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!

You should follow the medical advice you've already been given by 111

111 has said call 999

Why wouldn't you do that?

I guess because I have no presenting symptoms of Cauda Equina and I just want better pain management.

I'd feel ridiculous if they sent an ambulance and I worry about everything I've read about A&E recently, I would also feel like a time waster and I know people are often made to feel that they are.

Perhaps the pain is making me make bad decisions?

Severe pain is enough of a reason to go to a&e. Don't worry about anyone else other than you.

I am currently recovering from an L5 S1 disc herniation op. my problem started like yours with bouts of incredibly painful sciatica which became more frequent and for the last six months was a constant every day all day.

Ultimately nothing helped I was given a cocktail of drugs that did nothing really and have had a hell of a time withdrawing the last few days. Gabapentin is the worst... I tried everything physio, massage etc you need to insist upon an MRI so they can identify the underlying cause, this can be a fight but totally worth it.

You have my sympathy and hope you recover soon.

I found a tens machine helped a bit - worth trying? I'd elevate my lower leg, ice to lower back / buttock, nsaid and try and do a tiny bit of walking / physio every hour.

Its hellish I'm sorry

Mine improved week on week but I couldn't see improvement day to day

If you lose and control over your bladder get to A&E quickly

I did find dry needling by the physio helpful too

Also massage by physio and Valium can be very effective in relaxing the muscles

If you go into hospital they should give you an MRI to see what's going on. Maybe bring a yoga mat so you can lie on the floor while waiting for bed?

Go to a&e
I went with sciatica when I couldn't get the pain under control and they gave me morphine

I also didn't have any usual symptoms of cauda equina but I lost feeling in my leg and had foot drop. I went to a&e again as it felt like warm water running down my leg. Needed 5hr op to sort it out
It's not worth risking it

I had this when pregnant. 2 trips to the osteopath sorted it out about 90%. My obstetrician recommended it. The first appointment I shuffled in, and walked out!!

Came on just to say this. An osteopath will do a full assessment prior to treatment and will not treat you if they feel it would not help you.

I have practically crawled in there with sciatica. You won't necessarily skip out because it can take until next day to start to feel the benefit. I've seen osteopaths for various back and neck problems for over 30 years and can highly recommend. In my area it is c£60 for the initial consultation and treatment then c£45 for each further appointment.

You need to be SEEN by a doctor, today, however you manage that I do not know. But good luck x

Oh goodness OP that sounds incredibly uncomfortable! The messaging surrounding a&e has gotten much tougher and rightly so, but it’s causing genuine cases like you to hesitate! I feel you there, I’m the absolute same. If 111 told you to go; please go. Gather your essentials (water, phone, charger, purse etc) and ask your husband to drive you in.

Chiropractor was like a miracle treatment when I was in severe pain from sciatica and believed nothing would work, it was such a relief

Ive sent you a pm. You can go to a&e for extra pain relief and diazepam, but the numb foot is all part of it. Sounds like a herniated disc that has trapped your nerve. Ice pack for 20 mins on sciatic nerve, then hot water bottles, then all the drugs.

I’ve had issues with sciatica caused by partially prolapsed joints in my lower lumbar and upper sacral spine for years (the hangover from working in care in the days when they still taught things like the Australian lift and using sheets to drag patients up the bed because they didn’t have any tailored equipment to assist you) and the thing I found worked the bast for me was having radio frequency denervation treatment.

This was done by the pain management consultant at the hospital after having a good response to facet joint injections. Before the treatment I was on the maximum I could take of tramadol, naproxen and paracetamol and GPs didn’t want to give me anything else.

If you don’t already have a referral to the pain team I’d ask for one as they can try lots more combinations of medications and offer other treatments than just taking more and more drugs.

You might have a herniated disc which has trapped a nerve
I have periods of Sciatica due to my disability and it's agonising so you have all my sympathy.
I was going to suggest gabapentin or pregabilin as they're specifically for nerve pain but you're on one
I think you need to do as suggested and accept the ambulance as you'd be made comfortable with morphine and severe pain is enough of a reason to go to A&E. That's what it's there for

I second a TENS machine. You can get rechargeable wireless ones from Amazon relatively cheaply — I’ve got a couple of Medifit units and they’re great. I have chronic myofascial pain syndrome and a highly physical job (the two things are not unrelated!) and, being self-employed, I simply have to keep working through the bad days and the pain used to regularly reduce me to tears. In desperation, I bought the TENS. I wear the units all day during a flare up and can honestly say they, combined with codeine on an evening, have kept me in a job.

Get well soon :)

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