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?

Gabapebtin is a different type of painkiller rather than being a stronger one. It works specifically for neuropathic pain and only in some people, not all, but neuropathic pain is notoriously difficult to treat. It often does take a little while to work as it works in a different way. If OP does have neurpathic pain there are a couple of different options for treatment, predominantly a couple of antidepressants and epilepsy drugs.

Gabapentin sorts my neuropathic pain from the sciatica. It doesn't touch the general back pain from my disks having dried out/been lost.. that pain not only hits my lower back, but also refers out into my right hip.

Only thing that touches that is NSAIDs and a mix of rest and physio to strengthen the muscles in the core to support my spine.

I'm one of the genetically unlucky few that opioids do fuck all for (something about not metabolising the painkilling element of them)

That pain is why i use walking aids/a wheelchair because trying to be upright HURTS like a mofo.

That being said OP, if its any consolation, you do kind of start to adapt to the pain and learn to manage/cope with it.

It's scary . I had a visit from ortho consultant who basically said expect a hard journey likely on crutches at start and a few months of recovery.

Physio/ot who tried to raise the bed 10% and I couldn't cope

Pain med people who have changed to an oxy med and something else plus ibuprofen.

I feel like my life has been turned over

I can't stop crying which isn't helping . I can't even sit up to eat currently

It's fine to cry. Some days I want to. And I'm nowhere near as bad as you. Best to surrender for now.

I'm so sorry. Right now you just have to be. Feel the feelings. Exist.

I can recommend audiobooks and podcasts to stop you going crazy and brighten your days.

This too will pass.

You poor thing. Is there a surgical option that could be looked into?

A&e…..it could be cauda equina which can lead to paralysis.

It's a last resort. Best option is rest, meds, physio, Pilates

@mrsg1981

Oh OP, you poor thing. Sending handholds. It's only natural that you're this upset but I hope the docs can get some good outcomes in place for you.

A bulging disc can do all that?! What a nightmare. I'm sure you'll find the strength to make your way through this but so sorry that you have to. Good luck.

If they do operate yes it's scary but it's the best thing I ever did
I was walking 1hr after, discharged 21hrs after and back on a horse 8 weeks post op. I hammered the physio, walking and gym and can do most things now except deadlifts and running on hard ground

Wow @fivebyfivebuffy - well done!

I had the exact same. My disc had herniated and my sciatic nerve was being crushed. Had to have a discectomy. Personally I’d call for an ambulance.

@Crazycatlady64 Why would she want to call for an ambulance when she's on a ward....

@Iwanttoputmytreeup OBVIOUSLY I’d not seen she was on a ward. I do apologise.

OP I know it's hard not to be able to sit up to eat etc but my advice is just try to lie still and relax as possible whilst keeping your pain relief meds regular. I had two herniated discs and it was absolutely hellish for a week or so until the pain relief and rest started to help. I remember lots of staring at the ceiling and trying to sleep as much as possible. Then gently getting yourself going again.

I will never forget how even the simplest movement, something you wouldn't even think involved your back, like moving your facial muscles caused me pain. It is rough but honestly it will be ok - and the calmer and nore positive you can be despite the situation the more your muscles will relax and the pain ease a bit. Good luck!

I've been following for a couple of days, but you were inundated with messages and it felt like a lot to deal with.

I really hope you're feeling better this evening. I'm sure it's been said before, but try and keep calm. Try and make the most of being off your feet. Can you use the time lying down to buy Christmas presents or plan for things? I know it's really not how you want it to be, but if you try flipping it on its head, you might start to relax your muscles, which will definitely help.

If you have some headphones, try popping on a mediation video on YT. It might not be your scene, but it will relax your large
muscle groups and your mind. I tried it when I was suffering last year, and I was amazed at how much it helped.

Also I really want to add that the medication can make you emotional and weepy. Very common. Also add to the fact you haven't slept properly for days, it's no wonder you're feeling wobbly.

I've had severe back pain before and I know how horrendous it can be. You have my sympathies and I really hope it improves soon

OBVIOUSLY you should have read the OP's updates before wading in. But I'm sure she will appreciate your apology.

When I can't sleep or wake up in pain. I pop on a streaming service and listen to a series I know well. At the moment it's Friends. I find that relaxes me.

I'm lying in front of the log burner on my stomach just now. Making up the bed with clean linen this evening has done a number on my lumbar region. When my back does this my feet get cold the Labrador ate my sheepskin slippers the other day so I'm 🥶

I had similar and diagnosed with 3 bulging discs after an MRI. I was not able to sit or stand and ended up on a trolley as emergency case as thought i may have cauda equina which is immediate surgery. Please be careful especially with pain down leg and if you loose any sensation down below you need to go straight to a and e. Hope you get sorted as the pain was worse than childbirth and my other half had never seen me cry before in pain xx

Rapid deterioration +fever= A&E

111 is always my first port of call. We rang when my husband had a pain in his leg - within 20 minutes there was an ambulance outside the house. He had a dvt
a few weeks ago I rang them and they got me to see an out of hours doctor within 3 hours. Admittedly I ended up at ED but it saves time as you’re already in the system when you get there.

If you RTFT you'll see the OP already went to A and E.