[lizm100]

Hi-

Ok, I just spoke to my orthopedic doctor who is a hip specialist and now he wants me to see a sports medicine doctor since he said my symptoms are consistent with Piriformis syndrome which I believe is like sciatica as some of you already stated.

Valerie, I guess you too can join Jackie and me as far as skipping yoga since it did harm rather than good for us. I'm sorry that you hurt your back by cleaning, I can relate. Actually you have a valid excuse for not being able to clean, at least temporarlly. I wish that I could get away with no housework but I know that will never happen (with 3 young kids and 2 dogs) in reality. My friends & I always joke around that we need cleaning elves and a laundry fairy...LOL! Do you remember how long it took your hip to get better?

Alice, glad to hear that the injections are helping. Yes, life does not stop when we're in pain...all we can do is keep going and life goes on.....

Leslie, I love your BIG black dog. I have a black labradoodle that has a wavy coat and actually resembles a New Foundland instead of a doodle. I can't answer the chemo question but I'm sure there are many wonderful members on this forum that probably can. As far as radiation.... I have read & from my own personal experience I have experienced more aches and pains, especially in my radiated areas that I have never experience b/4. I know radiation is supposed to be local treatment but personally I believe that it adversally effects other parts of the body. For example I had chronic diarrhea while getting radiation which is supposed to be local treatment. After radiation, I developed chronic costochondritis along with many other aches and pains that I never ever had b/4 in my life. I see a naturalpath who specializes in women's health(my breast surgeon referred me to her) and treats many breast cancer patients; she too says NO antioxidents while in treatment and I waited about 8-10 weeks to start the antioxidents after treatment. You may want to find a good naturalpathic physician to assist you in your decision making. My naturalpath suggested I take glucosamine/condroitin/msn and fish oil since they are great for the joints. May be you can check with your doctor if that's something you can do but it takes 4-8 weeks to feel improvement if it will work. Also, epsom salt baths are supposed to help with joint and muscle pain. Best of luck to you.

Thank you all for caring to respond. I don't know what I would do without this forum. Sending (((hugs))) to all of you and please keep the advice coming.

Liz