Sciatica is ravaging my life

Hi Mattt

I'm so sorry to hear that you are in such awful pain physically and emotionally. Hopefully you receive the pain treatment you need in the very near future.

I PM'd you earlier to check in. Please feel free to drop me a line and let me know you're ok.

Shel49

Been there re 5weeks/ 10 plus visits to get on centrelink also back conditions also CT scans ..GP thought I was putting it on just to get drugs, that was the only reason got sent for scans ..then they just stared at me and asked me 'what did I want to do about it' .. without offering any options except waiting lists ..luckily for me it comes and goes, but can be in a mess for weeks or months and never know when its going to say ;enough' again . @Mattt persist with centerlink, its not much but better than nothing, you'll get through it, lots of others have

Hello @Mattt,

So sorry to hear about how much pain you are dealing with and it is affecting your job and finances. It must be so stressful also trying to work with centrelink and get the financial support that you need. It is good you are willing to persist with them.

Just try to take one day at a time with these services and in the meantime with your doctors appointments are you able to get them bulk billed due to your circumstances, it might be worth discussing that with your doctor if you havn't already?

Keep using the forums to chat with us, we care and are hear for you @Mattt.

Lunar

Hello @Mattt

It can be so stressful also trying to work with centrelink and get the financial support that you need. It is good you are willing to persist with them.

I kow what you mean @Mattt, I have sciatica , There is about 50 pain tablets i can`t take as I have Kidney disease stage 4 and only have one kidney working at 24%

I have applied for centrelink many times ," they say oh you can still work ", but I am getting closer because the last time I applied they said I missed out by 2 points -- can you believe it, missed out by 2 points arrrg

so i have regular medical updates and take them into centrelink , i am doing self care treatments

Hi @Mattt I only had sciatica for 3 months and it was hell.

I am glad you are persisting with Centrelink. I am on 3rd visit there this week to sort out stuff for my son .. he forgot something .. but then he fronted up again with it were sent home.

It is a convoluted system, but its the best we have got and its better than many other countries have. Do the paperwork. It is worth it to get a sense of security so you can face up to what you can actually do .. I knew a guy who was quadriplegic who ended up getting a good life .. cos he could be active on the keyboard... but it might take some frustration setting it up.

I also have heaps of problems with doctors thinking I am after their drugs .. so my medical support has been very lacking.

Keep posting. It can get better. If you are less stressed by income issue you may be able to develop a lifestyle that contains or reduces the pain and follow your own values and interests.