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Slipped disc and sciatica

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scott1757
scott1757

Hello, my girlfriends has recently been told by her doctor that she has a slipped disc in her lower back and sciatica. She's been referred to a back specialist. But while we're waiting for the appointment we were just wondering if anyone knew what this actually means, what's the best pain relief and how will they sort this out..? She's been in a lot of pain since August with her lower back and hips. Over the last week her knees have started to hurt and her toes have gone completely numb. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance

0 likes, 17 replies

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  • Patient99
    Patient99 scott1757

    Posted

    Hi Scotty,

    Does your GF's GP know about the numbness in her toes - if not, get her to go back and see him again - she may have paresthesia (Google it) which is an absolute bugger - but if caught in the early stages I believe may be relieved/reduced by taking diazepam and pregabalin (prescription only)

    I hope she gets all the medical attention required, and the sooner the better

     

  • melissa91009
    melissa91009 scott1757

    Posted

    No problem. I had a lot of trouble getting help in London (I'm from Sydney, Australia). I ended in A& E four times in one week and finally needed an open hip surgery to release my sciatic nerve which was stuck between my pelvis and femur. Was off work for 7 months due to nerve damage but my situation is a bit different to the average disc problem. Disc are excruciating at times and so really feel for ppl. I worked in a spinal hospital so seen everything. Poor thing.

    The numb toes are a bit of a worry so push for something. The co-codamol is not strong enough. She at least needs a nerve pain medication (works in about 50% of pts) and a muscle relaxant... even better... A permanent fix! I find the UK medicate disc pts a lot so be careful regarding how long it all takes and how long she is on all these pills. They are just symptomatic relief. See what the back specialist says and I hope she gets permanent relief soon.

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