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Awaiting MRI for sciatica type symptoms, now on Gabapentin

Posted , 21 users are following.

craig26478
craig26478

Hi all and thanks for reading this. I have suffered with back pain for many years but what i thought was standard aches and pains. I have quite an arched back and am quite tall, working a desk job, so put it down to this. At the start of this year, things changed and i started to get shooting pains in my leg leg. To cut a long story short i was diagnosed with sciatica. I have been to physio, seen a private chiropractor and also another specialist physio who referred me for an MRI. Up until then, i had only been prescribed standard painkillers which did nothing. The specialist recommended Gabapentin to the GP and i have been on them since Tuesday. Just one 300mg capsule has made me feel quite spaced out and about 90 mins later when trying to speak with clients on the phone at my work, i lost my train of thought and struggled. I am worried about the long term effects and given that i am still in pain, i feel like i don't know what to do for the best? Do i stick with them, it's obviously very early days? Should the pain be gone? Range of movememt is no better. I'm strong willed but this is really starting to get to me. Any info / advice is appreciated and welcomed.

Regards to all, Craig.

1 like, 76 replies

76 Replies

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  • william65598
    william65598 craig26478

    Posted

    hey Thomas, aafter reading your post, my slight herniation and subsequent leg pain pales in comparision to your pain!....wishing you well!.....Will
  • craig26478
    craig26478

    Posted

    Hi all

    So I've had the MRI and met with the surgeon yesterday. He confirmed it is L5 causing the issues. He said he wouldn't ordinarily offer surgery straight away but an injection wouldn't help as it's too badly prolapsed. So within the next 6 weeks I'll be having a lumbar microdisectomy.

    It's fair to say I'm nervous as hell!

    Hospital 2 days, bed rest 5, then 6-12 weeks off work.

    Has anyone else had this procedure?

    I'm most worried about dying under anaesthesia!

    Thanks 

    Craig 

    • NicolaAnne1994
      NicolaAnne1994 craig26478

      Posted

      Just seen this after posting lol! This is exactly my issue!! Mines L5 and I think the other is S1 I believe! 6 weeks time?? That is quick!! I am due to see my surgeon on October exactly A month away as I was given 2 months to decide what I want but I am going for the op even though I am crapping it!! Keep us updated!! 
  • ThomasBell89
    ThomasBell89 craig26478

    Posted

    Hello Craig

    First, lots of sympathy to a fellow sufferer.  Nerve pain is quite different to say a sprained ankle and unless you have experienced it it's very hard to describe.  I am sorry to hear about your problems with Gabapentin.  I have taken this drug for 12 years, 600mg 3 times a day. My pain is so severe that I have no life without them with codeine added in.  Gabapentin is a drug whose effect on pain builds up, unlike codeine or similar straight forward drugs which take effect within say 30 minutes.  It all depends on how severe your pain is as to whether side effects are worth the relief but don't be put off by not getting immediate relief. Often side effects which are the immediate consequence of a drug do diminish with constant use. I wish you well and hope you get relief from this awful pain.

    • craig26478
      craig26478 ThomasBell89

      Posted

      Thank you for your message. I am hoping that post-surgery I can come off all meds...that's my aim. We shall see. It's a long and daunting experience but I'm remaining positive. 12 years is such a long time, I wish you well. Best wishes 
  • NicolaAnne1994
    NicolaAnne1994 craig26478

    Posted

    Hi Craig! This sounds similar to what I have...and it actually turned out to be two bulging discs! And one is alot worse than the other! Physio or any painkillers don't seem to work for me! Although I was prescribed Gabapentin on Friday for my migraines and it actually stopped the pain in my leg on the Saturday but it is back again now! I am only on 3 x 100mg a day for a week and the 6 x 100mg for another week and then 9 x 100mg for 6 months so maybe this will also help the pain in my leg! I am sorry I haven't read any more of this post as I am lazy haha! But anyway have you had your MRI??? 
  • maureen74876
    maureen74876 craig26478

    Posted

    Hi Craig.

    This is my first time replying to anyone on here, although I have read exchanges before. You caught my attention with the Gabapentin discussion as I've just started on it. But then I saw that you've been referred for back surgery. 8 years ago i was found to have a badly herniated disc and, after an unsuccessful steroid injection, I went on to have back surgery - partial discectomy and decompression - with a good outcome. You have to be very heavily sedated to avoid any movement

    • william65598
      william65598 maureen74876

      Posted

      hi Maureen, I have had similar experiences with you regrding your back. I had a badly ruptured disk (2) and had a discectomy 12 years ago with success, and have rehearniated another disc. I have has two MRI's, but neither showed the herniation and compression. My surgeoun has me seeing a pain doc for gaberpentin and for the first time injections. Am scheduled to have injections this week. As the pain doc said, "I can get you pain releif with the injections, but the question is, how long will it last? I am sure I have some stenosis that is causing the nerve pain down the leg that will require surgery, but the Gaberpentin did work well at first, and still is able to reduce the pain. It seems the more active I am dictates the amount of pain I will be in for the day. best wishes, Will
    • craig26478
      craig26478 maureen74876

      Posted

      Thank you for messaging smile I feel encouraged by your positive experience of surgery, thank you 
  • maureen74876
    maureen74876 craig26478

    Posted

    Hi William. Your experiences sound very  similar to mine. (Sorry Craig to tag onto your postings!) My surgery was 8 years ago, but for the past 2-3 years I've been experiencing pain and stiffness in my legs when walking/standing and tingling in my feet. I've had numerous blood tests and several MRIs - last one was February - which have not shown anything major. However, last week the pain returned to level it was before my surgery. When I'm sitting it's OK but standing/walking are a nightmare. My Gabapentin will be up to 900mg today so I hope it helps the way it's helped you. I, too, think I have all the symptome of spinal stenosis and my doctor, who has been marvellous, is trying to get me another scan. Fingers crossed I can discover what's going on. Thanks so much for your comments and hope you manage to get your problems sorted. All the best. Maureen

     

    • craig26478
      craig26478 maureen74876

      Posted

      I'm just working my way through the messages now, it's been a little while since I was on. The surgeon has warmed me that repeat issues may present with my back over the years...I guess i have to remain hopeful, positive yet realistic. I hope you manage to get further tests / help. Do let us know. My best wishes.
  • craig26478
    craig26478

    Posted

    Hi all 

    Sorry for the sporadic posts, been so much going on of late.

    My surgery has been brought forward to this coming Tuesday. I'm nervous yet pleased.

    The official surgery name is "L5/S1 decompression and left sided disectomy and undercutting facetectomy".

    The consultant surgeon said the issue would not be suitable for the injection alternative.

    I will keep you updated on my recovery and give an honest diary type account to try and help others in the same boat.

    Best wishes to all

    Craig

  • maureen74876
    maureen74876 craig26478

    Posted

    Hi Craig and Will

    Craig - All the very best with your surgery on Tuesday. I'm having an MRI on Tuesday and desperately hope that they find the cause of my sciatica. The pain is a nightmare, but the frustration of not being able to do anything on my feet for more than a few minutes is driving me mad! My son moves house today and I can't do anything to help . Even the Gabapentin does no more than take the edge of for a short time and I'm om 300mg x 4 daily, in addition to 8mg steroids and ibuprofen - a  drug fest!

    Do let us know how your surgery goes - fingers crossed for successful outcome.

    Will - am guessing you've now had your injection - really hope it's given some relief.  All the best. Maureen

    • ThomasBell89
      ThomasBell89 maureen74876

      Posted

      Hello Maureen,

      Couldn't resist just adding a few words after reading your post.  First much sympathy at your inability to get around.  I know this only too well. Very sad and desperate times.  But believe me it does improve though it's hard to believe I know.  Your Gabapentin dose is not high and you could ask your doctor if you are not getting a lot of relief.  Codeine is also helpful as it Amitripylene at night.  It's so hard not to be able to do anything.  I remember saying if only I could do my housework I would be happy.  I had five minutes out of every hour where I could bear the pain to get a cuppa and let the dogs out then back to bed.  Many years later I take 2400 mg Gabapentin a day and have a life.   I got great comfort from a magazine published by the Neuropathy Trust.  I read people describing the symptoms I had, this was way before the Internet and I felt very alone. So hang in there Maureen you are not alone in your suffering there are many of us out there.

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