Sciatic pain..... REALLY bad.

First of all, can I just preface this with the fact that I am *so* happy and grateful to be having a healthy pregnancy, but I also just need to vent a bit....

I have had sciatica with all my kids, usually starting early in the 2T. I joke about the pain in my butt, and all that, and go on with normal life, just in a little more pain. By the end of the 3T, it gets close to unbearable, and then I have a kid, and forget about the PITA until I get to the 2T again. Once it comes, it's never gone away for me, and it just slowly but steadily gets worse.

With #3, at the end, it was so bad that I couldn't support myself, and had to walk with a cane at 36 weeks, until I had my c-section, which I "forced" early, so he was born at 37 1/2 weeks.

My sciatic pain kicked in a few days ago, like normal, but it's gotten much worse much quicker this time, and I'm scared, not about the health of the pregnancy, but just about life. :(

I have 3 other energetic kids between 18 mo-6 yo to take care of, and I can barely stand up or walk right now, let alone lift a 35 lb kid in and out of crib, high chair, and carseat, and play at the park and help in a classroom. I know we'll get through this, but I'm sad at the thought of missing out on this playtime with my kids (even if it's for a good cause!), and not being the mom I want to be. :(

I'll definitely use it if I need to, because I'd rather be somewhat active than not at all, but I am worried I'm going to be reliant on a cane again, but for the better part of 6 months, not just a week and a half. I am scared about if I'll be able to do everything I need to, or if my kids are going to feel gypped out of a mommy for the near future.... :cry: