Sciatica Support Group

Yes i do.
I have bad nights where i dont sleep at all and then the next day be depressed about it.
It's hard being in pain as it is hard to control and describe.
Only those that are in pain can understand about the mood swings and depression and sleepless nights.

Hi,
Sorry to hear of your situation, but if misery loves company, I am getting close to a year now on this bought of sciatica/back problems, I had a period of about 6 months pain free before this one. I don't really sleep through the night, but I am accustomed to napping for an hour, then get up and stretch an hour and so on... If I sleep much more than an hour, I get muscle spasms and increased inflammation, so I prefer it like this. I have made a special mattress out of large foam blocks. I can adjust them as needed to reduce the pain. I could not find a mattress that did not make the pain worse.
Just be sure to get a second/third opinion on the surgery, read others cases on this and on the back pain support group. Seems so many who had surgery are now committed to a life of pain.

Yeah, I've resigned myself to a life of pain, suffering, misery, and depression. I became severely deoressed in February when I stopped taking morphine, valium and Effexor. And when I was referred to The Pain Clinic, the 2 doctors thay saw me told me there was nothing they could do - surgery was pointless, opioids were adding to my pains, etc. I was in severe back and neck pains, and I was so depressed that I became suicidal. I attempted suicide in June by 80 tablets of breakthrough morphine and 35 tablets of Tylenol #3 with codeine. I'm still in a lot of pain, and I still think about taking my own life.

So yeah, you're not alone. I'm also in a relationship, and it's affected big time. I put a lot of blame on my partner. I always say I wish I was single. It would've been easier. My partner has been extremely patient, though.

Sorry for the typos and omissions. By the way, I can't sleep due to pains and depression, too. I take sleeping pills before going to bed, and even then, it takes me about 2 hours before I fall asleep. Thank God for iPod that I tinker with in bed.

I don't even know where to start anymore! I've had manic depression/bipolar disorder just about all my life. I've tried to commit suicide 3 times...thought about it many more. I've had back pain for at least 10 years. Just when I get the depression in somewhat of a controlled manner...I start having severe back pain & I'm diagnosed with 2 herniated discs, 1 torn disc, & sciatica...not to mention sleep apnea & carpal tunnel!!
Sometimes I feel like a huge loser, & a burden to everyone. Since I "look" healthy on the outside I often feel like people don't really believe the severity of my pain...both emotional & physical!!!
I will be 41 this year & I just can't believe that this is my life...sometimes I feel like it's over already. It has changed so drastically with the back problems.
Wow...I guess I'll stop carrying on now...lol
You are definitely NOT alone...

Don't feel bad ... I too have resigned myself to a very tough life and pain has always been there whether physical or emotional. Now, behind my left knee is hurting, it is affecting my sleep, I walk as if I am going lame and the doctor thinks it's a Bakers Cyst. (whatever that is ...) I will be seeing an Orthopedist soon but if they think they are going to take the knife to me I've got news for them. Hang in there everybody.

Oh, a hug to you, that is so hard! I'm struggling with an episode of sciatica right now, and have had lots of trouble sleeping--including waking up with my heart racing, etc. The insomnia has started to lessen a little bit after I started doing some deep breathing exercises before falling asleep. Just 5 minutes of slow, deep breaths. I'm still waking up too early, but at least not that early and I can get back to sleep more often than not...