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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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Allofaflutter · 27/05/2024 19:19

I’m taking codiene and morphine if it’s awful. Had amitripline but ran out.

OP posts:
justasking111 · 27/05/2024 19:25

Allofaflutter · 27/05/2024 19:19

I’m taking codiene and morphine if it’s awful. Had amitripline but ran out.

Sorry to hear that. Consultant and physio both said that I had to keep moving, but it's so hard sometimes. Walking especially I dread it if I have to park the car a distance away, I don't window shop anymore. We've a big Primark on two levels. I have to choose upstairs, men, child, home department or downstairs, women's department on a bad day. Supermarket shopping I can lean on the trolley which does help.

Allofaflutter · 27/05/2024 19:29

I’m trying to keep going but I’m fed up.

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Allofaflutter · 27/05/2024 19:30

I’m sorry to hear you are so bad too.

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Allofaflutter · 27/05/2024 19:32

I’m still getting sciatic pain and then the cramp like pains start. And back pain. But still got numbness. My toes and foot are the worst still.

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Topjoe19 · 28/05/2024 08:39

@Allofaflutter will the gp give more amitriptyline? Numb foot sounds awful. I've heard magnesium helps for cramps. Are you still waiting for a referral? Have they offered you an injection?

@justasking111 I know what you mean about needing the car nearby. Are you receiving any treatment at the moment?

Hope everyone has an OK day today.

Allofaflutter · 28/05/2024 23:58

I’m seeing the hospital next week so will ask them. Can’t have injections because of the risk of blood clots apparently. Thanks for asking.

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ItWillBeDone · 11/06/2024 19:15

Allofaflutter · 28/05/2024 23:58

I’m seeing the hospital next week so will ask them. Can’t have injections because of the risk of blood clots apparently. Thanks for asking.

How are you getting on now?

Allofaflutter · 11/06/2024 22:12

ItWillBeDone · 11/06/2024 19:15

How are you getting on now?

Still no better 8 weeks on. Numb toes/ leg still, pain etc. Hospital still saying 95% of people are fine by 12 weeks. We will see.

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Allofaflutter · 11/06/2024 22:13

Thanks for asking 😊

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ItWillBeDone · 12/06/2024 05:37

Allofaflutter · 11/06/2024 22:12

Still no better 8 weeks on. Numb toes/ leg still, pain etc. Hospital still saying 95% of people are fine by 12 weeks. We will see.

Sorry to hear that. Is there any improvement? I know it can be frustratingly slow.

CHEESEY13 · 12/06/2024 05:46

I just finished a bout of sciatica that lasted 3 months, and I was practically scoffing Ibuprofen like there was no tomorrow.
Thank God that's over, for now, touch wood.
Time and again, while Googling for pain advice, I came across warnings that paracetamol is useless for sciatic pain. I wonder why?

Allofaflutter · 12/06/2024 12:35

ItWillBeDone · 12/06/2024 05:37

Sorry to hear that. Is there any improvement? I know it can be frustratingly slow.

Not for the last 6 weeks. I’m thinking it may be permanent now. Least I can sit at work and I’m not reliant on it for driving my automatic car. Big problem if it was the right side but left leg you don’t use with automatic cars thankfully. No adaptions needed there. In the shower it’s like it’s someone else’s leg. Can’t grip with it.

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Allofaflutter · 12/06/2024 12:37

CHEESEY13 · 12/06/2024 05:46

I just finished a bout of sciatica that lasted 3 months, and I was practically scoffing Ibuprofen like there was no tomorrow.
Thank God that's over, for now, touch wood.
Time and again, while Googling for pain advice, I came across warnings that paracetamol is useless for sciatic pain. I wonder why?

You have my sympathies. Glad it’s finished for you. Wish I could take ibuprofen but I can’t. Yes paracetamol is not worth taking for it. No idea why but it’s not worked for me at all. X

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justasking111 · 12/06/2024 13:39

Well I'm a year in now so it's not going away.

Allofaflutter · 12/06/2024 17:05

justasking111 · 12/06/2024 13:39

Well I'm a year in now so it's not going away.

I’m so sorry to hear that. X

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ArcticOwl · 12/06/2024 17:40

12 weeks? Wow.

7 years and counting here :/

But mine is down to disk degeneration, rather than acute injury/slipped disk, so might be why.

Allofaflutter · 12/06/2024 18:00

ArcticOwl · 12/06/2024 17:40

12 weeks? Wow.

7 years and counting here :/

But mine is down to disk degeneration, rather than acute injury/slipped disk, so might be why.

I’m so sorry to hear this. Is there nothing they can do for you at all? X

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justasking111 · 12/06/2024 22:38

"PEPE - Folding Walking Sticks for Women, Floral Walking Sticks for Disabled, Folding Walking Sticks for Ladies, Adjustable Walking Cane for Women, Foldable Walking Stick, Walking Stick Floral : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care" https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B093LHNQRZ/?coliid=I3R6D8K33IA8OI&colid=3K3R51M3Y6KHO&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

@Allofaflutter on another thread about travelling abroad airport etc I've had lots of advice. The consent is to get a walking stick to take some weight off the bad leg. I've been dithering until I realised yesterday that I hang onto chair backs, tables, the bed , the wall when moving around which helps so a stick makes sense. On the thread people of all ages said that it helps. And to get a folding one

Anyway. I thought this Amazon one was attractive, not expensive so I'd give it a go.

Amazon.co.uk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B093LHNQRZ?colid=3K3R51M3Y6KHO&coliid=I3R6D8K33IA8OI&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-5049990-sciatica-slipped-disc

ArcticOwl · 13/06/2024 09:39

Allofaflutter · 12/06/2024 18:00

I’m so sorry to hear this. Is there nothing they can do for you at all? X

Unfortunately not. I have been told in my case, surgery has a high failure rate because even if they sort the L1/S5, i have degeneration in the other disks, so they don't feel it's worth the attempt.

The difference between degenerative disks and a slipped disk is with time, slipped can heal (apparently) with mine, the disks are not just bulging, they're drying out 'dessicated' was the word my specialist used, so i'm losing my inbuilt suspension!

I will say as someone who has been dealing with this long term, don't be afraid to use mobility aids if you need to and they make your life easier!

Allofaflutter · 13/06/2024 19:06

justasking111 · 12/06/2024 22:38

"PEPE - Folding Walking Sticks for Women, Floral Walking Sticks for Disabled, Folding Walking Sticks for Ladies, Adjustable Walking Cane for Women, Foldable Walking Stick, Walking Stick Floral : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care" https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B093LHNQRZ/?coliid=I3R6D8K33IA8OI&colid=3K3R51M3Y6KHO&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

@Allofaflutter on another thread about travelling abroad airport etc I've had lots of advice. The consent is to get a walking stick to take some weight off the bad leg. I've been dithering until I realised yesterday that I hang onto chair backs, tables, the bed , the wall when moving around which helps so a stick makes sense. On the thread people of all ages said that it helps. And to get a folding one

Anyway. I thought this Amazon one was attractive, not expensive so I'd give it a go.

Thanks that really nice.

OP posts:
Arrestedmanevolence · 13/06/2024 19:16

ArcticOwl · 13/06/2024 09:39

Unfortunately not. I have been told in my case, surgery has a high failure rate because even if they sort the L1/S5, i have degeneration in the other disks, so they don't feel it's worth the attempt.

The difference between degenerative disks and a slipped disk is with time, slipped can heal (apparently) with mine, the disks are not just bulging, they're drying out 'dessicated' was the word my specialist used, so i'm losing my inbuilt suspension!

I will say as someone who has been dealing with this long term, don't be afraid to use mobility aids if you need to and they make your life easier!

I have life long disc issues, with ddd and it causes slipped discs everywhere 5 years or so which take about a year to recover from each time (and getting longer as I age). I'm on a Facebook group where some people go off to Germany to have discs (I assume plastic??) put in. They seem to have good outcomes.

Triflelife · 13/06/2024 20:12

@Arrestedmanevolence would you mind sharing the name of the group? I had a herniated disc three years ago and this winter which was a whopper and has caused numbness and foot drop. My discs don’t look great with signs of DDD at the lower levels. Sad because I'm not even 40 yet.

Triflelife · 13/06/2024 20:13

@Allofaflutter glad you are able to drive and still have some form of normality. Totally know what you mean though it’s as if the leg is not part of your body anymore but this alien thing.

Arrestedmanevolence · 13/06/2024 20:57

Triflelife · 13/06/2024 20:12

@Arrestedmanevolence would you mind sharing the name of the group? I had a herniated disc three years ago and this winter which was a whopper and has caused numbness and foot drop. My discs don’t look great with signs of DDD at the lower levels. Sad because I'm not even 40 yet.

It's spinal stenosis UK I think. Tbh a lot of it is people claiming PIP for what I suspect are short term disc issues, but there is an occasional useful post. I'm 40 now and starting to get worried about the future as it's getting worse for sure.

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