am considering my options and I am torn at the moment. I would like to avoid surgery if at all possible because I have tendency to form scar tissue. But on the other hand I can have permanent damage to the nerve if recovery last too long.
I also don’t have unlimited sick leave and have to go back to work in few weeks the latest. I am sole breadwinner and can’t afford to be sick. My health provider (Cigna) has already pre approved the surgery.
I am spending my days in pj and loungewear and I have lost all interest in shopping and fashion.

Anchie, I’m so sorry you are still suffering. my heart is heavy for you. Chronic long term pain is so debilitating.
My husband had disc surgery, and it was quite successful, but I do understand your hesitation. Please hang in there because there will be a resolution for you , be it surgery or therapy . You will heal and get better, it may not seem so now while in the thick of this.
I pray that you will have a full and complete recovery. Please keep us posted.
xo

OH, Anchie. I am sooooo sorry. Back injuries are debilitating - physically and emotionally - and my heart goes out to you. This is very, very stressful. ((((HUGS)))).

May I suggest you start a separate thread in OT about back pain and surgery. There are many who have gone through this here, and it could be helpful to hear their perspective. Much, much love. xo

taylor and Angie, thank you so much for your nice words, I appreciate it more than you know.
Angie - your story from today‘s blog prompted me to write this update. I sympathize with your situation so much. I was so sorry to hear about that, sending hugs and healing thoughts.

Oh gosh, Anchie. All my sympathy. I had a hernia and could have or not have had surgery. I’d had surgery before and have a scar... the surgeon wanted to redo to fix that (I said no). I did the hernia surgery because I wanted to feel safer on my feet... I’m a baker.

Rachy - thanks. So did hernia (that is also what I have) surgery helped? How long was recovery?

BTW - I started new thread per Angie‘s advice.

I’ll go to that thread...