Sciatic pain
Posted , 3 users are following.
I've suffered sciatica for 2 years due to the lower 3 discs bulging and thining, iv recently had a backache which led to inflammation of the sciatic nerve, 2 years ago I was off work for 8 weeks due to sciatica, it left me with nerve damage to my left foot and numbness around the ankle, this time it's affected the right side, my bottom is numb leading down to the back of my knee, the underneath of my foot is numb along with my little toe, I have numbness around my genital area. My GP referred me to the hospital and within a few hours they discharged me and advised GP to refer me to a spine surgeon, im unable to do a thing, the pain is excruciating, when in the hospital they said I would have a MRI scan within a week, today they informed me iv been signed off as non urgent so scan will be in 8 weeks, I'm fed up, I'm struggling to walk both ankles have pain in them, the pain seems to build like a contraction until it becomes unbearable
1 like, 5 replies
ihavenonickname Angela.diamonds
Posted
I am so sorry...If you lose incontinence, if you lose control of your bowels, if you go numb...you go to the hospital.
Have your gp refer you to a spinal specialist and to a neurologist. Make an appointment with both and whoever sees you first will be able to order an MRI.
The sciatic nerve is a biforcation of the spinal cord, one side traveling down each leg. When the sciatic nerve leaves the spinal cord it travels deep behind the buttock, through a hole termed the Greater Sciatic Foramen and down the back of the thigh.
So, when we sit, the sciatic nerve is stretched and can become impinged at the GSF but I would have expected you to report that standing eased the pain. You wrote you have disc issues at L4, L5, and S1. Your symptoms support degeneration and/or compression on the nerve roots.
Perhaps you will discuss NSAIDS, Lyrica-pregabalin, and acetaminophen use with your gp as measures to help you through for now. You might also request a trial of TENS Unit, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Meantime, try alternating ice and heat to your lower back...20 minutes ice, 20 minutes heat, 20 minutes ice.
Also, are you able to very gently stretch your back by laying flat and elevating your legs to upright and holding?
,
kind regards
judith
Angela.diamonds ihavenonickname
Posted
Thank you so much for your reply, iv been referred to a specialist and I'm seeing a doctor in the hospital on the 21st November, I have numbness down my leg and toe as explained previously, I also have numbness around the outside of my private bits, I was sent to the hospital by my GP as she was concerned, iv been told I will have a MRI scan in 8 weeks time, initially it was within a week however they have decided it's not urgent, I'm still in pain, still either laying on my back or side, when I stand up the pain builds up almost like a contraction and I get a feeling of burning down the back of my leg with is unbareable I find my self almost running to the sofa to lie back down when I do the pain eases, both my legs are very weak, I can't walk up the stairs freely, I have to pull my self up using the hand rail, I do have a tens belt but wasn't sure if I'd cause more damage using it. I also I'm taking gabapentin 300mg 3 times a day, naproxen twice a day and co-codomol 30/500
I very much welcome any advice offered, I'm at my wits end, and starting to feel depressed, iv always worked full time and I'm very out going so I'm starting to feel isolated
Reddave8 Angela.diamonds
Posted
Hi Angela,
I have previously gone through the difficulties you are suffering although mine was only on my left leg, foot and pelvis. I endured this problem for almost 2 years and eventually got referred to a spine consultant at Gobowen Hospital in Oswestry Shropshire, I underwent decompression surgery to enlarge the gap at the base of my spine and top of pelvis. This operation has all but cured the problem, though he advised it wasn't a permanent solution and could require a repeat op, in 5-6 years time but I'm happy with that as the relief feels wonderful now which in my opinion is all anyone can ask for!
Best of luck with your own consultation and although it's your decision I don't believe there's much deciding to do!
Regards Reddave8
ihavenonickname Angela.diamonds
Posted
When you lay down, you improve.
When you stand, evertying worsens
This describes nerve compression, bilateral nerve roots probably L5 S1.
At this point it is termed spinal cord...but the spinal cird splits, half travels deep inside the buttock to each leg. then through the Greater Sciatic Foramen, down the back of the thigh and branches to the Tibial Nerve and the Fibular Nerve...
To a spine physician, to a neurologist, it all makes sense.
I understand the medications you are on and that tells me that your gp is responding to you....naproxen is an NSAID, gabapentin-Neurotin is to address the nerve pain, and a narcotic ....
So, use the TENS...all a TENS does is short circuit the pain message to the brain.
And you could discuss Lyrica-pregabalin to replace the Neurotin-gabapentin because it is stronger. Lyrica was developed to treat diabetic nerve pain
Also, each person responds differently to NSAIDs...your physician might decide to use a different NSAID.
And perhaps a prednisone burst may help bring the inflammation down which will bring the pain down
You may need a discectomy and fusion...
L5 S1 is the area between the lower lumbar spine and the pelvic area. It is a common problem area.
Big hugs, I know the pain is awful
judith
mikella Angela.diamonds
Posted
1. Do some streches .Very gently and only if you feel comfortable. I practice nearly every day. Only we can help ourselves. If you do not know what strech to do - let me know and I will suggest some good ones,
2. Do some relaxatin techniques because this situation can put in a lot of stress.
Stress increases the problem .
Hope I helped.