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Original poster

Would you go on holiday with sciatica?

122 replies

Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 10:02

First family holiday abroad. Desperate for it. Kids never been on a plane or abroad. I got sciatica for the first time yesterday. I cannot describe the pain. I was in A&E so all checked out. It seems like a big improvement today, but still numb leg. Flying on Thursday. Would you go??

OP posts:
Original poster
Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 18:30

The hospital said it was sciatica. I won't see the gp for another few weeks. God knows how I'll drive with a numb leg.

OP posts:
bryceQ · 29/07/2023 18:33

I have chronic back pain which has flare ups. I travel with it but I get super strong pain killers, a cushion, rest as much as I can.

tabulahrasa · 29/07/2023 18:46

Can you use your leg?

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Original poster
Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 19:06

I can use my legs. I can walk, but one leg is numb. No pain if on my painkillers.

OP posts:
Fairyliz · 29/07/2023 19:22

Well I know two people who have been ill abroad on holiday (in different countries) and both of them had superb treatment.
One said he was glad he went, if he had stayed at home it would have been two years on a NHS waiting list. Now he has had an operation and is on the mend.
Personally I am thinking of going abroad as a health tourist as I can’t get to see a GP here.

tabulahrasa · 29/07/2023 19:27

Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 19:06

I can use my legs. I can walk, but one leg is numb. No pain if on my painkillers.

Ah, just wondering because I lost the use of it too when it went numb

if you can walk and the painkillers are killing the pain well then I’d be cautiously planning to go...and see how you get on in the next few days.

Zepherine · 29/07/2023 19:29

You might find the heat helps.

Saturnssister · 29/07/2023 19:32

heat and water can be quite therapeutic

HaveYouHeardOfARoadAtlas · 29/07/2023 19:42

Yes I’d go but I would make an emergency appt with an osteopath on Monday…..not a physio. You need someone who will get hands on. Not someone who will assess your pain and give you some exercises.

ime when my back goes I am in bed and on diazepam for 3-4 days and after that am a lot better. Can walk about, etc. go on the holiday even if you have to take it easy.

HaveYouHeardOfARoadAtlas · 29/07/2023 19:44

Oh sorry, see yo7 saw an osteopath and then got worse. Hmmm, well it could be that something not preventable was brewing. Generally I find they’re very good. I would still see one, even if it’s a different one.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 19:59

It's tricky isn't it

OP posts:
Schoolchoicesucks · 29/07/2023 20:07

I wouldn't drive with a numb leg OP, can someone else drive?

If you have good insurance and are going somewhere you trust medical care I would go. Use the meds and hot/cold packs to get through the flight and do stand at every opportunity.

Osteo helped me hugely, would maybe try another appointment or different practitioner.

Do beware signs for corda equina.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 20:10

I'm not driving, just thinking longer term about work etc.

I'm on watch for symptoms but worried I haven't been for a bowel movement yet although I don't actually need one. Hospital said if I couldn't go it would be an emergency which has got me worried. I can feel my bum hole!!

OP posts:
MotherEarthisaTerf · 29/07/2023 20:12

I would book an urgent physio appointment.

ighmi · 29/07/2023 20:21

It depends.

If I had chronic sciatica which I knew well and knew how to handle and knew was unlikely to get worse, then yes.

If I were going through the process of an initial diagnosis and things were unstable with no proper management plan then absolutely not. Would be worried it could get worse or even develop into cauda equina

Original poster
Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 20:23

I'm starting to get worried about cauda equina now!

OP posts:
Zepherine · 29/07/2023 20:25

Don’t worry about cauda equine but be aware of the symptoms. I’ve had terrible sciatica but it isn’t necessarily a long term diagnosis. I get it on and off but the best thing that has helped me are stretches.

Anyport · 29/07/2023 20:28

What has your travel insurance said about it?

Original poster
Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 20:29

I haven't contacted insurance company yet.

OP posts:
HaveYouHeardOfARoadAtlas · 29/07/2023 20:53

When they queried cauda equina with me a doctor stuck his finger up my bum to check I could feel it so you could always check yourself I guess 😆🙈

HaveYouHeardOfARoadAtlas · 29/07/2023 20:54

You might have to update your insurance to make sure they’ll still cover you. Not sure what the rules are.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 20:59

Yes I have to keep wiping and checking I can feel it!! Just stood up for first time today due to pain and heel and bum cheek are completely numb. Even if I get on the plane its not going to be much fun and also very risky.

OP posts:
Diddykong · 29/07/2023 21:07

Is the pain when walking but not sitting? If so it might be neurogenic claudication not sciatica.

If you're on any type of codeine that will bring you up so you need to drink a lot of water and consider taking something like dulcoease.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 21:11

Without pain relief it's agony to sit, lie down or stand.

Drinking lots but will get to pharmacy tomorrow.

OP posts:
MaidOfSteel · 29/07/2023 21:11

OP, have you contacted your airline to see if you can get help as a 'passenger with reduced mobility?' I always get this disability assistance when flying. You get a wheelchair on arrival and help right up to the plane door. It is invaluable. I'd get on to it now as I think they need 24 hours notice.

You have my full sympathy. Sciatica I'd the worst pain I've ever experienced. And I get it a lot. Once you're back, I woukd look into all the help you can get. Maybe even an MRI of your spine.

Have a relaxing time, if you do decide to go. X