As a nurse (and patient who has taken opioids and never gotten addicted), if none of those things you listed help...why do you refuse to take them? Look, you may have a very valid reason - family history of dependency, they made you feel sick when you took them before, whatever. That is your call and I respect it. But IF you refuse because you are frightened of becoming addicted, then I think you need to have an honest talk with your MD. If you need some quality of life, consider trying them. I can honestly say I would not have made it to my jaw joint replacement surgery (a 9 year period of pain) without using them, especially the last six months. By then I was using slow release morphine and hydrocodone, latter for break through pain. Muscle relaxers, aspirin, ice. I would NOT HAVE SURVIVED. The only other thing I can think of is if you have access to medical marijuana? Worth a try. Thing is, the more pain you are in, the more tense your muscles become, it’s a never ending cycle. Ugh. Good luck. I hope you can find some relief! How long do you need to wait for surgery.

Good afternoon Karen. May I welcome you to Connect even though I am a little late in doing so. You have been through the wringer, so to speak. Waiting and wondering is a mentally exhaustive state of being. I have read all of the replies to your request and there is a lot of experience in those responses to similar situations. None of the options mentioned were available to me. I didn't live where there were surgeons like you require. I thought the sciatica was just a hip or leg issue.

When I learned it was my lower back, I succumbed to a laminectomy. Post-surgery, I was hospitalized for 2 weeks because something just wasn't right. I remember that it was dark and dreary and depressive. PT twice a day and ice. When I returned home things just didn't work out. I found another surgeon who told me that the recent surgery had been done poorly. I needed a fusion. For some reason, he told me to wait until I was in pain 99% of the time and then he would do the fusion. As I waited for quite a while, I decided to stay working. I made some adjustments. When it was my week to drive in the carpool, everyone met at my house. I lay in the back and someone else drove.

My main responsibility at that time was as a college counselor. So.....when my clients arrived, I lay on the floor and they sat in my chair. Another "get-a-round". Finally, It came time for the fusion. It was done beautifully and to this day I use the healing exercises given to me to prevent any further issues.

Karen, I noticed that @wisco50 suggested medical cannabis. My life today can only be called life because of my commitment to medical cannabis and its ability to keep pain and discomfort under control. If you would like more information about medical cannabis options, I am happy to share what I have learned and experiences. The industry is moving quickly and the products, although confusing at first, deliver on their promise.

Stay in touch with Connect. There are always new folks becoming members and sharing knowledge that is often in the best interest of everyone's quality of life.

May you be free and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris