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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?

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Topjoe19 · 30/04/2024 18:26

@Allofaflutter I'm so sorry you must be so fed up being messed about like that. And the worry about your mum & FIL. What a stressful time for you. I hope you have got some support. I'm thinking of you & hope things get better soon. Keep your chin up.

Topjoe19 · 30/04/2024 18:27

@GladysOhli I'm so sorry you were treated like that. I hope you are feeling better now.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 19:01

My mum is home! Her blood count was 6.7 which is like half of a normal (she has a bone marrow disease) and now has had 3 units of blood so is feeling much better now thankfully. FIL they have now found his stomach aneurysm that was fixed in 2018 is leaking as well as his pneumonia. It’s not been an easy week. My ankle has started hurting.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 19:04

I want my back to heal quickly. I’m scared of surgery. I’m a fat menopausal woman with sleep apnea and blood clot issues. I wonder if they don’t want to do it because of that.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 19:06

GladysOhli · 29/04/2024 21:42

Just been reading along as I recognised the sheer unwillingness to help when k went to an and e crying silently in pain and was sent away by a very uncaring doctor. I was so so upset that even sitting rocking quietly and clearly in a lot of distress I was ignored.
I hope you're soon fixed.

That’s awful. I’m so sorry.

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Topjoe19 · 30/04/2024 19:12

I'm so pleased your mum is home & feeling better. Your poor FIL that sounds awful. I hope he gets treatment & feels better quickly. I think there is generally a huge reluctance to operate on back issues no matter what. It seems to be just give painkillers/physio & hope for the best. But I did think cauda equina required an op. What plan have they given you? Will you have an injection?

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 19:19

Only plan is spinal clinic. That’s it. I sorted a physio myself but she’s not able to help for ages.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 19:21

Apart from assessing for a splint on my foot.

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Topjoe19 · 30/04/2024 20:06

Physio won't be much use while you're in so much pain, you're right. Try to mobilise if/when you can. Then - Rest. Rest. Rest. Take all the drugs. When is your spinal clinic appointment?

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 21:42

They just said we will get you an appointment. So no idea. I’m hoping it’s very soon.
I may ring tomorrow and see and hurry it along.

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BurnoutGP · 30/04/2024 21:45

CroftonWillow · 14/04/2024 14:32

Without NSAID's you won't be able to get any relief at home. You need to get to A&E ASAP. If it's as severe as you describe they'll likely rush you for an MRI so they know exactly the cause and possibly urgent surgery.

Not sure where you did your medical degree or work in the NHS but that sure as hell isn't going to happen. She might sit in a chair in A+E for 10 hours tho.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 21:49

Unfortunately it’s didn’t help much when I did go. Thankfully jph is a small hospital so the wait wasn’t bad but they didn’t mri me.
I got the mri finally from gp 2 weeks later.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 21:52

I found this on my nhs app.

Sciatica /slipped disc
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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 22:00

Literally have no idea wtf that all means. I noticed today I can’t bend my toes apart from the big toe. It’s weird.

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BurnoutGP · 30/04/2024 22:22

Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 21:49

Unfortunately it’s didn’t help much when I did go. Thankfully jph is a small hospital so the wait wasn’t bad but they didn’t mri me.
I got the mri finally from gp 2 weeks later.

Hi OP sorry yes I saw your updates after I posted that. It doesn't surprise me at all that it's taken so long to get the MRI and tbh I'm impressed you've had one.
I'm no expert (lowly GP) but in my experience it means that you slipped a disc that is now compressing some nerves and part of your spinal cord. The symptoms are as a result of this. You need surgery to relieve the pressure on the cord to prevent permanent nerve damage. And it needs to be done sharpish and should be with that scan.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 22:38

BurnoutGP · 30/04/2024 22:22

Hi OP sorry yes I saw your updates after I posted that. It doesn't surprise me at all that it's taken so long to get the MRI and tbh I'm impressed you've had one.
I'm no expert (lowly GP) but in my experience it means that you slipped a disc that is now compressing some nerves and part of your spinal cord. The symptoms are as a result of this. You need surgery to relieve the pressure on the cord to prevent permanent nerve damage. And it needs to be done sharpish and should be with that scan.

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Thank you. That’s what my gp said who sent me to the hospital last night. The surgeon said no surgery as I could wee and clench my bum hole. I’m feel I should be in hospital being sorted out.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 22:39

So no not getting the surgery at all nevermind sharpish. I’m upset about it all.

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justasking111 · 30/04/2024 22:41

Your GP is the best person to speak to.

Did you speak to a consultant whilst at the hospital @Allofaflutter

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 22:43

A trauma and orthopaedic surgeon on call because it was 8 when we got there and waited hours.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 22:45

Am I at risk of paralysis if it’s pressing into my spinal cord?

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BurnoutGP · 30/04/2024 22:50

Jeez I'm sorry to hear that. Cauda equina really should be decompressed with surgery IME. Paralysis not common because of the nerves it supplies but permanent weakness/nerve pain/bowel and bladder issues can occur.
Try and get your GP to advocate for you. I would be writing and emailing until they got you in.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 22:59

Thanks so much. I think Im Going to ask gp to get a second opinion. Am I entitled to a second opinion?

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 30/04/2024 23:03

The dr has just told my MIL who phoned, that if the aneurysm that is leaking bursts before he is well enough to operate then all they can do is palliative care. I’m not sure how much more my husband can take. So everyone is very upset.

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Topjoe19 · 01/05/2024 06:30

I'm so sorry to hear that about your FIL. You must all be extremely worried & it must be hard for you feeling so unwell yourself to support everyone. I agree to ask for a second opinion, and ask your GP to also chase this up. Don't stop badgering.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 01/05/2024 10:46

We are going to visit FIL today just in case. I’ve sent GP message about it asking for second opinion. The stress of it all is too much.

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