5 /5 Kaylan Swearingen: I went to the ER with extreme sciatic back pain, which reduced me to being unable to walk within the space of a few hours. I was scared and in so much pain, but still apprehensive about going to the ER because I thought Id be turned away or told that my situation was not an emergency. I feel I have a high tolerance for pain, but I had been in tears for a few hours at least. I decided to go and was admitted promptly. Waiting is a natural part of the ER experience, depending on what the issue is. I was there for 2-3 hours but in that time, my pain was taken seriously, I was treated with kindness and respect, and I left with a plan of care and medication to tide me over to an appointment with my primary physician. Im glad I decided to go!