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Sciatica /slipped disc

542 replies

Allofaflutter · 14/04/2024 14:29

Posting here for volume of answers.
Yesterday I moved normally and my lower back suddenly felt like it was being compressed and the pain was awful. Since then pain down one leg. The pain is like cramp but the worst cramp ever. Leg is much worse than back.
I have been screaming all night, literally in so much pain I couldn’t help it, worse than child birth. Couldn’t sit, lay or even perch. Even standing which was when it was best, it was at 9 out of 10. Hubby called 111 and paramedics were sent as I had a pulmonary embolism in Jan and I was screaming with the leg pain and he wanted to be sure it wasn’t that again. They told me to take codiene and paracetamol but it’s not doing anything really significant. They said it was sciatica, possible slipped disc causing it. What can I do to calm the pain. Obviously I’ll call dr tomorrow. Can’t take nsaids as I’m on blood thinners for blood clots. I’ve had no sleep either. Can’t use topical creams for the same reason. Anyone had similar? Can anyone tell me what worked for you? Can’t stand for days though I can just about not cry if I stand. Can’t lay to sleep. Help please? I’m exhausted but the pain won’t let me lay or sit. How long will this go on for?

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pelotonaddiction · 29/04/2024 19:22

Tell them you're scared. They gave me a pre med which made me not care about anything

Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 19:21

Anyone had spinal surgery and the Norfolk and Norwich?

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Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 19:19

I’m terrrified nearly there now

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pelotonaddiction · 29/04/2024 19:04

Take wipes to freshen up
Slippers or slip on shoes
Wireless or comfy bra
Pjs
Long charger
Lip balm
Mini bottle cordial

pelotonaddiction · 29/04/2024 19:04

Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 18:56

MRI results are bad . Pressed disc on my spinal cord. I’m being admitted tonight into the larger hospital. I’m terrified

Don't be, honestly this is their daily stuff
I was a bit worried but it needed doing and I managed it and the recovery all alone so it wasn't too bad

If they operate you might get weird sedations after, I had pins and needles in my arms! From them moving the nerves about

justasking111 · 29/04/2024 19:00

Please just think, finally they're taking it seriously.
Best of luck. Don't forget your phone charger and a water bottle. Can't think of anything else just now. Oh ear buds and all medication you're on

Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 18:56

MRI results are bad . Pressed disc on my spinal cord. I’m being admitted tonight into the larger hospital. I’m terrified

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Topjoe19 · 28/04/2024 21:03

@Allofaflutter did you have the mri? Hope you're doing OK & getting slightly more sleep.

Allofaflutter · 27/04/2024 11:33

Thanks for the reassurance. Though the pain still gets through morphine.

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pelotonaddiction · 26/04/2024 20:30

Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 18:17

How long is safe to take morphine without getting addicted? Anyone have any idea?

I took it for months and no issues

tabulahrasa · 26/04/2024 20:18

Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 18:17

How long is safe to take morphine without getting addicted? Anyone have any idea?

I’ve been told by a pharmacist at a chronic pain class that actually addiction is not as big of an issue as were led to believe when drugs are being used for what they’re designed for, ie to get rid of pain.

Ive been told otherwise on here, but I’m going with believing the pharmacist 😂

I went from morphine to tramadol - the highest possible dose, just started to take less as it eased off, it’s been 2 years now, I still take it as needed, that usually ends up being usually 2 or 3 times a week, but if I have a good week I can just not take it fine.

Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 18:31

justasking111 · 26/04/2024 18:27

The dog was spayed yesterday so I decided to stay with her in the sitting room with the fire lit for warmth. OMG the witch had to be on the sofa with me. At 4.30 am was in pain so tootled off to bed, husband fast asleep.

Woke at 8am got up had Gabapentin seemed okay. Later on went shopping. Again okay leaning on the trolley. Came out ran into a friend chatted for ten minutes said goodbye. Tried to move God I'd seized up. Managed to walk to the car unloaded, took the trolley back. Then looked at the walk back to the car which felt like miles not yards. When I got home husband had to carry the bags in.

Spent the afternoon in bed asleep after two ibuprofen and a glass of wine with lunch. I've unkinkinked a bit now.

I feel so stupid when I get like this. I watch elderly ladies sprint past me and am jealous.

It’s awful isn’t it. I feel 90. The pain has really affected my sleep.

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justasking111 · 26/04/2024 18:27

The dog was spayed yesterday so I decided to stay with her in the sitting room with the fire lit for warmth. OMG the witch had to be on the sofa with me. At 4.30 am was in pain so tootled off to bed, husband fast asleep.

Woke at 8am got up had Gabapentin seemed okay. Later on went shopping. Again okay leaning on the trolley. Came out ran into a friend chatted for ten minutes said goodbye. Tried to move God I'd seized up. Managed to walk to the car unloaded, took the trolley back. Then looked at the walk back to the car which felt like miles not yards. When I got home husband had to carry the bags in.

Spent the afternoon in bed asleep after two ibuprofen and a glass of wine with lunch. I've unkinkinked a bit now.

I feel so stupid when I get like this. I watch elderly ladies sprint past me and am jealous.

Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 18:17

How long is safe to take morphine without getting addicted? Anyone have any idea?

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Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 18:16

the orange is me awake ffs. The pain is shit.

Sciatica /slipped disc
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Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 18:13

4 mins of deep sleep but did sleep in core sleep whatever that means but woke so much in pain. On amitripline.

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Topjoe19 · 26/04/2024 12:29

@Allofaflutter 4 mins? You must be exhausted 😩 I really feel for you. Is it gabapentin you are taking now?

Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 12:20

I hadn’t a weekend appointment before so it’s all new to me. Thank you everyone.
no idea how long the results will be as I was told while at A&E another hospital looks at the results for them. That’s the joy of living in a rural area. Edited because I’m high on drugs and can’t type!

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Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 12:19

Topjoe19 · 26/04/2024 11:16

Yes I had my MRI on a Sunday actually. Not too long to wait now. Sorry to hear you're still not feeling much better. Are you managing to sleep much?

No not really. My watch sleep tracker says I had 4 minutes deep sleep last night. 4 ffs.

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Topjoe19 · 26/04/2024 11:16

Yes I had my MRI on a Sunday actually. Not too long to wait now. Sorry to hear you're still not feeling much better. Are you managing to sleep much?

HollaHolla · 26/04/2024 01:02

pelotonaddiction · 26/04/2024 00:11

I had a CT on a weekend once, in a portable cabin thing! Hopefully the results will be fairly quick

Always offer to take a cancellation, I did and they said "well it's not this usual consultants thing..."
Me "look I'll see gynaecology if they will give me the results, I don't care"
Consultant I saw the next day was lovely! And not in gynaecology

Actually, you're quite right to always advise to be up for a cancellation.
I had my first surgery at very short notice (Weds - Fri!), because I was in the right place at the right time. Someone had just been cancelled that morning; I called in, and got a 'hmmm.... can you come in on Friday?' I was all 'WHAT? Friday, as in two days away?'
Of course I said yes!

pelotonaddiction · 26/04/2024 00:11

I had a CT on a weekend once, in a portable cabin thing! Hopefully the results will be fairly quick

Always offer to take a cancellation, I did and they said "well it's not this usual consultants thing..."
Me "look I'll see gynaecology if they will give me the results, I don't care"
Consultant I saw the next day was lovely! And not in gynaecology

Allofaflutter · 25/04/2024 22:43

MêmePasPeur · 25/04/2024 17:33

Really hope that a) you are feeling better and b) you have a date for your MRI

Sadly not but yes mri Saturday. Who knew they did appointments on weekends?

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MêmePasPeur · 25/04/2024 17:33

Really hope that a) you are feeling better and b) you have a date for your MRI

pelotonaddiction · 24/04/2024 10:54

Allofaflutter · 24/04/2024 10:29

Thank you all so much. I’ve learnt so much from here. It’s been invaluable. I’m not keen on surgery but if I do have to do it then I’ll request neuro only. Thank you Hollaholla.

Yes to that! My friend had ortho and told me not to let them near me
TBH ortho took one look and ran away to find neuro so...

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