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What treatment can I expect

Posted , 2 users are following.

alaniow
alaniow

4 months ago the pain started and was manageable for a couple of weeks.

Gradually the pain increased until it was unbearble.

Doctor was liberal with pain killers but I just could not get any advice.

My left leg became so painful that I could walk just a few steps. I cannot carry anything

I was sent for PT and had such a struggle to get there (borrowd wheelchair) I was given an excersize to try but again no advice.

I did the excersize twice. Within a few hours the pain was so excruciating I was in tears.

My wife got me in the car and took me to A&E and got help when we arrived. After 4 hour wait I was in such pain it took 4 porters to get me on a trolley, I was put on a drip with pain killers before I could be examined.

I had a CT scan which an showed inflamed sciatic nerve two damaged vertabrae.

I was warned if I couldn't get on my feet I would have to stay in.

I managed 3 steps to the wheelchair.

I was given crutches (useless) told to have 2 weeks bed rest and given ante inflamatory's.

I am in the 2nd week of bed rest yet the pain and the walking have not improved at all.

What I need to know is will I ever walk again, I am 72 and terrified of finishing up in a nursing home

What can I expect from my doctor and the NHS

What treatments would you demand.

(My apologies for being long winded)

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • melissa91009
    melissa91009 alaniow

    Posted

    Hi

    My name is Melissa and I'm 33. I have had severe left leg sciatic nerve issues including damage as a result of an impinged sciatic nerve. I have other bilateral hip issues but they aren't really relevant ☺️

    What extent is your vertebrae damage? Have you had an MRI? Getting the MRI is a major issue I understand but it sounds like you need one to get more info regarding the damage. I'd advise you seeing a spinal surgeon who may refer you for nerve conduction studies to see if the sciatic nerve is both damaged and inflamed. There are treatments such epidural nerve blocks which block the nerve signals down the leg for up too four months. This is generally used to alliviate nerve damage pain. The vertebrae damage needs to be properly assessed as sciatic nerve pain is caused by something that needs to be fixed. Spinal surgeons or neuro-surgeons are the best options. If you can't get too see anyone (physically) go back to A&E with ongoing pain and insist on seeing a surgeon that can order an MRI or request your GP for urgent referral citing unbearable pain and that you are unable to care for yourself. You will walk again but the underlying cause must be investigated further if bed rest does not improve things. Do you have private health insurance? The NHS must be pushed to help you, if you don't push they won't help. To me, it sounds like nerve impingement of some kind.

    Heat packs are good for muscle spasm as is not sitting up, nurofen gel, Valium in some cases and codiene based pain relief as well as anti-inflammatories. Be careful of too much medication... Can play havoc with your blood pressure and drowsiness.

    It's very hard to get help in the NHS. If you have any changes in your sensation, continence or sudden increase in pain go straight back to A&E.

    Hope this helps

    Mel

  • alaniow
    alaniow

    Posted

    Thank you so much Melissa

    I am so grateful for such detailed advice

    I had been feeling quite alone until I stumbled on this forum.

    I wish now that I had not fought so hard to avoid being kept in the hospital when I went to A& E. I think they would have treated the problem by seeing the right people on tap.

    Reading many of the stories on here sounds like you need years to recover your life which lets face it I don't have.

    Kindest regards 

    • melissa91009
      melissa91009 alaniow

      Posted

      Alan there are things they can do to allivate your pain. Don't give up. No one should be in pain the way you are regardless of age. See how you go in the next week and if no better, I'd advise returning to A&E and insist on being admitted. Then you can start bugging them to do something instead of masking with pain relief.
    • melissa91009
      melissa91009

      Posted

      Medical professionals have been very ageist with me on the other end the spectrum. When I went to A&E i was told that should be able to care for my self because I was 32 not 82. My sciatic nerve was completely impinged! I was refused a hand rail into my home (both my hips have been partially dislocating as well) and I told them, after a fourth major hip surgery complicated by a 1.5L bleed into my hip that I was proud of showering myself. They said that of course I should be able too... You're 33! (This happened two weeks ago). I know what it feels like to be dismissed, and not taken seriously. I know you are older but I'd like to say, try to fight them and get help. I've been in your position on the other end of the spectrum and age should not be a factor regarding treatment or getting advice and help nor recovery time. I know it's exhausting but there is help available. If there's anything I can do or advise pls ask. I hope you recieve proper help and recover well enough not be in too much pain.
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