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
nervousweddingguest · 20/04/2024 22:40

Allofaflutter · 20/04/2024 22:32

I’ve decided to go back to A&E but at a different, larger hospital on Monday if it’s no better. Then complain to pals if they won’t scan me or give me proper pain relief.

oh please dont do this... thats so unfair! make an appointment with your GP...

nervousweddingguest · 20/04/2024 22:39

Allofaflutter · 20/04/2024 22:33

The numbness is worrying me.

as ive just replied... after surgery twice on herniated disc, i now have numbness and loss of sensation in my right leg... i also have bowel and bladder problems.

when i had the surgery i was told the surgery was to relieve the pain and issues in my leg... they dont do it to sort the pain in your back

but amilitripaline is great to help with nerve pain... i swear by it

nervousweddingguest · 20/04/2024 22:37

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?

ive had 2 surgeries for hernited disc in my lower back... i litterally feel your pain.

piggy back paracetamol and ibrupophen (sorry about the spelling) if you can 2 hours apart.... if you have codeine then i believe thats every 6 hours?

cold and heat... so ice and then hot water bottle

and lastly, i know it hurts and you don't want to move, but trust me... move you must!

dont lay on your back, try lay on your side with a pillow between your legs...

fingers crossed for you.... i still have issues and its been nearly 2 years since my surgery!!

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 20/04/2024 22:34

Apparently 13% of people think I’m being unreasonable 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 20/04/2024 22:33

The numbness is worrying me.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 20/04/2024 22:32

I’ve decided to go back to A&E but at a different, larger hospital on Monday if it’s no better. Then complain to pals if they won’t scan me or give me proper pain relief.

OP posts:
Whatwillitbenext · 20/04/2024 20:03

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 21:45

And how do you know if there are a good one?

Find one with decades of experience and really good reviews.

wonderingwhatlifemeans · 20/04/2024 19:30

Can I just recommend belladonna patches if you can get them. I put them on the area of the sciatic nerve and for me they do make a difference.

Triflelife · 20/04/2024 07:35

@Allofaflutter i find that absolutely shocking that they won’t give you anymore painkillers. I was given a hefty supply of tramadol and a week or two of diazepam while transitioning to nerve meds. Seems negligent to just leave you in pain. Wonder if a pharmacist could advise.

Triflelife · 20/04/2024 07:33

@pelotonaddiction that is so sad. But I can absolutely see how it happens, the pain is so dreadful. No wonder he was desperate.

Loocheeyar · 20/04/2024 01:40

I was in a bad way with similar and paid £250 for a private mri . I took it to an and e and sat it out then was sent for an emergent operation .

an ice pack and a hot water bottle next to each other are really good on the pain

fantasmasgoria1 · 20/04/2024 01:03

I think it's awful they will not give you more meds. I had it so bad I barely slept for 10 months. I could barely walk and could not lay in bed. My GP prescribed morphine in liquid and tablets form. I had surgery but it's never completely gone away. I now have two disc bulges!

HollaHolla · 20/04/2024 00:57

justasking111 · 19/04/2024 21:12

Not recommended for certain conditions, hence the MRI. first

Show quote history

I was coming to say this too
My Neuro said to stay well away. They can do more harm than good for a lot of things.

HollaHolla · 20/04/2024 00:55

justasking111 · 19/04/2024 20:38

You know to go back to A&E I had an MRI and wasn't as bad as you. Go in working hours rather than at night. If you've the money £1k go private. Could be cheaper if you're paying rather than insurance. Phone tomorrow for a quote.

Edited

Yep. £600 for a private MRI. I really wish I’d had one when I went 3 months without any improvement. Instead, it was 19 months….. the damage might have been more reversible.
Honestly, if you can get your hands on the cash, I’d do it.

pelotonaddiction · 19/04/2024 23:40

Also these heat pads kept me sane when nothing else was working. I think I had them on 24hrs a day at one point

amzn.eu/d/2Abt2Ex

pelotonaddiction · 19/04/2024 23:39

If you run out of the cocodamol and they won't give you any more, you can get a weaker strength over the counter
This is good

www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/shop/products/paramol-caplets-0140835

Just be careful with meds especially if you are a bit woolly headed. I know how painful it is from my experience, I really do. I was lucky and had good care and fairly rapid (few months) treatment

My younger cousin wasn't so lucky and begged and begged for an MRI and was screaming in pain. He took someone else's prescription meds in desperation and never woke up again age 34

bombastix · 19/04/2024 22:32

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:22

I’ve spoken with a different gp each day. Everyone said the same. No refills.

Well, I'm not saying you are wrong. But they need a reason and provide an alternative. It's not reasonable to leave you in pain.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:28

Arrestedmanevolence · 19/04/2024 22:25

Dont go to a chiropractor or osteopath. Go to a physio specialising in spinal injuries. I've had decades of sciatica problems and learnt my lesson on that one!

Hot water bottles are surprisingly good for pain relief.

My long wheat bag has been microwaved so much it’s going to start glowing soon. 😂

OP posts:
Arrestedmanevolence · 19/04/2024 22:25

Dont go to a chiropractor or osteopath. Go to a physio specialising in spinal injuries. I've had decades of sciatica problems and learnt my lesson on that one!

Hot water bottles are surprisingly good for pain relief.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:24

Had to beg in a and e for painkillers. They were reluctant.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:22

I’ve spoken with a different gp each day. Everyone said the same. No refills.

OP posts:
bombastix · 19/04/2024 22:19

@Allofaflutter - try another GP. Taking painkillers for pain killing is legitimate. You are not a mooch.

I too had problems. I was not believed because I was young. It is the worst pain I have ever had. In the end I totally lost it with the NHS and they realized they had to take me seriously. It was hard because I thought they would know. Actually I had to fight for pain relief and all the treatment I got. Taking someone with you can help.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:18

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:13

It was made very, very clear to me that there would be no refill for the painkillers, especially the morphine. Like I might be screaming as a rouse for drugs.

Show quote history

So I’m rationing them. I only have 4 tablets left of cocodamol left. That’s 2 doses.

OP posts:
Gettoachiro · 19/04/2024 22:18

You need to get yourself to a chiropractor. Absolutely miracle workers imo.

I was similar to you in that I was in terrible pain in my lower back, through my bum and down the back of my leg. The other leg was numb. The only painkiller that even touched it was morphine.

It took a few sessions but they got it sorted. Physio or osteopath just won't help to the same degree.

Swipe left for the next trending thread