My sciatica has really been bugging me the last few weeks. Pain all the time and particularly when I stand; it takes me a few seconds to get moving from a standing position. It hurts all the time and I can NOT get comfortable. All day at work I'm up and down, trying to stretch, relieve the tightness and pain.

I'm also having a lot of leg cramping at night and I don't know if that's related. I just hurt from my lower back to my toes, but especially my butt, hip, groin, and calf. I know I need a new, extra-firm mattress. Soon but can't do that at this time.

Anyone have this? I'm reading that Gabapentin (Neurontin) has been helpful to some. I have some that was prescribed for something else and am considering trying it. I can only take anti-inflammatory drugs a few days then my stomach gets in the act. Maybe TMI but I'm also concerned about feeling as if I have less control of my bowels in that the muscles don't seem to be functioning correctly. That scares me a bit, although I'm closer to Depends age than I am Pampers age anyway.

My primary doc knows I have sciatica and a history of bulging disc that was confirmed by MRI. I was just there and don't go back until January and my insurance is a catastrophic plan so I have to pay the first $3000.00 (and am currently paying on a $907 balance--down from $2600.00). I want to avoid incurring any more debt there.

So, any ideas are welcome!
Thanks for allowing me to vent.