Hi, I'm looking for some advice and help please.
I have been experiencing back pain since last July which has been getting steadily worse. I am normally very active and fit; everything from running to powerlifting.
From November I cut back on running due to the pain in my lower back and began to focus on core strength and mobility. I tried yoga and had deep tissue massages etc I kept mobile by walking and bike riding.
Nothing worked and the pain began to go down my right leg. In the middle of January I rang the Dr who diagnosed sciatica over the phone and gave me naproxen. This did nothing and after a week I went back. This time the Dr actually saw me, she looked at my posture asked me to raise my leg (I couldn't) and said it was nerve pain and to get some physio.
I couldn't get an NHS physio so got a private appointment but they had a 2 week wait list. By the time I saw then I was in so much pain I couldn't find a comfortable position; the pain went down into my toes. Physio took one look at me and rang the Dr to get a referral for MRI and a prescription for gabapentin. We then arranged a follow up for 2 weeks.
Things still didn't get better and I was told there was a 7 week wait for the scan.
However, at the weekend I nearly passed out due to the pain and ended up in A&E. The nurse examined me and suspected Cauda Equina, the ortho surgeon who then examined me said it was just bad sciatica but they would admit me for scans and to give high strength painkillers.
The MRI shows a severely herniated disc (this is all they told me) which they wanted to manage with painkillers, however, after nearly passing out on the physio they then said they would do a nerve root injection. This has been delayed due to emergency surgery on other patients.
Overnight though I have developed urine retention to the point where they have had to use a catheter. Could this be a worsening of the disc? Is there anything I should be pushing for?
I am so anxious, is there anyone who could help please?