Fed up feeling like this

Hi,

Just keep going! You are nearly there! Just ten more days and then hopefully the Consultant will be able to at least tell you what is wrong and what can be done. That is half the battle....as hope can be restored. The sitting, waiting and wondering is awful. Thank God for the internet, where you can at least read stuff and get an idea of what is going on. From my point of view I think it would have been very scary twenty years ago, going through all the changing symptoms and not having a clue what was wrong. My symptoms change all the time (even post two surgeries) and I describe it as being like a moving target, as the pain/numbness balance changes constantly. It is very irritating and so difficult to know what to do for the best. I do stumble, not so much these days and don't fall very often, but I do share your fear of going over in the shower because of the consequences, not least having my family rescue me....naked!!!. For me though, the stumbling is when I'm walking as I catch my foot sometimes. Damn nuisance!!!

Let us know how your appointment goes.

Best wishes and good luck for the 12th.

TFU

Hello Miss W,

I'm lost for words! I know exactly how you feel and pain is something you cannot put into words and explain to others.

I have had a pro-lapsed disc now for nearly 2 years, had an epidural last year which was unsuccesful and have refused to have surgery.

Everyone has their own type of pain and their own way of dealing with it. Anything from a hot water bottle, sleeping with a pillow under one leg, pillow under your feet, laying on the floor, walking, swimming at a Hydro-therapy pool.

All I can say is you are not alone and this has taken me a long time to except. :D

I do hope you find some comfort and do keep in touch.

Rx

I have felt so isolated during the past year and cannot believe the amount of people experiencing the same.

I have asked NHS professionals if there were any discussion groups, but told NO.

It would have been good to discuss my problems and issues with someone who actually knew what I am going through.

I just hope my Consultant in 10 days gives me something positive, as I am at the end of my tether.

Thank You to all replies & I hope you all have a pain free & healthy future.

Will definitely keep u all posted on my progress.

Hi there

Have just come across your post about groups.

I am at present attending a group run by my local PCT 'Self-Management of Long-Term Health Conditions'

The 2 people running the group were once themselves attendee's and it is helpful discussing situation with other people. We have different health issues but understand each others feelings and frustrations.

The book which is handed out is 'A Handbook for People with Chronic Disease' NHS Expert Patients Programme.

If any further details needed please feel welcome to ask.

Hope you are all doing well, Rx

[b:2acbe64e3b]Sorry but Patient Admin have removed a postal and an email address from this posting, as it is the policy of Patient UK not to publish these on this forum. [/b:2acbe64e3b]

Oh my goodness, I can't believe how much you're suffering, god I really feel for you.

I've had the same but just down one leg and that was bad enough. I'm recovering from a microdiscetomy operation and so far so good.

When you see your consultant, I would definitely mention the problems you're having going to the toilet as well as everything else. They do say that if you start having problems with your bladder, you become an urgent case.

I just hope the consultant can help you. I tell you, if things get so bad before your appointment, I would go to A&E.

Big hugs, I really am sorry you've been in so much pain.

Love

Jude xxx

I've just read your post and can't believe I have finally found other people suffering like me! I have a prolapsed disc and have suffered with it on and off for about 6 years. I have only been to the GP a couple of times over this before and have only had a couple of episodes where walking has been excruciating. I have found that exercising and generally keeping active have helped me keep on top of it.

However, I have had the past 2 weeks off work with the worst pain i have ever experienced in my life - including giving birth to 2 children!! My inside thigh was burning and I could hardly move it one morning so I went to A&E. They gave me a shot of morphine straight away and sent me home with a letter for GP to refer me for MRI (which is on 15 July). I was prescribed codeine (which causes terrible constipation!) and 3 days worth of diazepam.

The burning has stopped now but most of my left thigh is numb and this also spreads underneath me. I am also now having pain in my lower back. It started here originally but I mostly experience the pain in my left buttock, particularly where the leg meets the cheek.

I am going to wait and see what the MRI says and listen to the medical advice about the possibility of an operation. At the moment, my thoughts are that I would probably have the operation as I am only 32, both my children are still under 5 and I work. I like to be busy and active and simply don't have the time or patience to deal with this!

I have felt really low for the past few days and keep thinking of all the things I love to do that I won't be able to do if my back won't let me. It's really getting me down and I feel like such a bad mum at the moment cos I am boring myself - never mind the girls! My husband tries to understand but it must be hard for him when all I do is snap at him! My stress/tolerance level seems to have diminished while having to deal with my pain and the effect on my life in general. I have even thought that they can just chop my left leg off if it will stop this pain!

I hadn't realised how common this problem was and feel a bit of comfort knowing that i am not alone with this. I wish everyone out there luck with whatever treatment they can get or decide to take.

Sarah x