Signed off sick with sciatica for 2 weeks

[Lilmisscatlady]

This really..
I'm never off sick and boom, just like that my sciatica flared up and left me in agony. I was in such pain at work week before last I came home. Spoke to GP and was prescribed some strong painkillers and meds for the nerve pain. I was also given a sick note as my desk job doesn't help when I'm having a flare up.
Coming to the end of my 2 week sicknote but still in a lot of pain. Can't sit or lay for long periods and still exhausted by all the pain and sleep disturbance. Would the GP be favourable if I ask for maybe just 1 more week? I wouldn't want any longer, as want to start getting back into my routine but I think 1 more week might help. What should I say to GP?

I had three weeks off some years back for sciatica. I couldn't sit down, couldn't lie in bed. I was incapable of functioning. My face turned ashen grey with the pain. You have my sincere sympathy. I can't see why a GP wouldn't sign you off for another week. Just tell him what you've told us.

I’d get signed off for 2 weeks, nothing to stop you going back early if you feel well enough. Nerve pain is horrendous, I’ve been there. Sick notes are for people too sick to work. You’re two sick to work. Don’t feel apologetic about it, go back when you’re ready and not going to be in considerable pain by doing so. .

If you can’t sit you can’t work. However has your GP referred you also for any form of physiotherapy and does your employer have an occupational health service to advise on adjustments to furniture/work activities?

If you have health insurance through work it would also be worth asking for a referral to a proper pain management unit - the type which take a multidisciplinary approach.