A&e, doctors or wait it out?

Definitely agree with the trauma
Even simple things like sneezing - I was petrified and bracing myself against a wall every time I

It does improve, I'm back lifting weights etc and didn't think I would walk properly again let alone exercise

I just wanted to say OP that I completely understand the trauma side of this that I think you've tried to explain.

Once you have experienced a certain level of pain that you never have before and never realised you could experience, you feel in shock and then subsequently in disbelief and terror that it might happen again.

I was in a terrible accident and the pain of it meant I was literally begging for someone to kill me to put me out of my misery and at the time I really meant it. I still can't understand how I didn't pass out.

It took me a long time for the trauma of that to soften and fade slightly and for a long time at the smallest pain I would have panic attacks that it would reach that level again.

I just wanted you to know that someone completely understands that feeling.

Recovery is always a few steps forward and then a few days back.

Small gains are important

Well done. You're making great progress.

I will never understand why staff like this choose to work in the caring industry. And I say that as a hospital consultant.

I'm so sorry the physio treated you so dismissively.
He is also wrong! He's treating you like you've had a hip replacement not suffering herniated discs.
I would actually ask him to read what the consultant has said on your notes.
Hopefully you'll get a more understanding one tomorrow
My DS has done gentle exercises found online for years( 2 herniated discs) so please don't worry about the unkind physio
Best wishes to you

Honestly, you get on with it, because you have to.
I have a drug cocktail, which helps a bit - takes it from a 9 to a 6/7 on the pain scale, and keep moving. I went to an automatic car, so I can drive with my non-shit leg (my left has limited feeling in my foot - it never came back), and I'm really fucking careful. My Neurosurgeon says he's not going back in, unless it's catastrophic, so it's within my best interests.
Oh, and if you do need surgical interventions - go for a Neurosurgeon, and not an Orthopedic one.

Yep, I'd say avoid surgery if you can.
I've had 4 over the past 9 years - 3 microdiscectomies for herniated discs, and one spinal fusion when it developed into Cauda Equina. It's shitty.
You need to be religious with your Physio/Pilates, and keep your core as strong as possible. It might not do the trick, but it's going to be a hell of a lot better than not doing it.
Take care (and take all of the drugs)

It's not you, and you're not being difficult. The physio person seems to have little to no understanding of back pain/injury.
You should move around as much as your pain level will allow, but also rest (lie down), using either cold packs or hot water bottles, whichever works best for you. Take the recommended pain meds as prescribed.
Just sitting in a chair is the worst thing to do!

I'm not a medical expert, but I've 15 years experience of back problems, and have probably been seen by every type of specialist over that time. As PPs have said, ask for your consultant.

OP, look up 'nerve flossing' in relation to disc herniation. They're very small and gentle movements that you can do laying down, that keep the nerves in your spine and down your leg from getting stuck. When you have a herniated disc all the disc jelly is pressing on the nerve bundle and stops it gliding as it should.

Nerve flossing should never hurt, if it does then stop or reduce the movement. I wish I'd known sooner that these existed.

Refuse until you've seen the consultant again and spoken to him . This is when you should have the consultant secretary phone number and spoken directly. Get your partner to do this if you're feeling too rough

Sitting is absolutely the worst thing for disc herniation! I've had four herniations, two were extremely painful and two were screaming-in-blinding-agony level. I tried physio, then injections and eventually gave in and had the microdiscectomy surgery. I still need to do pilates and physio to keep my core strong but no further herniations, so far. I'd ask the ortho consult what the plan is for injections or surgery, and if you'll be see in outpatients for a review later.

Not sure how sitting will stop stiffness in your back? It would be better to do a few steps every half hour/hour then lie back down, rather than sit. You've been treated awfully, so sorry OP. I was made worse by an NHS physio pushing so hard on my back 😢 I went to a private one in the end (although she used to be an NHS senior physio)

I don't get why they're making you sit, it's the worst thing for disc issues
I was told keep moving gently and stand or lie - even after my op I was limited to 30 mins sitting

If the physio/nurses are going against what the consultant says you need to push back on this until you can get confirmation from your consultant.

I have had this twice this year. Both occasions responded well to steroid injections, gentle stretching exercises and walking. Sitting was not an option for a few weeks, either lying or standing were the only positions I could manage.
Steroids can take a few weeks to kick in and give disturbed sleep and funny dreams initially. Decent pain killers required in between.
I am back at work now full time after my last injection end of October and I am diligent with my stretches morning and night.
Ice packs may also help reduce the inflammation.
Good luck

Yes I’ve had them - they worked wonders but are not hugely long lived (though they lasted me at least 6 months).

Unfortunately they didn't work for me. I was told beforehand that was a possibility but I tried anything and everything, hoping for relief.
They were done on the NHS, and the staff were really lovely, very supportive (I'm not great with needles!)

Complain about the physio. That's absolutely atrocious and could do further damage to your back. Comparing patients is a pointless and ridiculous task. No 2 patients are the same. So unprofessional and clearly ill informed.