Sciatica - help!

[Andersonx3]

Hi all, if anyone recognises my username you'll know that I already suffer from spinal arthritis. My midwife has now confirmed I'm also experiencing sciatica.

My question is - has anyone ever had anything done/been given anything to help this?! My sciatica is at the point where I cannot move at all, and I mean at all, without being in agony. It hurts to breathe as my chest/ribs expand, I cannot lay down or sit without pains shooting throughout my back and legs and I can't walk without cowering over in pain. I've been prescribed codeine as a last resort from day one but it's no use, I was on tramadol before pregnancy which didn't help so codeine doesn't stand a chance.

Any help? I'm 26+1 and cannot face another 14 weeks of this!

I've been suffering with sciatica since before I was pregnant. My gp has referred me for physio. Mention it to yours and see if they will refer you. I had a major bout about 15 years ago and physio really helped me. It went away and only came back a few months ago. Good luck. I feel your pain x

@mommato3 I've been for physio, I was referred for my arthritis but I sometimes find I physically cannot do my exercises I'm trying to work through it but can't even stand at the sink to do the dishes without being in agony! I think a new back and spine are in need! Hope you're coping okay lovely!

I'm not pregnant but I have sciatica. It first occurred in 2011.it crept up on me then all of a sudden it was the worst pain I have experienced. It was easily a 10/10. I tried tramadol and it did nothing and several other meds. I ended up on zomorph tablets and oromorph liquid for the best part of a year. I had an operation and after that after 6 months of still walking with a stick it dwindled. It was mild ish but I have suffered mild sciatica for years until the last few weeks its happening all over again. I'm walking with a stick again elwhen I am walking further than the local shop. I'm not at the morphine stage yet but I'm scared it's coming. I have a spinal appointment in 2 months and I have to cope until then. I am going to ask him to sever the nerve so I never have to experience it again. I guess when pregnant there is a limit to the medication that you can have. I had a course if 3 steroid injections at the base of my spine which helped for a short time, i don't know if these might be an option for you? Other medications that may help are pregabalin, gabapentin, amytriptyline and an nsaid such as diclofenac. I really hope this gets sorted for you.

@fantasmasgoria1 I can't take any nsaids - I was taken off of them as soon as I became pregnant. I was taking tramadol, gabapentin, naproxen, omeprazole and a medicated gel directly to the pain site. Nothing worked! I was about to move onto morphine. It's getting unbearable now! I'm sorry you're going through this and I hope you manage to find a solution!