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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:
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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?

Original poster
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.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 18:16

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

Sciatica /slipped disc
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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 26/04/2024 18:17

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

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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.

Original poster
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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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.

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

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 27/04/2024 11:33

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

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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.

Original poster
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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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

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

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

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 19:19

I’m terrrified nearly there now

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 19:21

Anyone had spinal surgery and the Norfolk and Norwich?

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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

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 20:22
  • Note - History: Radiology rang through MRI result:; Sequestered lumbar disc at L5-S1 level with cauda equina compression and compression of the left transiting S1 nerve root.; ; called pt- ongoing pain and numbness in left leg with saddle anaesthesia ongoing. Bladder and bowels have returned to her normal.; Spoke to Spinal Reg on call at NNUH -requested images to be transferred over to them and for pt to attend surgical SDEC NNUH level 3 for review.; spoke to Radiologist on call at JPUH- will get images transferred over to NNUH.; Plan: surgical SDEC NNUH level 3
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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 20:24

Sitting in waiting room. Got that off my nhs app.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 20:24

wtf does that mean

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 20:25

I’m fuming that I was sent away from A&E 15 days ago

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Topjoe19 · 29/04/2024 20:29

You're absolutely in the right place, they will look after you & make this better. No idea what the report means I'm so sorry but I am pretty sure Cauda Equina needs an op very swiftly. Take care OP, thinking of you. And yes, shocking they should have given you mri when you went to a&e that first time

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 20:33

I can feel the wee and poo urges though. And the bloke said it was ok when he put it up my bum.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 29/04/2024 20:35

2 weeks ago the wee was dodgy but it’s been better since

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pelotonaddiction · 29/04/2024 20:35

I had no bladder or bowel issues when I had cauda equina and drove myself to hospital
The only thing I had was a sensation of warm water running down my legs

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