Herniated disc agony....help please!!

[AnSionnachGlic]

3 days ago, out of the blue I got the most severe lowerback pain which radiated down my left leg. The pain was so horrendous, I couldn't sit, lie, walk etc. I spent hours pacing trying to relieve it by taking strong painkillers ( palexia) which I had from previous surgery, but nothing would relieve it. Finally my dh brought me to A&E where it took hours to try and get relief from the pain. I got an MRI which showed nerve compression on L4L5 disc but thankfully does not need surgery. I was advised to take Lyrica and Solpodol for 6 days and told it should settle down. I am at home now and with meds can achieve pain relief , by lying on my side with pillow between legs. However, when I attempt to walk , within few minutes the burning pain into my left leg is v severe, until I lie down again, We are supposed to be flying to Spain in 6 days time for a 9 day holiday. Realistically, does anyone who has experienced similar, think this is possible. I feel that if I can walk, I can manage it, as don't plan to be too active on holiday. We are meeting our family there and really don't want to let people down, but likewise I don't want to be in agony and a misery to everyone. How can I speed up recovery? Do I rest or try and walk through the pain? I'm desperate from some advice from someone who has had similar l4l5 nerve flare up.

Think it's very difficult to get pain relief with a slipped disc.ive tried voltarol ibuprofen gels, not working much Taking an amitriptyline at night for nerve pain but I've found the best thing is a support belt. Bought mine from amazon.about ten pounds but worth it

Hi there...just a follow up on my initial post. I did go on holidays. I got assistance on both sides of airport ( Dublin and Malaga) which meant I did not have to walk long distances in the airports. The pain gradually decreased and I found the pool really good for relieving pressure. I was walking up and down in the pool and did stretches while chatting to my dh. The pain was tolerable ( eventually!) and it was so great to meet up with my adult kids. However, half way through my holiday I developed foot drop in left foot, which means I feel v unstable. Im home now, ironically the pain is much better, but my left foot is v weak and I can't walk properly as feel I could fall. I've been back to my GP and ge is concerned and is trying to get me to see a spinal doctor ASAP....unfortunately my usual spinal consultant is on leave until end of August, so Im on a priority list for cancellations. My GP says if it gets any worse go straight to A&E but honestly can't face that again. Pain has lessened considerably but I can't leave house walking, as my left foot is dragging and I feel I could trip! But I don't feel it's bad enough for A&E!

Would you go to an A&E in a private hospital?
It could speed up an appointment with a spinal doctor if they have one in their hospital.
I would be concerned about the length of time it will take to see your own consultant.

If you don’t get whatever is compressing your nerve to cause foot drop removed asap the damage may become permanent. You need seeing now!

You need to go to A&E. Foot drop is a sign of nerve compression - it is definitely possible to manage conservatively and doesn't always need surgery but you need a proper assessment by a neurosurgeon, and referred for the right sort of treatment.

I wouldn't wait until your usual consultant is back tbh - you might have a bit of a wait in A&E but it's better than the alternative of leaving it too late. Just waiting and not leaving the house is just ignoring the issue!

I had a herniated disc a while ago, total foot drop and numb lower leg. I went to A&E and had an MRI the next morning. The initial plan was for a microdiscectomy but the neurosurgeon agreed on conservative management in the end, so I had months of physio, and a brace for a while to hold my foot up. It's resolved itself mostly - I still have some weakness and numbness on that side but I can run, walk, be on my feet etc.