Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
Original poster
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.

OP posts:
HollaHolla · 24/04/2024 08:49

Sorry OP, just now realising I wasn't caught up on your posts. Really glad to hear that things are moving on with your MRI. Hope that things are settling a bit for you, with the Amitriptyline, and some Physio. Honestly, the Physio/Pilates have been the things which have consistently helped me - to the extent, I notice it, when I am not so vigilant with my upkeep!!

Do think/discuss carefully on whether you get to have a potential referral to Orthopedics, or to Neurosurgery. I was told in no uncertain terms, by friends who are medics/surgeons (of other body parts!) that I should only let a Neuro operate, should it come to it. Thankfully, in Scotland, that is the first route, so all of my surgeries were done by Neuros (2 different surgeons/hospitals).

HollaHolla · 24/04/2024 08:38

Arrestedmanevolence · 22/04/2024 15:18

In my experience of having back issues for decades, a slipped disc or two take about 6-8 months to come right. That's why you should, if you can, not rush to surgery. Physio is better. All orthopaedic surgeons I've seen have said that surgery is essentially hit and miss and can make things a lot worse. Surgery also leaves scar tissue which you will need to have physio for anyway.

Show quote history

This. Absolutely this.
I would not rush to surgery, if you don't have to (i.e. cauda equina.)
If it's just pain, then really, I would recommend doing everything else first. The surgery is not the easy way out.
I'd say 6 months is a good time limit on checking for improvement.

Also, Gabapentin for me, was a no-no. The side effects were intolerable for me. I take Pregabalin (and probably will for the rest of my life). It takes the nerve pain from a 7/8 to a 4/5. Makes it so that the internal nerve screaming is dulled enough for sleep/work/concentrating on other things. It will probably never go away at this point, sadly.

HollaHolla · 24/04/2024 08:33

Allofaflutter · 21/04/2024 21:49

I’m still trying to find a place where the tens works, no luck yet. Is that what my foot is called? Foot drop? The pain/ numbness on the bottom of the foot is so painful too. Gp kept saying it was for a very short term use. And that it wouldn’t be refilled. More than one Gp too. I’ve been doing ice and heat but on the back not the foot. Should it be on the foot?

Yep. That's foot drop. Just be aware that it's sometimes permanent, sadly.
I'm 12 years on..... still have the numbness, and the burning sensation.
The Physio should help you with some techniques for walking better, so you don't trip so much. Hope it goes ok.

justasking111 · 23/04/2024 22:46

The first indication I had before the back spasms started was a year or two before. Walking my back would start to ache. If I planned a shopping outing I'd dose up with ibuprofen.

Also oddly I'd be reclining on the sofa and my feet would be icy cold. When I walked around they'd thaw out.

I googled cold feet and scared the bejaysus out of myself so never went to the GP.

I had an MRI for something else pre COVID which showed that I had scoliosis. Consultant said probably from birth. That explained rough pregnancies and a misaligned hip which made one leg shorter than the other.

All these signs going back decades it's amazing I got this far into my sixties before the sky fell in on me one night.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 21:19

tabulahrasa · 23/04/2024 20:57

What they told me after my first MRI is that in theory they could operate and it should sort my legs out, but, it could also make my back worse and up the chances of needing surgery on it again later on

My legs were better at that point than they had been before so we were all fairly happy to leave it with physio and exercise and it should carry on getting better.

But it didn’t and it shifted and got worse again - but, I’m pretty sure it’s just bad luck as that wasn’t what neurology or the physio I see was expecting to happen

and I totally get wanting the MRI to make sure that’s all that’s wrong, I was just making sure you knew it’ll probably not change anything they’re doing

Show quote history

I appreciate your honesty about it all. We will see what the problem is. My bottom of my foot feels very like very painful freezer burn, you know how you fingers feel after defrosting the freezer.

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 23/04/2024 20:57

Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 20:47

Thank you. I’m not sure they would operate while I’m on high blood thinners two months after blood clots. I’m also I’m not sure I want them too after the feedback here. I just want to know that it’s not serious putting me at further risk, that I’m not going to lose mobility.

What they told me after my first MRI is that in theory they could operate and it should sort my legs out, but, it could also make my back worse and up the chances of needing surgery on it again later on

My legs were better at that point than they had been before so we were all fairly happy to leave it with physio and exercise and it should carry on getting better.

But it didn’t and it shifted and got worse again - but, I’m pretty sure it’s just bad luck as that wasn’t what neurology or the physio I see was expecting to happen

and I totally get wanting the MRI to make sure that’s all that’s wrong, I was just making sure you knew it’ll probably not change anything they’re doing

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 20:48

Only if it’s serious and immediate risk would I consider it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 20:47

Thank you. I’m not sure they would operate while I’m on high blood thinners two months after blood clots. I’m also I’m not sure I want them too after the feedback here. I just want to know that it’s not serious putting me at further risk, that I’m not going to lose mobility.

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 23/04/2024 20:24

peebles32 · 23/04/2024 19:26

It's difficult OP. I had an MRI done and it showed two herniated discs. It's just physio for me and strengthening my core muscles.
I was glad I had the MRI done though as it ruled out anything serious!

Yep physio and exercise for me too… except it’s now been about 2 1/2 years and one leg still doesn’t work right and the other goes numb after about 25 minutes max

so now I’m on the waiting list for injections

So the chances are OP if it’s a disc issue they don’t do much straight away

peebles32 · 23/04/2024 19:26

It's difficult OP. I had an MRI done and it showed two herniated discs. It's just physio for me and strengthening my core muscles.
I was glad I had the MRI done though as it ruled out anything serious!

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 18:20

thanks each day has been like a week when it’s been so bad.

OP posts:
MêmePasPeur · 23/04/2024 17:54

That’s excellent. Hopefully they can sort you out. Intense pain is so awful

justasking111 · 23/04/2024 16:58

Fantastic news. I'm so glad for you

Topjoe19 · 23/04/2024 16:36

Great news @Allofaflutter you'll know how to proceed once you have the results. Hope you are feeling slightly better now.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 16:15

So pleased it’s being done.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 16:15

They called back I have a mri booked in a few days.

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 23/04/2024 15:22

Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 14:58

I’m in the age where the report says it can affect and dementia scares me. I’m trying amitripline first. Also gabapentin can increase weight and I’m struggling badly with my weight which I have to deal with. Dr said amitripline doesn’t so trying it first.

Re weight gain, Amitriptyline has it as a side effect too

But with both that and gabapentin - they don’t directly cause weight gain, they affect your appetite so you eat more and often crave certain stuff.

You’ll also be moving less, obviously, lol and probably grabbing quick food? Because you can’t stand and cook properly…

There are very few medications that literally cause weight gain, most do other stuff that has a knock on effect of causing weight gain.

That probably sounds pedantic, but I mention it because the weight gain isn’t inevitable, it makes it harder to just maintain or lose weight, but you still can.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 15:03

fingers crossed for me.

OP posts:
CocktailQueenie · 23/04/2024 15:02

Amitryptaline is fab, Pregabalin works well for me. So sorry you are in so much pain and hope you are treated soon.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 23/04/2024 14:58

I’m in the age where the report says it can affect and dementia scares me. I’m trying amitripline first. Also gabapentin can increase weight and I’m struggling badly with my weight which I have to deal with. Dr said amitripline doesn’t so trying it first.

OP posts:
justasking111 · 23/04/2024 13:03

Prelapsarianhag · 23/04/2024 13:01

Gabapentin from the doc really helped me with the pain.

She won't take it something to do with dementia. Which can happen in the elderly admittedly.

Gabapentin is used in dogs and cats for pain relief and a calming effect on stressed/vicious animals

Prelapsarianhag · 23/04/2024 13:01

Gabapentin from the doc really helped me with the pain.

Penguinfeet24 · 23/04/2024 12:57

Goodness. Reading this makes me extremely glad I took out private healthcare last week :o I'm so sorry you're in so much pain OP, I've had a slipped disc and my god, its so debilitating and painful. If it is that then you will get better but it takes time - traction was the best thing in the world for me.

justasking111 · 23/04/2024 12:49

Rats. Ask them to remove your home number or at least prioritize your mobile.