Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

back pain and can't pee.

61 replies

Sweetsecret · 16/06/2015 15:53

Hi everyone, wondered if anyone could shed some light.
I was taken into hospital this morning with horrendous sciatica pain, but the reason I went in was my bladder was full to bursting and I can't wee. I had two bladder scans and they fitted a catheter to drain my bladder and gave me a tonne of muscle relaxants and pain killers to help my back.
They sent me home saying to come back if I still couldn't pee on my own and to drink loads. I have drank about three pints of water so far and still can't wee. they have no idea why I can't. I am panicking as my legs feel quite weak and obviously not being able to go to the toilet is worrying. has anyone any experience of this? Sad

OP posts:
Kundry · 16/06/2015 17:56

Hope so too

Rachie1986 · 16/06/2015 18:23

No advice but thinking of you and hope you feel much better soon xx

Dowser · 16/06/2015 19:06

Ask them to show you how to self catheterise if they send you out and it's not sorted.

Sounds like you need to see a neurologist especially if your legs feel numb.

How are you doing?

Sweetsecret · 16/06/2015 20:50

Hi, been admitted done more tests, had a spinal xray and they have apologised profusely for discharging me, said that and investigation is going to be done.
so I am in the night, hopefully they will find out what's wrong. x

OP posts:
Kundry · 16/06/2015 20:53

So relieved, you need an MRI, what were they thinking! Don't go home without one.

GoodToesNotSoGoodToes · 16/06/2015 20:53

They are bricking themselves you will sue them. I hope they take good care of you now rather than try and cover up. Be on your guard and take care.Flowers

SophieHatters · 16/06/2015 20:57

I am so glad you are in the right place now. Take it easy and try to rest.

When I googled the thing everyone was on about, the first several hits were legal companies offering to handle compensation claims for people who had had a delay in diagnosis. I was a bit shocked by that!

Hope you are feeling better soon Flowers

OhYouBadBadKitten · 16/06/2015 21:02

When you do feel better, if you feel that an investigation might mot be forthcoming after all you could consider contacting PALS.

MatildaTheCat · 16/06/2015 21:05

OP, an X-ray isn't of much use. You need an MRI and an urgent neurosurgical opinion. Not every hospital has neurosurgery so you may need to be transferred. This is a clinical emergency as the compressed nerves in cauda equina syndrome can be permanently damaged. Please be a persistent patient and insist on further action.

Very best wishes.

Kundry · 16/06/2015 21:13

If they aren't bricking it, they should be. As Matilda says the spinal XR means v little, you should be getting an MRI tomorrow.

Sweetsecret · 16/06/2015 21:34

Yep MRI is coming soon.x

OP posts:
AspieAndNT · 16/06/2015 21:40

Did your bladder contain much urine? Even though they ruled out infection do keep an eye on it incase you get kidney issues

BigChiefThunderThighs · 16/06/2015 22:36

Sorry you're having such a rotten time of it but glad you're back in hospital and insisting on answers. I've got everything crossed for you Flowers

GoodToesNotSoGoodToes · 16/06/2015 23:16

Op when you are better could you please pm me the name of the hospital so I can avoid them please?

SophieHatters · 17/06/2015 13:14

How are you getting on Sweet?

I hope you are alright x

Sweetsecret · 17/06/2015 18:53

had MRI this morning, still waiting for the doctor to report back to me. taking ages.x

OP posts:
ThatIsNachoCheese · 17/06/2015 19:06

Hope you don't have to wait much longer, I'm shocked that they're not treating this as urgent. Good luck

Kundry · 17/06/2015 19:15

Glad you've had the MRI at least, fingers crossed for the results - again if you don't get them tomorrow ask why they can't go and speak to the radiologist.

Klayden · 17/06/2015 19:57

Something similar happened to a relative. I'm not sure what the diagnosis was but she made a full recovery.

Wish you all the best.Flowers

SophieHatters · 17/06/2015 21:27

Oh you must be so bored. You poor thing Flowers

BigChiefThunderThighs · 17/06/2015 21:52

i hope you get some answers soon. Has anything improved or can you still not pee?

Sweetsecret · 18/06/2015 13:30

Hi still in. they are going to discharge me with a catheter and then see the urologist as an out patient. back is doing much better still on a few painkillers but much more mobile now, just concerned that my bladder seems to have given up working, they suspect it has to with trapped nerves in my back and will right itself as my back begins to heal but in the meantime just waiting to see urologist see if he can shed some more light.x

OP posts:
MatildaTheCat · 18/06/2015 16:13

NOOOOO!! Have you been reviewed by a neurolosurgeon? If your nerves are trapped and you cannot pass urine you are at serious risk of permanent loss of function. If you have not had this review PLEASE insist on it. Have you read up on Cauda Equina? unless it has been positively excluded by a neuro the I would be very worried.

If you are discharged you are at free will to present at the A&E of your nearest neurosurgical hospital and get their opinion. Sorry to sound so vehement but this is scary. CES misdiagnosis is a major medical litigation subject and this sounds so worrying.

Hopefully I am completely wrong and you have had absolutely first class care. I wish you all the best.Flowers

Kundry · 18/06/2015 16:39

As per Matilda - have they absolutely guaranteed this is not cauda equina?

FabULouse · 19/06/2015 11:43

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Swipe left for the next trending thread