Pain, Pain, Go Away

So I've been having some very intense, searing pain in my pelvis, leg and back. I had it a few times a little while ago to a lesser degree, and my midwife deduced that it was nerve pain (possibly sciatica pain). She gave me some helpful suggestions on how to alleviate it -- things like shifting position, applying heat, etc. -- similar to what the pregnancy books say about nerve pain. And from what I've read, this pain is not unusual for pregnancy, but lately, it's been back with a vengeance.
 

So I've been having some very intense, searing pain in my pelvis, leg and back. I had it a few times a little while ago to a lesser degree, and my midwife deduced that it was nerve pain (possibly sciatica pain). She gave me some helpful suggestions on how to alleviate it -- things like shifting position, applying heat, etc. -- similar to what the pregnancy books say about nerve pain. And from what I've read, this pain is not unusual for pregnancy, but lately, it's been back with a vengeance.
 
In general, I think I'm OKAY with pain. I'm not a total wimp, but it's not like I'm used to a whole lot of pain either. I AM determined to deal with labor pain, but this extremely acute nerve pain is different (at least that's what I'm told!) since it's always both sharply excruciating and unexpected (although it does tend to come on after I've been sitting for hours at my desk -- even with my frequent bathroom breaks to pee). So, basically, the pain is scary because I never know when it may pop up, and because, well…because it really hurts.
 
The other night, when I was alone in the office at my desk, I felt it coming on slightly, so I got up to try to relieve pressure on the nerves in that area. That sort of helped and I got the heck out of the office and slowly walked to the train. But the commute home was almost unbearable. There I was on the train -- where I couldn't exactly get into a comfortable position -- gritting my teeth, breathing deeply and clenching my newspaper up into a ball in my fist. I could barely make it up the steps once the train got to Hoboken, and as soon as I got home I lay down on my back on the couch and cried.
 
I hate it. I have five more weeks to go until my due date, and the idea that this pain is lurking at any moment is frightening. The only positive side to this is that I'm so focused on this pain that I don't have a lot of time to imagine the pain of labor -- and really, what good would anticipating the pain of labor do me anyway? (More on that and birth classes another time.)
 
After I called my midwife the other day and told her that the pain had gotten this much worse, she said I needed to see someone for some relief. She referred me to a couple of physical therapists who specialize in treating this, so I made an appointment with one of them, and I'm going to my first appointment this week. Arg -- another regular health care appointment to add to my calendar. I guess if it's going to help me it will be worth it. I also just booked a professional massage, which I'm hoping may help. And I may need to seriously reduce the number of hours I sit at my desk. My midwife told me I should be working fewer hours than I am now, and I think my body couldn't agree more. I need to be ruthless about taking care of myself now more than ever.