Yep, I am bedridden. Well, not right this second – although I am using up precious moments of non bed-rest time in order to write this. For the past 3 months or so I have been suffering from some pretty bad back pain, which we now know is “Sciatica”. I read somewhere that Sciatica pain can vary from slight discomfort to excruciating pain, and the latter is where I am. It is not actually caused by pregnancy, but whatever the problem, (which we can’t be 100% sure of because the testing required is not appropriate during pregnancy) is especially irritated because I am pregnant.
Right now the best chance I have of getting some relief is physical therapy and some very specific stretches. But before I can jump into that, I need to get the pain level down and the inflammation down. Which means I need to REST…from everything. The tiniest things set my back into pain, so I literally need to do nothing (except some light stretching 3X a day). This is REALLY hard for me. I can’t stand to watch Adam do the dishes or the laundry while I do nothing. I have never been able to do that. Adam spent yesterday and will spend some time today getting everything in order so the daily cleanup will be very minimal.
I also feel bad about how this will affect little Megan. Yesterday she was such a gem and just played alone while I laid around doing nothing. As helpful as this was for me, I still felt as though I was neglecting her. I also am jealous about the time she gets to spend with her daddy. Right now they are at the library: without me. On Sunday they will go to church: without me. I don’t even want to think about the dozens of times they will be without me over the next couple weeks. BUT luckily it will only be for a couple of weeks. Then I will be in a much better state to play with my TWO YEAR OLD!!! Which reminds me. We have cancelled plans for Megan’s birthday party. We will try so hard to make the day special for her but right now I am not sure how it’s going to work out.
Luckily this bed-rest has nothing to do with the safety of my baby. It is just to get me out of the severe and horrible pain that I am in. I haven’t lived a day without pain for probably 12 weeks now. I definitely have the motivation to do what it takes to try to get rid of some the pain. It just wont be easy! The real truth is; I would endure this pain throughout the entire pregnancy as long as it meant it would go away after my little baby is born. I have a friend in the ward who has the exact same problem, only her’s hasn’t gone away and her baby is 5 months old. That is why it is so important that I do the things now that will make it possible for me to enjoy every second with my children.
When I was pregnant with Bradley I had severe back pains. I think it’s because we moved while I was 7 months, so all the packing and moving wasn’t the best. The 8th month it was unbearable. BUT – heating pads helped. I also remember sitting in the bathtub and letting the hot water run on my back. It was temporary but always helped. And, the doctor allowed me to take Tylenol but I was pretty leary of that so I didn’t. Also, Loren and Anthony gave me a few priesthood blessings to help with the pain. Hope that you can find something that will help the pain. I wish we were closer so I could help.
Elizabeth,
I had no idea you were having so much pain! It must be really difficult for you to have to rest, but I’m sure it’s the best thing to do. Please, please do not hesitate to call me if you need ANYTHING!
I’m sorry to hear it’s so bad for you. I know how hard it can be to not be able to play or do anything around the house. (My life for 3 weeks just a week ago, except I could go out as long as Lilah helped carry stuff.)
I hope the physical therapy helps and that it goes away after the baby is born.
I am so sorry Elizabeth! I use to hate people saying to me “I had that!”, or “Oh yeah, I know exactly how you feel”. It made me feel like I was a wuss and lazy. But, I use to lay on my bed in tears because my sciatica was soooo bad. It hurts so bad! I am so sorry that you are going through this this early in your pregnancy.
How far are you? What are you having ? Have you already made the annoucement? I feel so bad you are so miserable. Sorry! HEY…We are doing giveaways on Sally’s Clippies. You haven’t entered yet…you should.
How lucky are you to have sciatica during your pregnancy. I had it a few months ago and it was pretty bad. It took 2 weeks at the chiro. for therapy and adjust. I also followed the stretches daily and I felt a lot better after a few weeks. They also told me to put ice on it not heat because of the inflammation. (Although the heat feels a lot better it really doesn’t help so they said.) FYI: Even when the pain goes away you should still continue the stretches to help it from reoccurring. Wait, Don’t you have a couple of brothers also giving you advice. Get well soon.
My sweet friend, my heart aches for you. I wish I could be there to clean and cook for you, bring books and smoothies to you. My time on bed rest was just horrendous and I would never NEVER wish it on any soul….especially you! I sure hope the pain eases up a little soon so you can start the therapy and hopfully find some peace from the pain.
Good luck Elizabeth. Hopefully you can get into physical therapy soon! You are in our prayers!