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Original poster

Struggling with sciatica

114 replies

Sameold23 · 08/08/2023 03:22

Hi, so I started with this 10 days ago. Horrendous pain with numb leg and foot. Ended up in A&E. I've mainly been in bed as could not move. The last few days I've cut my painkillers and have been moving about more. I've managed the stairs a few times. Now my pain is back, but I thought I was supposed to be moving around. Basically I can't sleep as the pain is annoying and I'm freaking out that this is never going to end. The gp has referred me to physio which shouldn't be too much longer. Just wanted advice on what I should be doing please.

OP posts:
Toottooot · 13/08/2023 16:35

How do you find walking? I’d had what I thought was sciatica for ages then one night literally couldn’t move. Emergency prescription pushed through for painkillers with morphine as I’d already seen my dr and she was happy to prescribe due to previous symptoms. After the painkillers kicked in and I could move again I had a drs appointment and they noticed right away I was dragging my foot so referred for emergency mri as it’s caused by disc slipping and pressing on a nerve causing foot drop. Result was I had a significant disc bulge and had surgery within the week - all NHS.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 13/08/2023 16:57

Well to start with I couldn't lift my foot at all, but now I could probably lift it quite high.

OP posts:
punnetofcherries · 22/08/2023 18:37

How's it going OP?
After four weeks of constant pain and drugs, I had some physio today

OMG the difference is astonishing!
First two physio appointments he couldn't touch me as I was in agony, but today we managed some stretches and a few exercises and I feel there is light at the end of the tunnel now!

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Original poster
Sameold23 · 22/08/2023 19:00

Hello!! Great news!!! What a relief! Thanks for sharing! My first appointment is on Thursday! Can't wait, but also a bit apprehensive. I still have a numb and painful leg. Still numb from bum to foot. Back niggles sometimes. Sleep is still difficult but I think that's more anxiety!!! I still can't drive or really get out, so worried about that and if I'll ever get back to work. What a summer!!!

OP posts:
justasking111 · 22/08/2023 19:52

Consultant rang two weeks ago instructed me to find a physiotherapist. School holidays and selling a house meant I kept forgetting. Will phone now. So glad physio is helping @punnetofcherries

Original poster
Sameold23 · 22/08/2023 19:56

@theDudesmummy how did you get on??

OP posts:
stayingaliveisawayoflife · 22/08/2023 20:24

I have had sciatica twice now. Once in my lower back and last time it went into my right hip. I did aggravate it though that time as I spent a week carrying heavy boxes as I moved classroom. I have a band/strap thing which I wear across the nerve and I really find it helps.

I do physio exercises every night and that helps. I also have diazepam when things are spasming in pain.

I find the worse thing is where the pain travels. Last time it was my knee from my back and this time it has gone down my thigh. I can't take anti inflammatory anything so it does take longer to heal.

It is not good and can really debilitate you. I am just lucky I am on my long holiday so have time to recover but will have to be so careful when I move into my new classroom.

Vettrianofan · 22/08/2023 20:25

The only way I get through my daily tasks each day is by taking painkillers. I am on Dihydrocodeine and Paracetamol though for hip pain due to arthritis.

It's the only way I get on with what I need to do each day. Without painkillers I wouldn't be able to get on with my daily life.

Hope you feel better soon OP. It is shit being in pain.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 22/08/2023 21:53

Thank you. That sounds absolutely miserable.

OP posts:
Vettrianofan · 23/08/2023 07:10

I found hear pads/hot water bottles absolutely useless. Been there done that years ago, need strong painkillers in order to get on with my day. I can't sit and get down about it.

I would suggest getting painkillers organised from your GP for when you have a really bad day. It means that it makes it bearable to get on with daily life.

Original poster
Sameold23 · 23/08/2023 07:30

Thanks I have 30/500 cocodamol, naproxen and tranqs. I can't really get on with my day as my leg is completely numb. I'm just not really sure what to do. Apparently it's early days yet. I can't bend down to do dishwasher or washing machine for example. Even showering is hard work and feels unsafe. Just hoping physio can sort this nerve out.

OP posts:
punnetofcherries · 23/08/2023 09:27

I was on amitriptyline, nefapam, tramadol and naproxen.
Now just taking naproxen or paracetamol.
Physio explained there are two types of sciatica.
One is due to a herniated, bulging disc which is what he originally suggested I had, and the second is from the piriformis.
We now think my sciatica is the latter. It's tightening up from my neck down to my backside and squeezing the sciatic nerve.
We did some piriformis stretches and OMG the difference is unbelievable.
After four weeks of agony I feel almost human, and am so much more positive now.

babba2014 · 24/04/2025 08:58

Hi sorry for posting on an old thread but this one was updated and going through similar. Did you feel better after, how long did it take and have you had repeat episodes since?

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