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Original poster

Very painful back and feeling numb

39 replies

Oohthisisabitofaworry · 11/04/2019 23:22

So numb that I've just wet the bed without realising I was peeing Blush

I have had low level back pain since last year which has steadily got worse. It kicked off when I was diagnosed with a kidneys issue. I've been having physio and various meds (dihydrocodeine (sp) being the latest one). Yesterday the pain really intensified and I'm struggling with managing it. Can't get in to see GP.

I've come to bed trying to distract myself when I felt a warm sensation - yup, ive wet myself but I genuinely can't remember feeling the need to go. That in itself USB unusual as normally I go at least once an hour. I'm wondering if I've took more painkillers than I realise and am slightly out of it? Can dihydrocodeine have that effect?

OP posts:
scattercushion17 · 11/04/2019 23:27

Im not a medic but you need to get to a and e now. Ive had back problems earlier and was advised to do this if i had your symptoms - it could cause serious issues. PLEASE GO NOW.

Tolleshunt · 11/04/2019 23:28

Yep, a+e. Could be cauda equina, which is an emergency. If it's not treated ASAP it can result in permanent paralysis. Please get checked out NOW.

Wolfiefan · 11/04/2019 23:29

A and E. Immediately. They need to rule out Cauda Equina. Good luck OP.

Fightthebear · 11/04/2019 23:30

www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/

Yes, a&e or at the very least 111 now.

Loss of bladder control is a potential indicator of a serious problem.

LittleChristmasMouse · 11/04/2019 23:30

Echoing what others have said. That is a red flag for cauda equina and you need to get to a and e immediately.

RubberTreePlant · 11/04/2019 23:31

Yes, caïds équins can come on chronically as well as acutely. The loss of bladder control is a sign to get checked urgently.

Theworldisfullofgs · 11/04/2019 23:32

Go now to a&e. Agree with everyone else.

RubberTreePlant · 11/04/2019 23:32

Cauda equina, that should be.

YesQueen · 11/04/2019 23:32

A&E NOW
I had cauda equina, do not fuck about with this. Go straight there

Princessdebthe1st · 11/04/2019 23:35

Dear OP,
I am a HCP and would urge you to go to A&E straight away. It may be nothing of significant concern but the symptoms you have can be signs of a serious underlying spinal problem where time is critical. Don’t delay any further.

SavageBeauty73 · 11/04/2019 23:35

Go immediately. It's very serious. DIY SOS was heartbreaking last week and the man had it.

YesQueen · 11/04/2019 23:35

Please post back when you've read the messages OP. My only change was feeling like I had warm water running down my legs. I had full bladder control and they still operated immediately because the disc herniation was so bad. I'm very, very lucky to be able to walk and it took them 5hrs of surgery to fix the mess that was my crushed nerves

Original poster
Oohthisisabitofaworry · 11/04/2019 23:36

Oh Sad I was kind of hoping you'd say it was the drugs.

I feel a bit daft turning up to a&e saying I've wet myself and got a bad back, but I guess from the unanimous replies it's where I should go. Or do I phone 111 first - our a&e seem to prefer it if they think they're a last resort kind of option. 111 would get me an appointment I guess at the urgent care next door to a&e.

Sorry. I'm rambling as I'm busy freaking out whilst ever so slightly out of it on pain meds Blush

OP posts:
YesQueen · 11/04/2019 23:37

No, forget 111 please
Go to a&e, do not feel daft, it's an emergency

RubberTreePlant · 11/04/2019 23:37

Be upfront that you think you need to be assessed for cauda equina.

MrsEricBana · 11/04/2019 23:39

I'd say straight to A&E for all the above reasons and you are DEFINITELY not being daft. Hope all ok.

YesQueen · 11/04/2019 23:40

I turned up and said I think I have cauda equina. Given I walked in, they were a bit hmmm but I was straight in an MRI scan. I didn't realise how bad it was until they were ringing the neurosurgeon
None of it was frightening, they were all great but it's way way too much of a risk to ignore

MrsEricBana · 11/04/2019 23:42

(A month ago dh took ds to A&E as something wrong. We were unsure if we were being daft but went anyway. We weren't. He's still on meds now)

Jb291 · 11/04/2019 23:47

A&E right now OP. The numbness and loss of bladder control are major flags for cauda equine.

Original poster
Oohthisisabitofaworry · 11/04/2019 23:47

Friend coming over to take me to a&e. I'm terrified.

OP posts:
Theworldisfullofgs · 11/04/2019 23:48

A&e
111 will be useless. If you go to out of hours, they'll refer you to a&e anyway.

RubberTreePlant · 11/04/2019 23:49

Don't be scared. They will scan and then operate if necessary.

The consequences of going undiagnosed are the scary thing.

Theworldisfullofgs · 11/04/2019 23:49

Hope you get seen quickly.

GiveMeAllTheGin8 · 11/04/2019 23:52

A&e, don’t bother with 111
All the best Flowers

YesQueen · 11/04/2019 23:52

Don't be terrified, honestly I was never scared at any point but my pain had been pretty severe so I was happy to do anything to get rid!