Jamie’s herniated disc

I have been very hesitant to make one of these but recovery is much slower and harder than I ever could have anticipated. Here is the long story “short” (as I could make it) about what’s been going on with my health.

In September about a week after my dental nightmare ended, I started feeling sciatic nerve pain on the right side. I thought I must have pulled a muscle or something. It progressively started bothering me more. In November it became debilitating and I could hardly walk. Most of December I couldn’t walk at all. I would collapse just trying to get out of bed and the pain has been the most agonizing I’ve ever experienced.

I’ve been working closely with my primary care doctor. She was ready to send me to consult with a neurosurgeon about surgery on my spine, but is very supportive of me trying alternative treatments before something dangerous and invasive like that, if they’re working.

I was referred to Dr. Qin at Golden Needle (Dr. of 41 years who has healed and taught all over the world) by my chiropractor who ordered my MRI and diagnosed my herniated disc. He too suffered the same injury and healed through Dr. Qins acupuncture, manual stretching (decompression), herbal remedies, pt, massage, cupping etc. Though slow, he is pleased with my progress.  He thinks in the next 3 months I could get back to a more normal and functional life without surgery, if I am careful and do not do anything to damage my recovery. No lifting, no bending, minimal activity but dedicated physical therapy, rest and continued treatments under his care.

I cut back on treatments for financial reasons and I am feeling the consequences. This week things have gotten very painful for me after many days of trying to walk more and be more involved in my sons daily activities. Today he told me I have taken some steps back and need to go back to bed rest for a while. His treatments have been the only thing to help me with my pain and progress so I know it’s important I find a way to stick with them and follow his advice.

I have been determined not to mask this pain with narcotics by relying on them and continuing to  further my injury. It is more painful but better for healing. In the beginning I was crawling into the Dr office at times and now I’m walking in. I can stand for an hour or so at a time before the pain gets to me and am starting to walk a little more every day sometimes with a limp, sometimes not. I definitely have “good” and bad days with a few longer setbacks like the one I’m having now. Just a few weeks ago I couldn’t imagine going a minute without pain though, so I am grateful and know that I am healing.

The treatments I’m getting are not covered by insurance and are a big financial burden for me as a single Mom with little support. I lost my job in October and physically was unable to work shortly after.  It could likely be months before I can return to working any substantial amount and longer until I heal completely so these bills are overwhelming and stacking up.  Any help to get through this is greatly appreciated. I am hopeful and praying to recover sooner than later! I miss working, cycling, being able to do everything for myself and most of all, my active life with my son.  I’ve only made it out of the house with him for short periods of time in the past few months. Being stuck inside almost all the time with him has been the hardest adjustment for us both but he has been the sweetest most compassionate companion through all of this and I am so thankful for him.  If anyone wants to visit us we are so happy to see friends!

If you made it this far, thank you!