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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

A&e, doctors or wait it out?

566 replies

autienotnoughty · 23/11/2024 19:53

Off and on back pain for past 15 years. More on in past two years. Symptoms include lower back pain, painful spasms , shooting pains in thighs. Being managed with physio, Pilates, walking and yoga.

Last six weeks pain has got significantly worse. I keep experiencing weakness in my legs, periods of not being able to stand/needing support to walk and get up.

Today my back has locked three times leaving me unable to walk, getting worse each time. I am now laid flat on my back, I can't sit up. Dh had to drag/walk me to the toilet. I can't walk. I can't turn over. I'm applying heat and cold.
I'm also feverish . I have shooting pains/tingling in my legs plus the back pain and spasms.

Do I go a&e?
Ring doctor Monday?
Ride it out?

OP posts:
Iwanttoputmytreeup · 25/11/2024 20:33

@Crazycatlady64 Why would she want to call for an ambulance when she's on a ward....

Crazycatlady64 · 25/11/2024 20:19

I had the exact same. My disc had herniated and my sciatic nerve was being crushed. Had to have a discectomy. Personally I’d call for an ambulance.

MrsPeterHarris · 25/11/2024 18:41

Wow @fivebyfivebuffy - well done!

fivebyfivebuffy · 25/11/2024 18:41

If they do operate yes it's scary but it's the best thing I ever did
I was walking 1hr after, discharged 21hrs after and back on a horse 8 weeks post op. I hammered the physio, walking and gym and can do most things now except deadlifts and running on hard ground

MrsPeterHarris · 25/11/2024 18:39

A bulging disc can do all that?! What a nightmare. I'm sure you'll find the strength to make your way through this but so sorry that you have to. Good luck.

holdmecloseyoungtonydanza · 25/11/2024 18:17

Oh OP, you poor thing. Sending handholds. It's only natural that you're this upset but I hope the docs can get some good outcomes in place for you.

WillowTit · 25/11/2024 18:14

@mrsg1981 Hmm

Original poster
autienotnoughty · 25/11/2024 18:14

Wibblywobblybobbly · 25/11/2024 16:15

You poor thing. Is there a surgical option that could be looked into?

It's a last resort. Best option is rest, meds, physio, Pilates

OP posts:
mrsg1981 · 25/11/2024 18:00

A&e…..it could be cauda equina which can lead to paralysis.

Wibblywobblybobbly · 25/11/2024 16:15

You poor thing. Is there a surgical option that could be looked into?

MyrtleStrumpet · 25/11/2024 15:46

I'm so sorry. Right now you just have to be. Feel the feelings. Exist.

I can recommend audiobooks and podcasts to stop you going crazy and brighten your days.

This too will pass.

justasking111 · 25/11/2024 15:27

autienotnoughty · 25/11/2024 15:10

I can't stop crying which isn't helping . I can't even sit up to eat currently

It's fine to cry. Some days I want to. And I'm nowhere near as bad as you. Best to surrender for now.

Original poster
autienotnoughty · 25/11/2024 15:10

I can't stop crying which isn't helping . I can't even sit up to eat currently

OP posts:
Original poster
autienotnoughty · 25/11/2024 15:09

It's scary . I had a visit from ortho consultant who basically said expect a hard journey likely on crutches at start and a few months of recovery.

Physio/ot who tried to raise the bed 10% and I couldn't cope

Pain med people who have changed to an oxy med and something else plus ibuprofen.

I feel like my life has been turned over

OP posts:
WinterBones · 25/11/2024 11:02

Gabapentin sorts my neuropathic pain from the sciatica. It doesn't touch the general back pain from my disks having dried out/been lost.. that pain not only hits my lower back, but also refers out into my right hip.

Only thing that touches that is NSAIDs and a mix of rest and physio to strengthen the muscles in the core to support my spine.

I'm one of the genetically unlucky few that opioids do fuck all for (something about not metabolising the painkilling element of them)

That pain is why i use walking aids/a wheelchair because trying to be upright HURTS like a mofo.

That being said OP, if its any consolation, you do kind of start to adapt to the pain and learn to manage/cope with it.

EliflurtleAndTheInfiniteMadness · 25/11/2024 10:54

PleaseStopEatingMyStuff · 24/11/2024 18:52

Ahh OP, my friend had exactly this. She was in agony.
Anyway she was sent home with super strength painkillers which did eventually work but took a few days to kick in (gabapentin? Highly recommended as they did work well eventually).
Recovery was slow but steady and probably took about 2 months for her to walk normally again without the need for any pain relief.
She also had a physio referral which helped lots as they were able to advise how to strengthen certain back muscles to hopefully avoid this happening again.
Anyway, I just wanted to give you hope that you will recover & the pain will go. Its terrible for you to have to go through and you have all my sympathy.
Get well soon.

Gabapebtin is a different type of painkiller rather than being a stronger one. It works specifically for neuropathic pain and only in some people, not all, but neuropathic pain is notoriously difficult to treat. It often does take a little while to work as it works in a different way. If OP does have neurpathic pain there are a couple of different options for treatment, predominantly a couple of antidepressants and epilepsy drugs.

Whitegrenache · 25/11/2024 10:38

Morphine will make you nauseous- as for an anti sickness medicine

Flannelectomy · 25/11/2024 10:12

That's likely to be the morphine, you might get very itchy too.

Original poster
autienotnoughty · 25/11/2024 10:05

Pains eased but something made me sick so now feeling nauseous

OP posts:
Pottedpalm · 25/11/2024 08:15

That sounds hideous; even in such pain to queue for reception and no help! Terrifying. I hope you get the correct treatment quickly now you have a diagnosis.

WatchOutMissMarpleIsAbout · 25/11/2024 08:10

Slipped/herniated/bulging disc so painful I was climbing the walls. Hope you get some relief soon.

justasking111 · 25/11/2024 07:46

Good morning OP I hope you got some sleep.

MyrtleStrumpet · 24/11/2024 21:53

autienotnoughty · 24/11/2024 21:47

On the ward. Been given a double dose of morphine to the stomach. I can still feel it but no where near as bad

I'd describe it as a red hot poker being held against my back and my back locks too so I can't actually move.

A&el ortho forgot to put prescription on system so I couldn't get more pain relief until after they moved me

Oh that is difficult. The Ortho must have been busy. I'm glad you're on the ward and feeling better. Ask your DH to bring in some nice PJs and comfort things tomorrow; whether that's smellies like hand cream, books or a soft throw.

I hope you can sleep well tonight.

Original poster
autienotnoughty · 24/11/2024 21:47

On the ward. Been given a double dose of morphine to the stomach. I can still feel it but no where near as bad

I'd describe it as a red hot poker being held against my back and my back locks too so I can't actually move.

A&el ortho forgot to put prescription on system so I couldn't get more pain relief until after they moved me

OP posts:
Capercaille · 24/11/2024 21:41

autienotnoughty · 24/11/2024 19:13

Thank you everyone the only thing I can do is read my phone. I appreciate the support and advice

Any update? Hoping you're comfortable.

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