Agonising pain - anything I can do?

[ElsaMars]

I just wrote a very long, detailed thread that disappeared, so this is the short version.

I have sciatica and it is absolute agony, cramping, burning shooting pain all down one leg. I've had it twice before, this is the worst it has been.

I can barely walk or stand, I'm in constant unrelenting pain, I can't sleep.

So far Docs have given me drugs to ease nerve pain, anti inflammation drugs and Zapain, the latter has worked for the pain in the past but it isn't touching it. I called Docs today practically begging for other pain relief options, she eventually suggested Tramadol. I've had 2 doses now and this is also doing nothing for the pain, it's agony.

My foot on the affected leg is also numb and has been for a few days, told Doc this but she wasn't concerned, but I've also noticed it's much colder than my other foot.

The pain is extreme and I have idea why the strong pain meds aren't working, is there anything else I can do? I have tried various other things, like using heat, massage, the physio exercises (too painful) walking, propping legs up on cushions, all sorts.

This is the worst pain I've experienced since labour and I'm so fed up and in such pain.

Sorry, shorter version was also a bit long!

I am so sorry, this sounds awful.

I would call 111. "My foot on the affected leg is also numb and has been for a few days, told Doc this but she wasn't concerned, but I've also noticed it's much colder than my other foot." This sounds really bad to me.

Do you have any other medical conditions, diabetes etc?

i'm not a medical person but I would get some advice on this from outside your GP surgery.

When I get back pain I take codeine and Naproxen. I used a hot water bottle under my back and try not to lie down too much.

I'd agree that you need to ring NHS 111 with those symptoms.

Ring 111 and seek advice. Cauda Equina can cause similar symptoms.
Hope you feel better soon.

That sounds a bit worrying, like you are loosing blood flow? Do you have anyone with you op? Could you call 111 and get some advice.

Seems like you may need to go full opioid based pain relief here and get on the morphine.

Your body needs a break from this pain to allow it to heal and relax you must be so so tender.

Sending hugs it sounds awful and your GP sounds a bit crap.

I used to suffer badly with sciatica and the osteopath worked wonders

I have no suggestions but that sounds horrendous. I agree with trying to find stronger pain killers if you can.

Really 111? The Docs have asked me about numbness in the genital area, not being able to hold wees and poos, all that is OK. They said any of that, call 999 because of the risk of it being Cauda Equina.

To be honest I felt a bit of a nuisance to the Docs as I've contacted them 3-4 times this week so im a bit reluctant, I haven't really been happy with how they've dealt with it but thought perhaps it's me just being a moany, wimp!

Husband snoring next to me, Two kids in bed. I can't drive myself and not sure it warrants an ambulance. Bugger it, I'm getting up (if I can) for a cup of tea and to think about a plan, thank you all

Hi OP, It’s worth looking at the red flag symptoms of cauda equina on the NHS website. If you’re experiencing any of those you need to get to A&E immediately, even if means calling an ambulance. Otherwise I agree with others that I would be calling 111. You could do this in the morning if you don’t have any red flag symptoms. You may well have slipped a disc. I would want an MRI in your situation

Another vote for 111. Hope you get sorted soon.

How are you this morning OP?

Most painkillers won't help.

You need amitriptyline which specifically works on nerve pain.

But ultimately, sciatica is a symptom of something else. There's something in your lower back pressing on the nerves.

And sciatica won't resolve until you find and fix the underlying problem. That will require an MRI.

I hope you can find and get it sorted quickly, it's a terrible pain and I really sympathise.

Amitryptiline is what you need, although from memory it can take a little while to kick in.

I found a TENS machine to be helpful, but as Luckingfovely says you need an MRI to determine the cause.

I've had it on and off for years. it's an awful pain, and I sympathise🌺

Get to a decent physio.
They'll give you tips on how to manage/reduce the pain and strengthen the weak areas. And hopefully you'll get one who does a massage to ease your muscles and tissues.

Sounds awful. Any better? Proud under-estimate how awful pain can be.

What dose of tramadol are you taking ? You can take up to 100mg 4x daily

You can layer up the fill different types of pain relief safely so paracetamol + ibuprofen/ naproxen + tramadol

(doi doctor) If you are taking the max of each then call 111 . They need to prescribe something stronger and specifically for neuropathic pain ( pregabalin, amitryptiline, gabapentin) .

It is quite common if you are not moving a limb due to pain for it to feel cooler.

I have had sciatica in the past and one thing that helped was stretching exercises. Of course you may not be able to do anything it with the amount of pain you are in but when you feel able there's a few on YouTube that may help. Maybe look into physio? Hope you are feeling better today

You need to try and move to do the exercises.
If your back is in spasm you may also need some diazepam to relax the muscles

Just posting in solidarity, OP. I had sciatica once and I was rolling around in absolute agony.

Hope you get the pain under control soon.

When my sciatica flares up, sitting in a bath of very cold water seems to help. I try and do it before bed, for about 15 minutes.

I have been in similar pain for about 6 weeks.... on gabapentin, amitriptyline, zapain and ibuprofen, its horrific. Physio was not much use although I am continuing the exercises. I have found the chiropractor and acupuncture has helped but its slow progress. GP and physio have not been concerned about the numbness in lower leg. Hope you find some relief soon.

Go to hospital. Numbness is a red flag symptom.

Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare and severe type of spinal stenosis where all of the nerves in the lower back suddenly become severely compressed.

Symptoms include:

sciatica on both sides
weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe or getting worse
numbness around or under your genitals, or around your anus
finding it hard to start peeing, can't pee or can't control when you pee – and this isn't normal for you
you don't notice when you need to poo or can't control when you poo – and this isn't normal for you
Cauda equina syndrome requires emergency hospital admission and may require emergency surgery, because the longer it goes untreated, the greater the chance it will lead to permanent paralysis and incontinence.

From the NHS pages. Numbness and weakness is on the list.

Thanks for the messages, really appreciate the kindness in the middle of the night.

I'm already on Gabapentin and Naproxen as well as the (non working) pain meds.

In the end, I contacted 111 online, went through everything and it said to call 999 but as I haven't got any symptoms of Cauda Equina, I decided against it. Also I'm exhausted due to lack of sleep and I envisioned being stuck in a corridor in A&E, tired and in pain, worse than being at home and in pain.

I have reverted back to the Cocodomol today as I think it was a teeny bit more effective than the tramadol. Someone asked the dose I'm on, it's 2 x 50mg every 4 hours. Did nothing at all, I was gutted as I expected to be out of it, in the good, no pain, way!

Thank you to the Dr who said that the cold foot is cold because of not being used normally, that's reassuring, thanks.

The Docs seem wary about pain meds, are they able to give any stronger opioids or am I at the peak of what they can give?

I'm assuming the wait to see orthopaedics will be a while, not sure I mentioned that but I am being referred after having sciatica 3 times. Hopefully they'll do an MRI? I have a friend who has similar and is overweight, the orthopaedic consultant she saw, offered her a gastric band 🙈

I may end up calling 111 today in sheer desperation but for now I'm going to stay in bed, making sure I'm moving regularly if I can and try not to feel bloody mum guilt! DH is great though and has planned a nice day with them.