Sciatica & low back pain

[Horseshoebeach]

I was hoping all this would be gone by now or at least easing a bit. But several weeks on the low right back pain, buttock (rump area), sciatica in leg down to the ankle, is quite literally making life hell. First off I thought it was down to a fall I had. The x-ray I had confirmed there was no fracture with a little additional info re osteophytes lower down in the spine. Sitting for longer than 10 minutes is difficult to say the least. Then there's getting up from sitting with muscle type spasm, then finding a comfortable position to sleep. It's always there. Had an MRI (don't know results yet) & I'm so embarrassed to admit I barely made it through (felt panicky). Then at the end when it was over I asked the radiographer if he had all he needed and to take longer if he wanted (had calmed down by then) but he said he had all he needed. Now I'm worried in case he felt the need to rush it because of my anxiety. Many people have it so much worse with pain and illness and I know that. I just feel in such a mess with this and want this thing to start feeling just a little bit better. Has anyone been through something similar that seemed to go on? This is my first time posting so apologies if I'm on the wrong thread (& so sorry for the moody rant) X

Yes. I was on my way back home from a conference, I had to take two flights and symptoms came on as I was traveling. I went to A&E as soon as I landed and they sent me home, back to a different A&E the next day but they also missed it. Then bank holiday, then my neuro’s secretary wouldn’t give me an appointment for 10:days but my physio pressed me to get help (as did MN). On day five an ortho’s secretary realized the severity of my symptoms and went to tell him in surgery, he saw me immediately and operated. Thank goodness for that secretary and for MN.

How are things going for you today? If you are in FB there are a couple of CEA groups that are very supportive.

I'm not on FB but I may create an account as I'm feeling pretty alone in this situation currently!

Your experience sounds awful, I've been in the fortunate position that close to where I live is one of the best neuro units in the UK.

I was on holiday with mine (3 nights in to a 17 night trip), and I went to the drs after having a night of hell with my leg - I was expecting to produce a small child out of my leg at one point - it was horrendous and that left me numb from the bottom of my arse to the back of my knee for the entire trip.. I was told that this was normal for sciatica. Then we had an 8 hour flight home and I went numb around my groin on my left so went to my GP who told me I had no reflexes on my left leg and packed me off to A and E.

I was scanned at 1 in the morning and told at 2 they were operating. I've been incredibly lucky as my spinal column is larger than the average persons and my surgeon said without that it was so bad I would have been paralysed. Recovered well after the op, went home and slowly the pain came back after a few days until I realised I was going numb on the right side of my groin - back to A and E again - admitted and scanned and it was worse than the first time - immediate surgery. Here for 5 days then went home last Tuesday evening, had a lovely sleep in my own bed and woke up on Wednesday morning and had a stretch - bastard pain came back immediately. There were quite a few tears at this point. So back to A and E again and scanned and it has happened again.

Apparently I have a defect in that particular disc which is allowing the disc material to come out easily, so this time I have had extra bone taken out to give me more room in the column so that if it goes again it shouldn't create the CES. Next step is a fusion but they didn't want to do that under emergency surgery so if it goes again I will be having that. I genuinely can't take any more, I'm in far more pain in my back than I was with the other 2 and the morphine isn't cutting it so I'm can't get comfy, however my left leg doesn't feel as numb as it has done and the pain is gone (lots of odd feeling but the nerves have gone through a lot).

I've been treated amazingly well in hospital by everyone I have met, and that's really helped and I trust my surgeons to do what's best but it's been a really shit couple of weeks.

Glad to hear that you're doing very well in the main, I've not spoken to anyone else that's had CES so it's nice to have found you!

Sorry for war and peace and thank you for asking after me!!

I found a biomechanics/PT who has been amazing. She gave me exercises to cover all bases of what could be causing the sciatica and when I do them, it makes the world of difference. I have to do exercises for around 10/15 mins every day. It’s bit completely gone but I would say 90% reduced and manageable. I’m back out running and doing all the things I was doing before after barely being able to lift my leg off the floor.

I've had sciatica since last February, and on the same drugs as you OP + codeine when needed. I was completely at my wits end before that. One night I got up off the sofa to let the dog out and just fell over from the pain. I couldn't get up for 40 minutes and just crumpled sobbing against the dog feeling very sorry for myself and nearly pissed myself.

Had the nerve root block in October which worked OK for about 2 weeks. I've been offered surgery in January, so not long after you PrincessAnna. Like you I'm now questioning whether I really need it, but I know realistically if it wasn't for the gabapentin I wouldn't be able to function. 3 of my discs are herniated with a fair bit of crumbly back (spondylosis) thrown in, (I call it my trifle spine because it's so fucked ).

Am a bit concerned about no bending for 8 weeks ClientListQueen- how is that possible? I live alone with 2 cats and a dog - is it even safe to walk my dog during that time? (He's young and boisterous, and medium size)

It is the shittest pain, the worst part by far was the period before I was on prescribed meds and trying to manage on OTC stuff. Also a stick made a big difference re. mobility. Before that I could manage 3 paces then have to bend double to ease the pain.

Wow so many of us suffering. Spam I have a dog who I can't walk too. I just am so thankful to my sons and DH for basically doing everything for the 3 months I couldn't function before the Gabapentin was prescribed. Now I have pain but I'm worried it's more in the S I joint and not nerve pain down the leg so much. Think the gabapentin has calmed the nerve pain so much but I'm still not able to stand up straight for long or walk far without crutches. My back has no natural curve anymore and my muscles are constantly locked up. But I'm not in agony and i can function. Surgery seems to help more with nerve pain from what I understand so I am worried I just don't need it. But like you Spam I worry that without the gabapentin and naproxen I'd be rolling on the floor crying with my leg in agony. I'm so unsure and worried that if i have the surgery like my gp recommends that it won't solve anything like my posture.

My back has no natural curve anymore

Oh, that's happened to me too - loss of lumbar lordosis it said on the MRI report. But my upper back has begun to hunch over because it hurts too much to stand up straight.

I'm coping with walking the dog now (I needed a dog walker to help out for a bit) but am worried about the 8 weeks no bending after the discectomy - how will I pick up his poo if I can't bend?

@SpamChaudFroid I live alone too
The cat was very obliging with having his food chucked in from a height. It's simple things like don't drag all the wet washing out the machine at once (it's heavy!)
They said no bending but didn't mention squatting so I did a lot of squatting down or even kneeling down, just nothing that meant I was leaning over. They said the worst thing is anything that involved bending and a weight so for instance bending right over and picking up a full laundry basket
I also did a lot of half squatting and using one hand on the worktop/sofa to pick things up. You do adapt fairly quickly

Some other tips that might help
I was terrified to sneeze! So I braced my back against a wall which made me feel more secure
Have some laxatives (and paracetamol etc) in - if you have been on codeine and the meds you have during the op can make you constipated and saves you going out for painkillers
Get a food shop in before the op date and extra milk/bread whatever you need
Make sure the house is vaguely tidy and anything you need is not in a low cupboard

SpamChaudFroid I couldn’t walk my dogs on lead after my operation, the sudden tugging would have been very painful. I couldn’t bend over either, but squatting was OK. I couldn’t carry anything, even a half empty bag of shopping was painful. Sorry to sound so grim, but I think you need to line up some help if you can.

I always round my back now when I sneeze or cough. The CE FB group is full of people who damaged their backs coughing or sneezing 😱😥

Spam, my spine had curve when I had the MRI 7 weeks ago. It's got so much worse in the past month that the physiotherapist has mentioned it and put it on my notes. It's strange because as the gabapentin has kicked in and reduced the pain my posture and pain in bum not leg seems to have got worse. It's all manageable now, whereas before I would be groaning and crying in pain every day. I have a pre op appointment on monday to discuss things with neurosurgeon so will mention all this.

Gosh 8 weeks with no bending and 2 kids is going to be hard!

Discectomy fixed mine 19 years ago.

Can’t believe how many people are struggling with their backs I really had no idea until now feel so sorry for all of you I’m struggling especially with sleep would love to lay flat but the pain getting up is horrendous and leaves me literally crying most of day so chair it is just feel like surely if my spine was flat it would be better for it but it’s so painful no matter what drugs and the spasms are awful at least in a chair I can get up without the increased pain sorry feel so shit can’t be bothered with capital letters full stops etc just don’t have the energy good luck princessannaofarundale for your appointments tomorrow let us know how you get on wishing you all the best night sleep possible 🙏

I'm having a microdiscectomy for a large prolapsed disc at L5 on Wednesday this week . I had an MRI after suffering with similar pain to you . I am really nervous about surgery but at this point I need to do something as the lower back pain and sciatic pain has been off the scale the last few weeks . As others have said it really is comparable to child birth but lasts much longer. I had a terrible car journey to the hospital where I almost passed out with pain.

I'm on gabapentin, codeine and paracetamol for pain . I had to stop naproxen in readiness for op . What may like to try is a tens machine ? I've got one and it's been a relief.

Big hugs to all those suffering with this . It can be hard to convey exactly how painful this is to others including GP .

Good luck with your op Tricksy! I do hope you make a speedy recovery and get well in time for Christmas. Remember to take it steady!

Thanks User, yes my appointment was today. All went well, blood pressure was normal, had swabs and blood tests done in preparation of op. Looking like it's all going ahead. I'm absolutely shitting myself.

And User I understand the misery of not being able to lie flat. I thankfully can now lie on my side (sometimes) with minimal pain. But in the beginning I couldn't lie down in any position at all. I so want to be able to sleep again. I am just so nervous for this operation. I really hate hospitals and the thought of surgery terrifies me. Haven't had any anaesthetic since I was about 4 or 5 and had my tonsils out so I'm really panicking.

Agree wait for MRI scan before doing anything but what has helped me (2 prolapse discs and sciatica) were:

• Tens machine (nothing fancy but from Boots
• Physio with acupuncture
• Pilates but specifically stretching that stretches piriformis muscle
• ice but be careful as I managed to give myself second degree burns
• hot baths with Epsom salts

I had similar a few years back. Unfortunately wasn't caught quite in time and I've been left with a permanent foot drop (and apparently only just dodged double incontinence). I had a discectomy (l5/l6) and laminectomy and haven't had an issue with my back since. The recovery takes a bit of care, and I'm careful to keep my weight down and stay fit- but the surgery transformed my life. Please listen to pp who said to avoid yoga/ chiropractor/etc in your case. Honestly- get the surgery!

Burnshersmurfs did you have Cauda Equina? The foot drop and continence issues are typical of the CE nerve having been damaged.

I am praying this surgery is the answer. 5 months of pain and as you can see by the time of this post- very little sleep! I am currently on the sofa as usual at night time now with my butt aching, my leg cramping. I'm so tired of being uncomfortable all the time. I miss sleeping in bed!

Trickysliesmith good luck with your surgery on Wednesday it is so nerve wracking having an op but seems to be so ma my having to resort to it I know what you mean it’s in relentless I have had 3hours sleep and I have to get up take painkillers and move about so that’s it for me for sleep tonight everything’s going on around you and you just feel like your in this sea of pain I hate having to ask for help as can’t bend at all so frustrating

Hi all
So sorry you're all going through such horrible pain. I've been lurking on the thread for a while but need to join in now....
I have had lower back pain off and on and an MRI 7 years ago showed that I had a couple of bulging disks but I've been managing it with physio and anti inflammatories when needed.
About 2 months ago I clipped my front tyre when driving and got a sort of side to side bump but it didn't actually hurt (and I'm not sure if I'm looking for reasons) but my back flared up shortly afterwards.
The initial flare up seemed to calm down after a few weeks. Tried chiropractor as my regular physio was away but didn't really like it and went back to physio as soon as I could.
The back pain settled but then worsening hip pain started. At first Physio thought it could be bursitis but it got so bad that I ended up unable to walk or weight bear on my left leg. No pain in the back of thigh but front of groin, outside of shin and a numb top of foot and big toe.
An MRI showed a large herniated disc at L4/5 and I had an epidural steroid injection last week. I'm told that can take up to 10 days to work but so far I haven't really noticed any difference. Have a follow up appointment in 3 weeks but that seems a loooooong time.
I'm on naproxen and cocodamol but the latter are making constipated so yesterday I just switched to paracetamol only. I started amitryptiline 4 days ago but have asked for gabapentin as my physio says it's better.
Right now my best friends are an electric heat pad and a leg wedge for lying with my feet up and supported. I'm also not sleeping as I wake up every few hours with really sore legs and I'm afraid to move about too much in case I get one of the leg spasms which kill me. I'm also using a crutch just to get about and I daren't drive yet.
What a long post! Hope you've got through it all! Best of luck to all fellow sufferers xx

Localhero your going through very similar to me I can’t take lots of meds so very difficult at the moment I’m on ibuprofen paracetamol as get severe constipation due to bowel problems I as m really finding diazepam helpful for the spasms I can’t lay down and last night was up from 3am it’s so awful I have also been prescribed Gabapentin by princessannaofarundale due to start it but now doctor wants to see me first should be fun as can’t get in car really hope it easies up quickly for you I’m waiting for mri and I’m often in tears with the pain keep us posted

Princessannaofarundale how did your appointment go are you definitely having op

Hi everyone, sorry to see so many people suffering with this. The appointment went well thanks User14978. Checked my strength in both legs and thankfully the nerve damage doesn't seem to have done any lasting damage or caused any weakness. They checked my blood pressure which was normal and pulse rate which was high (probably due to anxiety) so did ecg which was normal thankfully. They also did swabs from nose to check for mrsa, assuming all this is standard procedure. I have been offered the date of 30th and they are happy to proceed but I have been given a number of I choose not to go ahead or wish to delay it. In all honestly I'm still undecided. Part of me wants to get back to normality. The other part of me doesn't want to rush into anything especially when the really unbearable, horrendous pain seems largely to be under control with the gabapentin now. A month ago I'd have begged them to do it. But since the medication seems to have worked it's magic I'm so reluctant to go through it and risk making anything worse.

Sorry to see you all here with pain. I had recurring back issues for about a decade before I got pain in both sides which would not shift. Apparently it was a "massive" burst disc on both sides and I was told surgery was the only option. What they don't tell you is that you are very unlikely to be pain-free afterwards. The surgery was a success but I still have pain most days and a numb leg (12 years post op). Also have a weak back so can't sit, stand or walk for too long. Having said that just prior to surgery I was house bound and in a right mess so this is indeed an improvement. Research thoroughly before opting for surgery (and I've been told they are going to stop spinal surgery as its such a lottery) and prepare for a long, painful rehab. We put a single bed in the lounge so I could lie downstairs and watch tv though we now have a 2nd tv in the bedroom as I have had a few spasms which can lay me out for a week or two. We got a wee portable dvd player too and I used that a lot. Sadly we didn't think how I would manage on my own so if you can, get someone to stay with you for the first 2 weeks until you can at least get around the house to feed yourself, etc. Good luck people! This is the short version - feel free to ask me privately if you want more.