A&e, doctors or wait it out?

[autienotnoughty]

Off and on back pain for past 15 years. More on in past two years. Symptoms include lower back pain, painful spasms , shooting pains in thighs. Being managed with physio, Pilates, walking and yoga.

Last six weeks pain has got significantly worse. I keep experiencing weakness in my legs, periods of not being able to stand/needing support to walk and get up.

Today my back has locked three times leaving me unable to walk, getting worse each time. I am now laid flat on my back, I can't sit up. Dh had to drag/walk me to the toilet. I can't walk. I can't turn over. I'm applying heat and cold.
I'm also feverish . I have shooting pains/tingling in my legs plus the back pain and spasms.

Do I go a&e?
Ring doctor Monday?
Ride it out?

A&E

This is an emergency
Definitely A&E

100% go to A&E

A&E

good luck.

agree a and e

A and e

please go to A&E.

I would say A&E but what are the practicalities? Would you be able to sit and wait for hours?

No I can't sit that's my concern and I will be left to wait won't I?

I could go tomorrow morning if it's no better.

Ring 111 if you're unsure - my guess is they'll suggest a&e or an ambulance.

Wishing you a speedy recovery x

kidneys ?

A and E, they will give you pain relief quickly which should help while you wait

Ooh definitely go to an and e.
And I never suggest this but I'd actually call an ambulance, I appreciate you may have a long wait but I'd be concerned about your husband having to get you in the car safely if you can't sit.

Agree A and E, in an ambulance.

I would call an ambulance

A&E (I've had back surgery and they were really good at getting me pain relief fast when I had to go in via a&e)

at triage say

1. you have lost the use of your legs ...x times today
2. have localised pain
3. have fever
4. muscle spasms
5. difficulty getting to the toilet.

don't say (immediately) that you have 15 years of back pain...say this is new on a background of chronic pain.

Don't lie but to be taken seriously presentation helps!

sorry you must be feeling awful

If you can’t sit then phone for an ambulance

Have you taken any ibuprofen?

Haven't you had any x rays or scans over the 15 years .

I've had this before. Similar. On and off back pain for years and on the worst occasion I went to A&E as I couldn't sit and actually got stuck in my car trying to drive home from work as the spasms were so bad. Didn't even make it out of the car park then had to be lifted out the car which was agony. Couldn't use my legs properly. Staff member took me to A&E where I had several tests then they gave me muscle relaxants and pain killers. Eased off after a week. Was terrible. Hugs. Get treatment.

Been taking ibuprofen for past few days. Had a X-ray in2021. Nothing showed. But didn't have the leg pains etc then. No other scans, just keep being offered physio.

Do you still have it?

Either call 111 or for an ambulance, you don't want to cause any more damage being dragged to walk to the toilet. Do you still feel the sensation to use the toilet.

I do but it's never returned as bad as that A&E experience. I know the warning signs now and stop lifting ANYTHING for a few days if I feel a spasm. I also do regular exercises/stretches for acute back pain (3 times per week) really helps strengthen the lower back to prevent it. And I take Ibuprofen for back/muscle pain I think it's Annadin the brand. Helps.

Yes i got the urge it was hard to go but I think that was due to awkward position/pain