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AIBU?

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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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Triflelife · 16/04/2024 19:15

@pelotonaddiction thanks that’s good to know. The neurosurgeon said he really didn't recommend I have surgery but if I want to push for it will be open to discussion. Just feels like a big weight of a decision.

pelotonaddiction · 16/04/2024 19:52

Mine was pretty swift so there wasn't much thinking thankfully
It was more "you'll be paralysed if we don't operate but if we do you might also be paralysed. Or die"

Thanks(!) so reassuring...

HollaHolla · 16/04/2024 20:49

pelotonaddiction · 16/04/2024 19:52

Mine was pretty swift so there wasn't much thinking thankfully
It was more "you'll be paralysed if we don't operate but if we do you might also be paralysed. Or die"

Thanks(!) so reassuring...

It’s terrifying, isn’t it? You feel like you’re quite literally signing your life away….
I insisted on walking to theatre, as I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to, if it went wrong. 😬

HollaHolla · 16/04/2024 20:54

Triflelife · 16/04/2024 18:26

@HollaHolla sorry for jumping on your post but was wondering if the surgery solved your foot drop? I have a bit of residual foot drop (5 months in - much improved on what it was though) but still a fair bit of numbness. It’s a bit like my leg isn’t my own anymore and feels so odd and alien still I’m constantly aware of it. The neurosurgeon doesn’t recommend surgery as the benefits aren’t guaranteed but interesting to hear from someone had surgery and if there was a benefit?

It’s no problem. I’m happy to help if I can.
I do have a little bit of residual foot drop, unfortunately. It’s been almost 10 years since the first op, so it’s here to stay….
I don’t notice it so much, unless I’m really tired/worn out, and I get trippy. I don’t wear any shoes that don’t stay well on my feet either, as I still have numbness in about a third of my foot (two littlest toes, and the outside edge.)

They do say that nerves are the slowest to heal, and you’re looking at about an inch a month. If you’ve got legs like mine (5’7”, and longish legs) , they are just over 40 inches outside leg. So; the nurse told me that I would only know that we were at the final outcome, at about 3.5 years!!!

CastleCrasher · 16/04/2024 21:01

One to add to the great advice you've already had - if a tens machine works at all for you, maybe get yourself a tens pen too. It's literally like a fat pen that you can zap yourself when you need it. When mine is bad I carry the pen with me to work, shopping etc and can use it when needed. Also great in the middle of the night for relief without having to faff about with pads and wires.

pelotonaddiction · 16/04/2024 21:06

@HollaHolla they wouldn't let me! To be fair I had driven myself to hospital with cauda equina and the surgeon called me wilful...

MêmePasPeur · 17/04/2024 11:25

How are you doing today OP?

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 17/04/2024 16:31

I’m having periods of less pain, inbetween excruciating pain. Still can’t lay down but can sit. Took 10ml of morphine for the bad pain so flying high! Legs still numb and I’m still unsteady. Thanks for asking.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 18/04/2024 13:00

i was able to lay down for the first time last night. Still was painful but progress.

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HollaHolla · 18/04/2024 16:22

Allofaflutter · 18/04/2024 13:00

i was able to lay down for the first time last night. Still was painful but progress.

That's good. Glad you're managing to lie down. It will make all the difference if you can get some proper rest.
Have you managed to get a Physio appointment, or anything? Do take care.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 18/04/2024 18:13

Haven’t had any appointments booked yet. No contact from hospital. I had a nap on the sofa sitting up at 2pm and woke up in excruciating pain in both legs. So two steps back.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 18/04/2024 18:16

Both legs feel numb now with cramp pain and still back pain. I’m upset as I felt I was recovering and now it’s worse. Got constipation too from all the damn meds.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 18/04/2024 18:26

Both legs are swollen too.

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susiedaisy1912 · 18/04/2024 18:52

Op go back to your gp in the morning and get checked out again.

Flowersandforests · 18/04/2024 19:00

I agree with @susiedaisy1912 - I was always told that if the pain spread to both sides then I should seek medical advice

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 18/04/2024 19:10

I told my gp it was both sides and he wasn’t worried as I had been checked for caudia equina. I’ll ring again in the morning and ask. I’m very unsteady and have fallen as it feels like I’m on glam rock platform shoes or something.

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Triflelife · 18/04/2024 20:06

Gosh @Allofaflutter so sorry you are going through this I hope you manage to get some proper sleep soon

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 20:24

I sent a message to the dr and I got a reply saying unless it gets worse just wait for mri.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 20:26

It’s not worse and the pain is manageable with the meds but the numbness is really worrying me. It’s painful on the sole of my foot.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 20:28

My left foot feels huge and heavy, like when you fall asleep on your hand and it’s all pins and needles but feels twice the size.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 20:30

Triflelife · 18/04/2024 20:06

Gosh @Allofaflutter so sorry you are going through this I hope you manage to get some proper sleep soon

Thanks. It’s been one thing after another for me this year. Covid, pulmonary embolisms, now this.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 20:30

Seems like covid started all this shit off.

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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.

tabulahrasa · 19/04/2024 20:42

If it reassures you any - sounds very like how mine was with a trapped nerve, mine isn’t ok, (I’m on a waiting list for more treatment) but it did get better than it was

The pins and needles feeling is horrible, but, it means the nerve is working, just not properly was what I was told by a physio

justasking111 · 19/04/2024 20:46

My physiotherapist waited until I'd had an MRI and a consultants report before treating me.

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