(No Subject)

Hello everyone and hope it's a good new year so far. I am a recent newcomer and I posted about sciatica and calf pain. I got alot of help and appreciate this greatly. I am still unemployed with no income so getting to go to the doctor still not able.

I had posted that I have spondylolisthesis l-5 s-1 neuroforaminal narrowing and sciatica. The sciatica was getting much worse and was causing pain in my calves, which was new.

The pain is still there and worsening. It almost feels like the day after an intense work out where your muscles have the burning sensation. Also when I move my right leg outward I am getting a really painful pop in my hip joint area. It is allways the same, three pops out and three pops in.

I know that you guys are not doctors but I have received very beneficial info here and so seeing that I can't see a physician right now maybe someone has some ideas.

Thanks again and I hope to have the chance to contribute and help someone else here.

Thanks for your response. I also noticed I didn't put a topic on that post. OOOPS!

I just applied for medicaid so I'm not sure how that will turn out. Also I learned that the University of Kentucky has an income based service so I also applied for that. I live about 30 minutes away from their main campus so I'm hopeful this will turn out in my favor.

The reason I asked for any advice is that I am seriously considering another trip to the emergency room. I have never felt this much pain and so much coming from different locations.

I am sure they will probally just give me more steroid injections and flexeril and send me home with prednisone without x-rays, since I have no insurance, but maybe at least the injection will help.

Hello b and glad you are getting info here that you can use.

I have lived in Florida for 4 years but was born and lived in ky for over 40 yrs. Your information was correct. UK is a teaching hospital an is one of the best ortho Neuro depts in the country. They also have a pain management clinic an on your first appt you go to the financial office an they do a worksheet to determine the fees based on your ability to pay.

You may have to see someone in family practice to get a referral to Neuro but we'll worth it.

Good luck an feel free to give me a yell if I can help in anyway as far as Dr s or such. I lived in Lexington an nicholasville an if your 30 mins away you are pretty close to most of my family and friends.

vickie

With steroid injections it can cause weakening of tendons, ligaments, and accelerate the loss of cartilage if done too many times per year. Because there is controversy on this subject most Drs. will be reasonable and limit the injections to no more than 3-4 times per year on a single joint.

The other aspect with steroids is that it can cause liver issues over time. My dog is on Prednisone (2 days on and one day off) and needs his liver enzymes to be checked every 6 months to make sure it is not causing any problems. He's been on it almost 2 years now and no issues thankfully!!!

As Vickie mentioned...maybe even making an appt. with a Family Practice first who can at least maybe prescribe some Flexeril for you until you can get in to see a specialist.

I just think that your true friends/family would be happy to help knowing you are in a tough spot and asking for a small amount from each is very doable to at least go see a Dr. would be a good thing to do.

What is the status for the UK application for services?

Were you out after a major surgery and had Drs. notes that you needed to be off for those two months? (Not from a Chiro but a true MD?)....And were you using the short term disability or saved up sick/personal days?

The reason I ask is that I can't see how that would fall under abandonment of the job if it was all documented and discussed with your superiors and HR to be out for that much time...

Thanks for the info on steroids. I have been looking over diagrams and pictures of the sciatic nerve and it looks like it splits just below the knee ( by the hamstring tendon) into three separate areas. This explains the pain in my calves alot!

You guys are probably going to think I am a train wreck, but I grew up in a children's home with no contact with family. State decided they weren't fit for the task. As a result I am a bit of an introvert. It's difficult to let people in. So asking family for help is out.

BUT!!! A guy I know wants me to install a security system in his gas station. Could be a way for some much needed funds. Fingers are crossed; but not the toes- causes to much pain. I am awaiting a call back from U of K. While I'm not looking forward to climbing ladders and what not I need to take one for the team; MY TEAM!

As for the job issue, my medical leave was covered by FMLA equivalent. When I returned to work I was wrote up on alot of garbage and told my job was in jeopardy. When I called in because of severe pain I was told I had run out of points. The job abandonment thing came up because they said I didn't call in for the next three days. It's hard to abandon a job you no longer have. I missed the appeal date so that's that. I know that I was considered a liability since this condition originally started as workers comp so I'm sure many of you have been forced out.