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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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9
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 08/05/2024 22:42

I’m a bit scared it will get bigger again as it got bigger in 11 days. There’s not much room left. But the consultant was nice.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 08/05/2024 22:46

If it hits the nerves I’m fucked, lose use of leg, bladder, bowels and sexual function.

OP posts:
ItWillBeDone · 08/05/2024 22:47

You must be so relieved to have seen a consultant who has explained everything properly. I guess the hope is that it will settle down without needing surgery at all?

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 08/05/2024 22:48

That’s the hope but he’s concerned as it’s still getting worse. The pain is bad too. I was quite pissed though while at mri there was a lady in a bed with exactly the same issue possible ces not had mri yet but very much in pain. Not other issues she said but she’s been admitted for pain relief! I was left to scream.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 08/05/2024 22:50

I have suffered. I’m still suffering.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 08/05/2024 22:51

ItWillBeDone · 08/05/2024 22:47

You must be so relieved to have seen a consultant who has explained everything properly. I guess the hope is that it will settle down without needing surgery at all?

Absolutely but I shouldn’t have to email a consultant personally to get it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 08/05/2024 22:55

I have had so much support here it spurred me on to get help. I appreciate all of you. Family wise I’ve gone nc with flying monkeys. Mum and dad are ok.

OP posts:
HollaHolla · 08/05/2024 23:51

Allofaflutter · 08/05/2024 22:46

If it hits the nerves I’m fucked, lose use of leg, bladder, bowels and sexual function.

OK, if that happens, you have about 48 hours for intervention. It can be resolved. I was numb between my legs, and couldn't pee. I had surgery at about hour 18, and I only have patches of numbness now.
Very many disc herniations/bulges self-resolve. So, ask for intervention via physio - and whether they might consider a nerve root injection. That's done as a guided scanner, so just a wee bit of local, and can be very effective in getting you moving again.

Very glad to hear that you have had time with a specialist now - and that they actually spent time to explain things better.
Take care.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 09/05/2024 11:30

HollaHolla · 08/05/2024 23:51

OK, if that happens, you have about 48 hours for intervention. It can be resolved. I was numb between my legs, and couldn't pee. I had surgery at about hour 18, and I only have patches of numbness now.
Very many disc herniations/bulges self-resolve. So, ask for intervention via physio - and whether they might consider a nerve root injection. That's done as a guided scanner, so just a wee bit of local, and can be very effective in getting you moving again.

Very glad to hear that you have had time with a specialist now - and that they actually spent time to explain things better.
Take care.

Show quote history

They said until I get at least 6 months past blood clots, which is end July they won’t operate. Im just glad you got the operation in time.

OP posts:
justasking111 · 12/05/2024 21:47

Anyone noticed a reduction in pain when the weather was dry and hot for a few days. The heavens opened this afternoon and the pain is back.

MêmePasPeur · 18/05/2024 21:35

How are you doing?

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 20/05/2024 16:00

im not any better. I’ve not noticed any changes with weather.

OP posts:
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 20/05/2024 22:35

Interesting though my mum said the same today about weather and old injuries.

OP posts:
ItWillBeDone · 25/05/2024 15:33

How are you doing @Allofaflutter ?

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 25/05/2024 15:39

No different. Still in lots of pain, laying bed flat most of the time as it helps with the pain. Thanks for asking. Long recovery, just glad I’ve got adult kids as if I had littlies I would be in trouble.

OP posts:
justasking111 · 25/05/2024 16:53

I've ordered a belt that is supposed to help a lot by realigning your spine relieving the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Some excellent reviews.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 25/05/2024 17:09

intresting. What size did it go up to?

OP posts:
justasking111 · 25/05/2024 17:38

Allofaflutter · 25/05/2024 17:09

intresting. What size did it go up to?

Two sizes, there's different ones on Amazon.

Sciatica /slipped disc
Original poster
Allofaflutter · 25/05/2024 17:58

Shame not even close to big enough. Thanks though.

OP posts:
ItWillBeDone · 25/05/2024 23:06

Sorry you're no different. Have you tried ice for pain relief? That's got me through many flare ups as well as surgery recovery. It's not for everyone but I find it better than drugs.

Topjoe19 · 26/05/2024 12:37

@justasking111 please could you update on that belt if it helps?

Sorry to hear that @Allofaflutter you must be absolutely fed up. What pain relief are you taking now?

Ice is certainly helpful, I also like heat when my muscles feel so tight. How are you now @ItWillBeDone ?

justasking111 · 26/05/2024 16:36

Topjoe19 · 26/05/2024 12:37

@justasking111 please could you update on that belt if it helps?

Sorry to hear that @Allofaflutter you must be absolutely fed up. What pain relief are you taking now?

Ice is certainly helpful, I also like heat when my muscles feel so tight. How are you now @ItWillBeDone ?

I shall do an update. I walked today after we parked up today. It's definitely my back that protests. It just seizes up so quickly. So I'm hoping the belt helps.

My friend 30 years ago hospital sister had a back brace, awful thing but it corrected her posture thus straightened her spine relieving her sciatic nerve.

wonderingwhatlifemeans · 27/05/2024 15:55

I use one of those belts and it really helps. You have to place it lower than your waist line almost over where the sciatic nerve is. You don't need it really tight. It is a pain when you need the loo because the Velcro is very loud but I have found it does relieve the pain.

wonderingwhatlifemeans · 27/05/2024 15:56

I also use a heat pad vibrating thing for my back and that does help too.

justasking111 · 27/05/2024 19:15

wonderingwhatlifemeans · 27/05/2024 15:55

I use one of those belts and it really helps. You have to place it lower than your waist line almost over where the sciatic nerve is. You don't need it really tight. It is a pain when you need the loo because the Velcro is very loud but I have found it does relieve the pain.

I'm wearing mine today. Had to put it over trousers because comments say that I'd get a rash otherwise. It is noisy, ripping it off 😂. I managed to hoover and mop through the ground floor without stopping. What was odd was when I knelt on my right knee pain stabbed from knee to back. So I wonder if it's realigned my wonky spine. Which looking at my MRI is a strange shape at the bottom.

It's not uncomfortable at all.

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