u/rwn115

A week ago, I was diagnosed with a bulging L4/L5 disc putting pressure on my L5 root nerve causing sciatica after an MRI. I've likely had this bulge to some extent for 4 months but recent actions must have increased the size of the bulge which led to the sciatica.

I was given a 4 day course of dexamethasone orally which has dramatically reduced the pain in my back and leg and has also reduced the nerve inflammation. But as the topic states, I can't stand upright which makes walking, one of the most effective ways to recover from this, quite difficult. As I attempt to stand upright, it triggers the nerve which causes tingling through my calf and foot. Thankfully, it does not cause the pain it used to. However, I am restricted to walking while hunched over which does eventually use muscle soreness in my back.

I am slowly improving with bed rest, occasional walking (mostly in my flat) and various meds (diclofenac, paracetamol, and pregabalin) but I don't know what exercises I can do until I meet the neurologist I've been referred to in order to work my way upright. I feel that I am slowly improving my ability to stand upright and I feel the muscle guarding in my left buttock/upper hamstring decreasing but being in bed most of the time sucks.

Sitting is mostly comfortable (so long as I don't sit rigidly upright) and laying down is fine (best on my non-injured side as laying on my back can trigger the nerve)

I've seen other threads on this topic but no real solutions. Just other people experiencing the same thing. For those who were in this spot, please tell me what worked for you. Thanks in advance.

I've recently been given a reference from my GP to see a orthopedist about issues related to my lower back and left buttock that have been ongoing for 4 months despite repeated physiotherapy appointments. The earliest appointment I can get is 7 weeks from now from the ones that would even see me but the pain has been worsening as of late and it's even becoming a challenge to walk properly.

I have OZP insurance and am wondering if anyone here has knowledge or experience with walk-in orthopedic clinics. As a last resort, I'd consider a private clinic if they can see me earlier and aren't exceedingly expensive. Thanks in advance.

I'm a dual Irish-American citizen planning to cross at the Polish-Ukrainian border by train this July for a 2 week trip and I was curious if having electronic proof of funds, insurance, and bookings were sufficient for entering the country along with my passport or if printed physical copies of this were necessary.

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I know it seems silly but I was curious how entrance into Ukraine as a visa-free eligible person was different from say entering a Balkan non-EU country or something like that. Thanks in advance.