Sitting Is Overrated

OWW! to hear you describe this makes MY back ache!! I have terrible arthritis in my knees, ankles and foot bones/toes, so I understand the process of easing into standing up, and at 50+, the FIRST thing I gotta do is PEE. Interesting when it takes several minutes to stand then to walk like Frankenstein to the toilet. Then hobble around getting dressed, drive to work, walk a mile to my office, then all over the building all day, interspersed with sitting at a computer. Then the walk to the front, drive home and oh, boy! Now I get to make dinner. Sheesh.Don't mean to stomp on your rant, just trying to say,..."I MORE than understand!!".

I feel your pain. After years as an exercise physiologist, the job opportunities , dwindling pay and excruciating degenerative disc problems forced me back into school. At 48, I am in my 2nd semester of nursing school. What was I thinking? Sitting thru class became impossible so I stood for most of the lectures. The one hour commute each way to our clinical site had me in tears by the time I got there. I had one surgery during a break which lead to foot drop. 2 months later I was back for another surgery to correct the problem. 2 months post op now and having most of the feeling back in my foot, extensive Phys therapy, I am glad for the choosing surgery. As you said, keeping up with the core exercise can be difficult but what other option is there when your back is a mess. That is the reality of the situation. Sitting is still not the most comfortable position but I am thankful that nurses don't sit much. Maybe the next big thing is more school? It's never too late for a specialty or management position as a nurse. Take it from a late bloomer, you are never too old for school. The opportunities are endless with a nursing degree and your years of experience. How about teaching? My clinical instructor is in her 60's and she is my hero!Don't let your back sideline you. I wish you the very best.

Quote from mds1OWW! to hear you describe this makes MY back ache!! I have terrible arthritis in my knees, ankles and foot bones/toes, so I understand the process of easing into standing up, and at 50+, the FIRST thing I gotta do is PEE. Interesting when it takes several minutes to stand then to walk like Frankenstein to the toilet.

Follow the excellent advice above. Floor nursing is for the young and fresh. There are plenty of options for you. It is time to give yourself a break!

make sure the sciatica is from your back and not pyriformis syndrome, PT would be different.