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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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Whatwillitbenext · 19/04/2024 20:59

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 20:30

Seems like covid started all this shit off.

Once you've finally had an MRI see a really decent chiropractor. They are bloody magicians, the one I see had been doing it for 30 years, he is amazing. My brother in law had to crawl into his office once with such serious back pain and left walking. Amazing.

justasking111 · 19/04/2024 21:12

Whatwillitbenext · 19/04/2024 20:59

Once you've finally had an MRI see a really decent chiropractor. They are bloody magicians, the one I see had been doing it for 30 years, he is amazing. My brother in law had to crawl into his office once with such serious back pain and left walking. Amazing.

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Not recommended for certain conditions, hence the MRI. first

HoneyButterPopcorn · 19/04/2024 21:15

I swear by osteopaths. I first popped a disk in my early 20s and have slipped a few since then (my record was two at ince) and have had back issues a lot.

Tried physio, chiro, strong painkillers… but osteopathy is the only thing that actually works for me.

justasking111 · 19/04/2024 21:19

Your consultant will recommend following the MRI what treatment you should have moving forward

Whatwillitbenext · 19/04/2024 21:28

justasking111 · 19/04/2024 21:12

Not recommended for certain conditions, hence the MRI. first

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I literally said 'once you've had the MRI' 🤣

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 21:44

I thought chiropractor and osteopaths were the same thing? Are they not?

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 21:45

And how do you know if there are a good one?

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 21:48

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

Thank you for the reassurance.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 21:51

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

Did you ever wake up with the sole of your foot feeling like it had been cut?

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 21:54

It was awful this morning. It felt like it had been cut and that I had a ball in my arch

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tabulahrasa · 19/04/2024 21:56

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 21:51

Did you ever wake up with the sole of your foot feeling like it had been cut?

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Not that I remember - to be dead honest though, I was on morphine when it was at its worst and I really really wasn’t with it most of the time, so it’s a bit blurry ☺️😂

There were definitely some “sharp” feeling pains though. So maybe?

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:06

I’m trying so hard not to have morphine unless I can’t cope but by bedtime I end up taking it.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:08

Taking cocodamol in the day to try and cope. The cramp pains have subsided to only occasional but the back pain is constant.

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bombastix · 19/04/2024 22:10

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:06

I’m trying so hard not to have morphine unless I can’t cope but by bedtime I end up taking it.

Really sorry. I know just how grim this is. Can you find a sympathetic GP because being stingy with painkillers is just another kind of punishment. You worry all day and have pain.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:13

bombastix · 19/04/2024 22:10

Really sorry. I know just how grim this is. Can you find a sympathetic GP because being stingy with painkillers is just another kind of punishment. You worry all day and have pain.

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It was made very, very clear to me that there would be no refill for the painkillers, especially the morphine. Like I might be screaming as a rouse for drugs.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:15

So I try not to take them unless I can’t cope.

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HoneyButterPopcorn · 19/04/2024 22:16

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 21:44

I thought chiropractor and osteopaths were the same thing? Are they not?

I’m not sure exactly what the difference is but I found chiro to be more ‘rough’ (oh the cracking!) and I’d be sore for a couple of days after. With osteo is more ‘gentle’, like a massage/moving things back into place. I have been stubbornly seeing a chiro for many years thinking it was better than popping pills and that treatment just hurt.

I found my chiro by accident - she was working in the same clinic as me and she offed to take a look at my back when I slipped a disc. I was very wary but in pain. She described accurately what was wrong with my back (I’d seen the x rays) and after one visit felt so much better with no ‘after pain’.

Gettoachiro · 19/04/2024 22:18

You need to get yourself to a chiropractor. Absolutely miracle workers imo.

I was similar to you in that I was in terrible pain in my lower back, through my bum and down the back of my leg. The other leg was numb. The only painkiller that even touched it was morphine.

It took a few sessions but they got it sorted. Physio or osteopath just won't help to the same degree.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:18

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:13

It was made very, very clear to me that there would be no refill for the painkillers, especially the morphine. Like I might be screaming as a rouse for drugs.

Show quote history

So I’m rationing them. I only have 4 tablets left of cocodamol left. That’s 2 doses.

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bombastix · 19/04/2024 22:19

@Allofaflutter - try another GP. Taking painkillers for pain killing is legitimate. You are not a mooch.

I too had problems. I was not believed because I was young. It is the worst pain I have ever had. In the end I totally lost it with the NHS and they realized they had to take me seriously. It was hard because I thought they would know. Actually I had to fight for pain relief and all the treatment I got. Taking someone with you can help.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:22

I’ve spoken with a different gp each day. Everyone said the same. No refills.

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Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:24

Had to beg in a and e for painkillers. They were reluctant.

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Arrestedmanevolence · 19/04/2024 22:25

Dont go to a chiropractor or osteopath. Go to a physio specialising in spinal injuries. I've had decades of sciatica problems and learnt my lesson on that one!

Hot water bottles are surprisingly good for pain relief.

Original poster
Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:28

Arrestedmanevolence · 19/04/2024 22:25

Dont go to a chiropractor or osteopath. Go to a physio specialising in spinal injuries. I've had decades of sciatica problems and learnt my lesson on that one!

Hot water bottles are surprisingly good for pain relief.

My long wheat bag has been microwaved so much it’s going to start glowing soon. 😂

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bombastix · 19/04/2024 22:32

Allofaflutter · 19/04/2024 22:22

I’ve spoken with a different gp each day. Everyone said the same. No refills.

Well, I'm not saying you are wrong. But they need a reason and provide an alternative. It's not reasonable to leave you in pain.

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