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Original poster

Severe back pain and now can't tell if I need a wee???

26 replies

Allthegoodusernamesareused · 30/10/2022 10:51

Hoping someone can put my mind at ease. I can get a bit obsessive about checking symptoms etc, so don't want to resort to Dr google.

I went to the walk in clinic on Friday (as gp appointments are like gold dust round here) as I had really bad lower back pain. I was crying, couldn't straighten up at all, I've had a history of back pain and never felt anything like this. Also got pain in the front of my hips and a bit down my legs. Weirdly, my planter faciatus has spontaneously disappeared. Dr gave me co codomol and advised me to alternate with ibuprofen.

I noticed when I got up this morning that I felt no urge to urinate. I was able to pee eventually, although it did take a bit of effort. I assumed it was because I was in agony and the sensation was muted due to that. However, I've drunk about 2 pints of water and a couple of brews since then, and still have no urge. I have a bit of tummy ache and suspect my bladder is full.

Should I be worried? I feel like an idiot, my husband said if I can still feel my feet then surely my back is OK.

OP posts:
FishFingerSandwiches4Tea · 30/10/2022 10:53

Don't want to scare you OP but I think you should go to A&E* *

banano · 30/10/2022 10:53

I could go to A&E, sounds like symptoms of cauda equina

deeplybaffled · 30/10/2022 10:54

please go to A and E urgently. I am not a doctor but know that urinary problems and back pain can be signs of cauda equina ( amongst other things) but if it is CA, intervention can be time critical, so please do go now, if only for peace of mind

LightandMomentary · 30/10/2022 10:54

A&E definitely

Original poster
Allthegoodusernamesareused · 30/10/2022 10:55

Jesus, really? I feel like a fraud.

OP posts:
Squizzas · 30/10/2022 10:56

Definitely A&E. It does sound like it could be cauda equina. I have back issues and the first thing anyone asks is whether I’m having any problems going to to the loo or can’t tell if I need to go. They’ll get you sorted out but you need to be see urgently OP

Soubriquet · 30/10/2022 10:56

Yeah you need A&E. might be a case of where they fit a temporary catheter

BookwormButNoTime · 30/10/2022 10:57

As someone who has had cauda equina - get yourself to A&E………

Original poster
Allthegoodusernamesareused · 30/10/2022 10:58

Ok, thank you. I'll sort some child care and go.

OP posts:
banano · 30/10/2022 10:58

They can properly assess you there and if you have a long wait at least it’s probably not serious,
but urinary retention is one of the earliest and most common signs- you don’t want to wait if it is CA. I know someone who had to have emergency surgery for it.

deeplybaffled · 30/10/2022 10:58

Please do go. Now. It really can be a time critical situation if it is CA

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 30/10/2022 11:01

Hope you get sorted op.

IncessantNameChanger · 30/10/2022 11:03

I've had back issues and I was told by neurologist that if couldn't wee or had numbness in my grion your in a 999 situation so I would get to A&E asap

Sunshinegirl82 · 30/10/2022 11:05

Just to say I'd take an overnight bag just in case, toothbrush, clean underwear etc. if it is CE (it may not be of course) they are likely to need to operate so may need to stay in.

I hope this doesn't overly worry you, I think it's just easier to be prepared. If you don't need it then no harm done. I hope they get you sorted out quickly.

Do you have any saddle numbness? Can you feel yourself wiping?

Sunshinegirl82 · 30/10/2022 11:06

Don't forget phone charger!

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 30/10/2022 11:07

A and E now, don't delay,it's really important to get checked asap.

Original poster
Allthegoodusernamesareused · 30/10/2022 11:18

Sunshinegirl82 · 30/10/2022 11:05

Just to say I'd take an overnight bag just in case, toothbrush, clean underwear etc. if it is CE (it may not be of course) they are likely to need to operate so may need to stay in.

I hope this doesn't overly worry you, I think it's just easier to be prepared. If you don't need it then no harm done. I hope they get you sorted out quickly.

Do you have any saddle numbness? Can you feel yourself wiping?

No, no numbness at all, and I can urinate I just have no urge to if that makes sense?

OP posts:
catfunk · 30/10/2022 11:28

Also if it's a lower disc issue coedine should not be prescribed. Specialist consultants get cross about it as it causes constipation therefore more straining which increases pressure on the area

Original poster
Allthegoodusernamesareused · 30/10/2022 11:39

catfunk · 30/10/2022 11:28

Also if it's a lower disc issue coedine should not be prescribed. Specialist consultants get cross about it as it causes constipation therefore more straining which increases pressure on the area

The Dr I saw at the walk in centre was pretty confident that it's a back spasm, so muscle rather than the discs.

OP posts:
BookwormButNoTime · 30/10/2022 15:57

The only way to tell if it’s cauda equina is to have an MRI. I was fobbed off many times. Got a private MRI and all of a sudden I was a medical emergency and whisked off to a specialist neurosurgery centre.

They also thought mine was back spasms.

Sunshinegirl82 · 30/10/2022 16:01

I also had months of "muscular" before a private MRI showed a huge disc prolapse. Mine has the potential to cause CE but so far hasn't (just pain).

Do you have any private health insurance?

MontyBooooojangles · 30/10/2022 16:53

I hope you are in A&E now op, and that it’s nothing too serious.

C8H10N4O2 · 30/10/2022 17:15

Allthegoodusernamesareused · 30/10/2022 11:39

The Dr I saw at the walk in centre was pretty confident that it's a back spasm, so muscle rather than the discs.

Show quote history

Never had a back spasm which interfered with urinary and bowel sensations. Unless the walk in centre was able to scan your back and call down a specialist I would get this checked out - hopefully nothing major but loss of those sensations should be checked.

IncessantNameChanger · 30/10/2022 17:40

How is everything now OP? I know I have a disk prolapsed into my spinal cord but so far it's just pushing in the fluid and not pressing into the nerve. I have zero pain.

FishFingerSandwiches4Tea · 31/10/2022 09:47

I hope you got seen OP and all is well