@ktrammell1 It's the pits when you have to wait. My surgeon told my husband I must of been in a lot of Pain. I had a back fusion from T-10 to t-5. I had stenosis at L4 & 5. While I was waiting I did puzzles on my computer. I tried to keep busy, Still did laundry , but didn't cook much. My daughter would come just to get me out of the house. Wore a mask and felt safe. We would stop at Star Bucks and get a Macha Green tea Latte. Yum. Just getting out of the house helps a lot. I also have an low immune. I'm going to see the immune doctor this month. Like I said, I had to wait a long time before surgery. I had to see a (can't think the type of doctor) to put me on to help my bones get stronger.. He put me on Tymlos, which is an injection, with a very small fine needle into my stomach, but it's very expensive , but the cost is going down. I think it was an endocrinologist. I had to wait 3 months to get into him.
The pain doctor had an ablation done on me, that just help little while. Had to go for a bunch of test at Mayo for the surgery. It was a whole year from the first Year I saw the surgeon, but at that time I did not know whether I would have the surgery or not. Prayed to God and he said Yes. My doctor said I needed the surgery and so did my husband. Like I said I just kept busy before the surgery. My right leg would drag. That's the leg I had sciatic down. From your first sentence I can tell you need the surgery. I also rested, because I was very tired. You have so much more wrong with than I did. You must be in A LOT of pain. My neck is bad too, but now sciatic down my arm. Try to think positive.
I also had epidurals that didn't work. I still have pain from my surgery fusion in my back, but it was a a 9 hour surgery and very big. I wish I c ould tell you more how to wait for your surgery. Like I said I kept busy and did puzzles on the computer, plus did some entering on our spread sheet. Think positive and all is well, but I know it's hard. I had to wait a year for my surgery. Jeanie lilypaws

Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this excruciating sciatic pain while awaiting surgery? I refuse to take opioids. I’ve had no relief at all with Neurontin, Nabumetone, Tramadol, Advil, Tylenol, Muscle relaxers, ice, heat, Tens, massage, PT or Chiro. Due to two previous GI ulcer bleeds, I have to be very cautious with NSAIDS.