When I woke up yesterday morning I had the full day ahead mapped out. Get up, shower and dress, cycle to station, read Robert Harris on train, spend a busy day in studios recording five episodes of the quiz show I'm working on at the moment, finish about 8.30, have a couple of beers with the rest of the production team then go home to Hubby, a whisky and bed. However my body decided to scrap that plan.
I got up. Instantly excruciating pain shot down one side of my body, my vision tunnelled, my head started fizzing and I collapsed on the floor. Fortunately Hubby was on the case, realised I'd fainted and raised my legs and let the blood return to my head. Getting back into bed made me cry in agony. My lower back and left leg were shot with stabs and cramps of pain.
All the worse case scenarios went through both our heads but fortunately my lap top was to hand and after a quick google we diagnosed sciatica. An advice call from a doctor afterwards confirmed it. Basically it's a trapped nerve at the base of my spine - but a particularly long nerve right down my leg. So yesterday, and so far today, have been spent lying flat on my back taking a carefully rota-ed selection of painkillers, one of which I didn't know was even legal. I'm OK as long as I stay in one very flat position. Eating is dificult, typing tricky and I won't traumatise you with details of how I manage to go to the loo.
The doc seems pretty certain that I should be on my feet again by tomorrow and then I will need some physiotherapy to try to prevent such a horrible attack again. Sciatica has numerous causes but I'm pretty certain that the hours I spend sitting badly in front of my computer have been a major contributor. Doc called it a wake up call and it's certainly been that. Better posture and more exercise are on my post recovery to do list.
Its certainly made me appreciate simple things like just going for a walk or pottering in the garden, or having a shower - all of which I am desperate to do again. Fortunately I have a lovely view of the garden from my bed and the nodding roses and buddleia have been cheering sights. I have also done lots of reading - Robert Harris The Ghost, Sara Paretsky Bitter Medicine and Julie Myerson Out of Breath. Might even get some writing done this afternoon if I can get past the doze inducing effects of my drug cocktail.
Hubby and daughter have been fab - bringing me food and tea and things to read. Daughter made me a card and some yummy fudge and took a photo of downstairs to remind me what it looks like. Even the cat has been sending me sympathetic looks from the end of the bed. I feel very lucky, and when I'm back on my feet again will hopefully be able to use this experience in a positive way.
Edited to add: It's now Monday morning and I'm still in pain and still in bed. Grrr. Trying to stay positive despite having to postpone family holiday in France. Am going to spend this afternoon writing and not feeling sorry for myself.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Ow ow ow, you poor thing, that sounds perfectly vile. You're doing a great job of looking on the bright side, and I think your post-recovery plans sound very sensible. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Sciatica's the worst pain ever. Worse than childbirth. Wishing you a quick recovery.
Blimey, that sounds pretty scary (makes mental note to stand up and walk round room regularly to prevent similar happening.)
I recently slipped down stairs and hurt the base of my spine, which made it difficult and uncomfortable to sit down for a week or so, but I've never had sciatica. I do hope you're back to normal soon, and at least you've done lots of reading :o))
Queenie - thanks, looking on bright side seems only option really - not keen on slouching into despair just yet
Honeysuckle - oooh sounds like you've been here ttoo, and yes childbirth is the nearest comparable thing
Thanks Karen. I'm trying to convince myself that I'mmaking some improvement as I can now hobble toloo instead of being dragged there on a blanke (I kid you not). Book pile is diminishing rapidly, will have to send out for new supplies soon
Oooh nooo. I hope you get better soon x
Ooh sounds horrible! I had touches of it during both pregnancies but nothing like you describe. Hope you make a quick recovery.
Oh gawd, that sounds awful. Thank goodness hubby was with you when it happened. Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks guys. To be honest I'm not feeling much better. Still can't walk or move much at all. Painkillers are failing to live up to their name and just make me sleep a lot. Have netbook, fresh supply of books and an idea for a story though so Slough of Despond is still a long way off
Post a Comment