I took some codeine

[cjt110]

I've started with awful hip pain that the GP thinks may be the start of arthritis. I think it may be sciatica but either way, it's very sore and uncomfortable and radiates from my hip/bum cheek all the way to my knee.

GP won't refer me for an xray as she says it is the same management with OA or not.

She prescribed naproxen. They gave done nothing and all I have had from them was stomach ache when i didnt eat when I had took them. I stayed off them for a day or two and the pain felt no different them when i was taking them.

I had some codeine in my cupboard from when I had a mastitis infection and took 2 last night at 8.30pm. Slept like bliss and didn't wake once with pain. No real pain now either.

But I feel a bit drunk.... Like when you've had too much to drink and deep breathe. My legs feel nicely numb and pain free. I don't think I should take anymore do you?

I took them as a last resort after weeks of shit sleep and pain. I took 2 x 30mg

Oh, and also look up meralgia paresthetica - causes trapped nerves due to increased weight gain, tight clothes (esp hipster level jeans!), and pregnancy. The numb thigh is a classic symptom.

I would make an appt with an osteopath. You will get a more accurate diagnosis and osteopaths will be honest about what help they can give.

Is the pain relieved with movement?

I had a car accident in 2012/2013 which seems to have kicked it off. I had SPD when pregnant.

It has gradually gotten worse and worse to the point ive been slathering myself in voltarol and then gone to the GP.

Finally got through after 21 mins on hold. Receptionist is going to send a msg to ask if i can have stronger pain relief. I will try and get an appt on friday.

@Etinox Yes. No pain at all. Have told the receptionist I took 2 codeine too.

I have what sounds like identical pain. I’m 35. The GP didn’t mention OA, said it was likely sciatica or some other sort of nerve damage.
I was prescribed naproxen and co-codamol (which eases it a lot but doesn’t get rid of it completely) and referred me for physio. Currently awaiting first physio appointment.

@Etinox sorry misread your post - no not relived with movement

Could it be priformis syndrome? I have chronic pain from it- 4 years now. However it is manageable, with codeine around my period and strengthening exercises. Are you flexible? Mine is the result of being very flexible but not strong- the nerve is irritated as the muscles don’t do the work but the ligaments do. Ask for a physio appointment. Is there any reason you’re worried about taking codeine? I’m a recovering alcoholic so very careful about pain relief, I take it with paracetemol and v strictly within guidelines. It works and doesn’t 🤞 lead to cravings.

Mine also disappears completely when lying down.

The trouble is if its going to be a life long management of pain they have to be careful of what they prescribe as you do become intolerant to it and there is only so many drugs available. 60mg is quite a high dose. I would start at a lower dose and see if that helps first. But like you are doing make sure you see the GP again as sometimes they need to know it is genuine pain and not going to solve itself in time.

Darn! We crossposted, the above info probably redundant then, but do go down the physio route.

@Elbeagle my info might be useful for you!

Spd as well, def try the physio pilates route. Hope you can get a full physio assessment, and then some exercise.

This kind of problem made my life miserable for about 10 years. Consistent exercise, and orthotics in my shoes, were the only things that resolved it.

Thank you Etinox!

Orthotics in my shoes helps mine too:

@Etinox I think I just don't want to take something so strong if it's not required. I have a tendancy to addictions and could easily see myself spiralling...

OP, I have got exactly the same pain as you in my buttock, also top of leg and groin, I have also got a very bad back which keeps going into spasm. I have had sciatica in the past, but this is different. I went to my gp, and then went for an xray the other day, as he believes my hip is knackered. I suppose the difference (to you) is I am in my mid sixties. Anyway, I have been prescribed co-codamol (30mg) for the pain, but I only take 2 at bedtime. The pain gets progressively worse during the day and it gives me at least 4 hours of decent sleep before the pain wakes me up again. I don't take them during the day because they make me feel too woozy to drive. I have taken them for fairly long periods in the past, and when I have recovered I always taper the dose off over a week and this has never caused me a problem with possible addiction.
Previously, when I had hip problems (other hip!) I had a cortisone injection into the joint and physio and it got better, but it did take time. As with sciatica, you think the pain will never go, but then (for me anyway) it just started to diminish slowly day by day after about 4 months and went away. Hope it gets better for you.

Out of interest have you been to see a sports massage therapist? The location of the pain rings a bell and mine was relieved by lower back and glute massage. I cried the whole 30 minutes because it hurt so much but woke up the next day feeling much better.

@nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut No I havent. Literally saw the GP who prescribed pain relief, refuses to do an xray as management would be the same.

Other GP has now prescribed 2 x 15mg a daily

As pps have suggested, try orthotics. You may have NHS access to a biomechanic podiatrist. I've had mine for 15 years, and I no longer get leg cramps or back spasms.

Worth trying. I'd probably see a male therapist if you can as they tend to be stronger and its a large muscle. Painful while they're doing it but you walk out feeling much better.