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?

Refuse until you've seen the consultant again and spoken to him . This is when you should have the consultant secretary phone number and spoken directly. Get your partner to do this if you're feeling too rough

I'm glad it's not just me. I'm being made to feel like I'm being difficult

OP, look up 'nerve flossing' in relation to disc herniation. They're very small and gentle movements that you can do laying down, that keep the nerves in your spine and down your leg from getting stuck. When you have a herniated disc all the disc jelly is pressing on the nerve bundle and stops it gliding as it should.

Nerve flossing should never hurt, if it does then stop or reduce the movement. I wish I'd known sooner that these existed.

It's not you, and you're not being difficult. The physio person seems to have little to no understanding of back pain/injury.
You should move around as much as your pain level will allow, but also rest (lie down), using either cold packs or hot water bottles, whichever works best for you. Take the recommended pain meds as prescribed.
Just sitting in a chair is the worst thing to do!

I'm not a medical expert, but I've 15 years experience of back problems, and have probably been seen by every type of specialist over that time. As PPs have said, ask for your consultant.

Yep, I'd say avoid surgery if you can.
I've had 4 over the past 9 years - 3 microdiscectomies for herniated discs, and one spinal fusion when it developed into Cauda Equina. It's shitty.
You need to be religious with your Physio/Pilates, and keep your core as strong as possible. It might not do the trick, but it's going to be a hell of a lot better than not doing it.
Take care (and take all of the drugs)

Honestly, you get on with it, because you have to.
I have a drug cocktail, which helps a bit - takes it from a 9 to a 6/7 on the pain scale, and keep moving. I went to an automatic car, so I can drive with my non-shit leg (my left has limited feeling in my foot - it never came back), and I'm really fucking careful. My Neurosurgeon says he's not going back in, unless it's catastrophic, so it's within my best interests.
Oh, and if you do need surgical interventions - go for a Neurosurgeon, and not an Orthopedic one.

I'm so sorry the physio treated you so dismissively.
He is also wrong! He's treating you like you've had a hip replacement not suffering herniated discs.
I would actually ask him to read what the consultant has said on your notes.
Hopefully you'll get a more understanding one tomorrow
My DS has done gentle exercises found online for years( 2 herniated discs) so please don't worry about the unkind physio
Best wishes to you

I'm on the hip replacement ward so that makes a lot of sense. I'm getting up little and often and doing a few steps rather than trying to sit.

I will never understand why staff like this choose to work in the caring industry. And I say that as a hospital consultant.

Well done. You're making great progress.

Thank you Ive focused more on movement than sitting today and it's been a less painful day. Looking like I'll be in a few more days but feeling more in control and less vulnerable. Thank you everyone for your support and advice it has genuinely helped me so much .

Had a scare last night my back seized again but not as bad. Feel less confident getting up today.

Small gains are important

Recovery is always a few steps forward and then a few days back.

I just wanted to say OP that I completely understand the trauma side of this that I think you've tried to explain.

Once you have experienced a certain level of pain that you never have before and never realised you could experience, you feel in shock and then subsequently in disbelief and terror that it might happen again.

I was in a terrible accident and the pain of it meant I was literally begging for someone to kill me to put me out of my misery and at the time I really meant it. I still can't understand how I didn't pass out.

It took me a long time for the trauma of that to soften and fade slightly and for a long time at the smallest pain I would have panic attacks that it would reach that level again.

I just wanted you to know that someone completely understands that feeling.

Definitely agree with the trauma
Even simple things like sneezing - I was petrified and bracing myself against a wall every time I

It does improve, I'm back lifting weights etc and didn't think I would walk properly again let alone exercise

Thank you for understanding. I've had long term back pain/spasms, I've had a kidney infection, given birth to three children on gas and air, I broke my collar bone.

The pain I've had is so far beyond any of those. I find it frightening I'm on several very strong drugs and I'm still in agony when I start or sit.

I have to keep reminding myself that on Sunday evening I couldn't walk, or even elevate the bed, or communicate much. It's Friday and I can walk ten metres, sit for maybe 15 minutes I can turn on my side with an aid .

How are you feeling? I hope you are starting to see some difference in pain levels.

Could you ask for some home help when you are eventually discharged?

@anotherbusybee I'm still in hospital, been moved off orthopaedics due to lack of beds which isn't great as the ward I'm on is less well equipped for non mobile people.

When they moved me they didn't send meds and the new ward didn't have my pain killer so I ended up having to take something Less effective then take my usual med 15 hours late. I've been in agony all day even after taking my regular medication. Yesterday I walked to the toilet, had a shower and got up for all meals. Today I did the shower ok but after that I have been in bed most of the day and at one point couldn't get out of bed to use a commode so ended up using a nappy.😩 I'm supposed to be going home Monday or Tuesday and I was starting to feel ready but less so today.

Hospital have arranged a toilet support , pillow that raises you up and a handle at side of bed. I've ordered a rising chair. I feel about 100 years old

Sounds such a needless set back, 15 hours to get your usual medication 😬 what is their long term plan for you?your care, treatment?

I'm sorry you've taken a step back. Hopefully a temporary setback.

Really gutted to hear that. I just can't imagine how helpless you must feel right now.

Is it confirmed for discharge or will they hopefully reassess you and see that you are still in need of their help and keep you in?

I'm so sorry this is happening to you.

I'm seeing physio tomorrow and need to do getting off the bed and and steps with a walking stick so if I'm not better I won't be able to so I assume it will be back to sorting pain meds then trying again. If they really want me out they will send me home in an ambulance and stretcher me upstairs but really hoping that doesn't happen.

I am being referred to a home physio team to get me more mobile once I'm home.

I hadn't seen a ortho doctor in three days though and the doctors on this ward are all gynae!

I feel really vulnerable right now

I think it's time to ask the lead doctor on the ward round tomorrow morning what the plan is in regard to treatment, and also follow-up appointments.

Just wanted to say, sorry you’re still
in hospital and having such a rough time. Thinking of you. Really hope things improve for you soon x