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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:
WhenHarryMetTaylor · 30/07/2023 05:34

I wouldn't travel @Sameold23

  1. Being away from home and in pain is miserable. I'm currently in a similar situation, wish I hadn't travelled tbh - it's sucked the joy out of the holiday.
  1. I know you've said you're not driving. But just a reminder if you a tempted that you might not be insured if you have an accident - you need to be able to comfortable and safely to an emergency stop or whatever ...
  1. Wishing you a speedy recovery
Hmmmbetterchangethis · 30/07/2023 05:43

I had horrendous sciatica that I needed an operation for.
The pain was unreal and I couldn’t stand up straight for months! I was on a lot of painkillers (that didn’t really help!).

However, my attitude was that it was painful whether I sat at home or got on with things.
So I went on holiday to Cornwall, dragged myself around on crutches and even scrambled/dragged myself down the cliff to Pedn Vounder beach!

Yourjustlikeapill · 30/07/2023 07:00

You need to get an emergency appointment with your doctor and get some naproxen. I hope you feel better soon.

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EggbertHeartsTina · 30/07/2023 07:59

Sorry to hear your experience OP. I had awful sciatica four years ago after pregnancy, exacerbated by labour. I couldn't walk more than 10 paces without burning pain down my leg, and numbness under my heel and back of knee. I also went to A&e as I was in so much pain, worse than the labour I had just been through. NHS wouldn't refer for MRI but sent me to a physio who didn't really help to be honest. I was so scared it was going to be forever, I was Googling constantly.

I believe (but no scan to confirm) that I had a bulging disc in pregnancy that bulged even more from my pushing during labour, damaging my sciatic nerve. The sciatica was niggling during pregnancy but as soon as baby was out, the leg pain ramped up exponentially.

Anyway it was pregabalin, osteo and gentle exercise which stopped the pain gradually over three months. But if I'd had a holiday booked I probably wouldn't have made it. I was so depressed.

I'm fine now but the numbness remained unfortunately so presumably the nerve is irreparably damaged - thankfully not bad enough to affect movement. It's just annoying.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 30/07/2023 08:05

@EggbertHeartsTina

That sounds awful. From.a lot of these stories it seems that an early MRI would be beneficial. I'm wary of the osteopath tomorrow as how will he know if he's doing good or bad.

OP posts:
willowstar · 30/07/2023 08:07

To be honest I probably wouldn't go but would feel wretched about the decision. I have long standing chronic back problems, started almost 30 years ago, and I still get quite scared when it gets acute. The phase you are in is horrible. Your body is telling you there is a problem, the pain is there for a reason. You need to look after yourself right now as best you can. Gentle movements, lots of positive thoughts, ice/heat.

HappiDaze · 30/07/2023 08:10

I have sciatica and I'm fine on holiday and day to day but I do have to take pain medication

Everyone is different with sciatica so what works for me may not with you

I feel better standing and walking as opposed to sitting down

At night though if I don't take pain meds it bloody hurts

willowstar · 30/07/2023 08:10

And do everything you can to avoid constipation if you are on codeine. Drink lots of water, eat fibre etc.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 30/07/2023 08:14

Getting meds for constipation today.

OP posts:
EggbertHeartsTina · 30/07/2023 08:17

@Sameold23 I saw a chiropractor first and I believe he did more harm than good. My osteo was more cautious in her approach when she saw my pain levels. I know there are varied opinions on the professions but personally I found osteo to be better in the sciatica situation and I still see her for maintenance. Hopefully yours will be cautious and will offer some safe advice and exercises. I will say it wasn't an overnight fix though - my osteo had loads of google reviews saying she'd removed pain from people immediately but unfortunately it was a slow burner for my sciatica!

Good luck to you. Please do reach out if you want to vent. I was at a real low when it came on and I did make a couple of friends on here and also Instagram who had been through / were going through similar.

LadinLee · 30/07/2023 08:29

I always think it's best to take lots of pain meds and keep moving very gently in the really acute phase. Lying down and walking around is best, sitting is often worst thing you can do.
Once pain starts to settle a little that's when you'll benefit from physio or osteopath. If you go when it's really acute your back will just spasm whenever they try to touch you and they probably can't do much.

Regarding the holiday the flight will be your biggest challenge. Unless it starts to settle over next few days you won't be able to sit in a plane seat for 3 hours!

Helenloveslee4eva · 30/07/2023 08:31

Sameold23 · 29/07/2023 10:02

I have all the pain relief and tranquillisers.

Tell your insurance

Original poster
Sameold23 · 30/07/2023 08:36

I don't think there's any chance of me going. What would even be the point? I'd just be miserable. I can't even walk properly. The pain is too unpredictable. They are better off without me there. I'll just ask dh to send lots of pics and videos. I don't want them to postpone it. They really deserve it. It will be a lot for poor dh to cope with alone but he's more than capable.

I'm just devastated to be missing out, but I'm more concerned about my own situation long term. I will obviously also need someone to look after me. I haven't even been downstairs for days.

OP posts:
LIZS · 30/07/2023 08:46

Could you fit in a private physio appointment, to get exercises which may relieve it or heat/cold packs or patches. It sounds as if anxiety about pain is getting the better if you.

cuckyplunt · 30/07/2023 08:47

No, but I would go on holiday to Sciatica.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 30/07/2023 08:55

It sounds as if anxiety about pain is getting the better if you

Spot on. Is that a thing??

OP posts:
Original poster
Sameold23 · 30/07/2023 08:57

I could go to osteopath tomorrow but I'm reluctant. I'm constantly using hot water bottle and am starting cold pack today.

OP posts:
LIZS · 30/07/2023 09:02

You can get Deepheat hot and cold patches which last about 8 hours. Might be worth asking pharmacist where best to place them.

LadinLee · 30/07/2023 09:07

Sameold23 · 30/07/2023 08:55

It sounds as if anxiety about pain is getting the better if you

Spot on. Is that a thing??

Well yes it is, but it's understandable in your situation.
You have a new condition which you've never had before so don't know at moment whether it's going to get worse or better or how bad the pain may get.
That's completely different to someone who's had a few bouts of sciatica and knows the pattern for them

Winter2020 · 30/07/2023 09:10

You could ask the GP if you are safe to travel. If they say no perhaps your insurance will pay out and you can reschedule the holiday. At my GP you can send a query on email over their website and they get back to you - it might be an idea to do that. If the GP says you are unfit to travel I don't think you would be insured if you did then choose to go.

I would worry about you travelling because it is a new condition and you don't know how it will pan out. I also think if you contact your insurance and tell them what's happened this week that they will either refuse to cover you going on the trip or tell you that treatment related to this condition will be excluded. If you are thinking of going you need to call them to find out.

If you need your partner home to look after you don't feel guilty. This is about your long term health and making sure you are fit and well for the future and that there will be more opportunities for holidays. Your health comes first.

Gladyys · 30/07/2023 09:17

Op you can't go. Don't be devastated just cancel claim on the insurance and rebook for next school hols.

Those who have been away who have had sciatica for years are in a completely different situation to you, you have an acute flare-up and it could be 6 weeks until it settles.

Going to a foreign country in state you're in would be madness, sorry.

Charlotteowensdodgydad · 30/07/2023 09:17

The pain from sciatica is absolutely excruciating. I had numbness and pins and needles also. Managed to get the GP to prescribe pregab which works on neuropathic pain. I’m not sure physically I have been able to go on holiday. I could barely take the dog out for its walk.

Gladyys · 30/07/2023 09:20

'I will obviously also need someone to look after me. I haven't even been downstairs for days.'

You can't go. How will you manage the airport let alone trekking about once there. Just be realistic and accept yes it is shit but focus on not exacerbating the situation. You need rest and medication.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 30/07/2023 09:22

Yes I have accepted it. I think everyone else was holding onto hope. My mum is coming to stay. Nightmare for her.

OP posts:
Eloweeese · 30/07/2023 09:24

Go to an osteopath asap. Mine eases it off in two sessions