Joined: 09 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 2934 Gender: Male
Posted: 28 August 2008 at 4:32pm | IP Logged
Oh boy Oh boy, I've got Sciatica big time at the moment, I've suffered with it on and off ever since I hurt my back in the Navy about 17 years ago but I don't ever remember an episode like this
Having dislocated my shoulder some 34 times I don't consider myself to have a low pain threshold and I rarely take pain relief, especially if I can help it but this time this Sciatica is bad. It feels like someone is drilling out the marrow in the bones in my right leg from foot to my hip, it's also radiating across all my lower back, I've had it for 2 weeks now to some severity, with a peak episode yesterday that actually prevented me going with Sam to visit Dizie. I can't sit, stand or lie down comfortably for any period time, which makes sleeping a tad difficult, walking is challenging to say the least and must be comical to watch.
I'm not able to take anti-inflammatory medicine so that has aggravated thing, I've been taking Paracetamol and separate Codeine Sulphate regularly which has barely helped, I've been back to the doctors today and he's prescribed Diazepam in addition, so fingers crossed that will help as it's a muscle relaxant, amongst other things.
I've also been using a Tens machine which has helped a little, although because of the amount I have been using it, it has started to make my skin sore in the areas where the pads are attached. In addition I've been using heat, distributed by Wheat Cushions and taking very hot showers where possible, which gives some temporary rest bite.
I'm not looking for sympathy my Nan always said that my lifestyle choices in my younger days would catch up with me health wise in later life, instead I thought I would just make a post about Sciatica as this is a health forum and I don't think I have seen it discussed before.
Joined: 24 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 2836 Gender: Female
Posted: 28 August 2008 at 4:44pm | IP Logged
I suffer terribly with sciatica and I get the pain you describe constantly. I use my tens machine when it gets too sore to bear, Im already taking codine phosphate and morphine. I have been doing some physio which is concentrating on building all the muscles up in my trunk - stomach muscles and also the muscles in my buttocks and hips. This has eased the sciatica slightly. I cant use hot/cold therapy as my skin is just too thin and damages it. Im sorry I dont have a solution - I wish I did - but you have my complete sympathies cos I know what you are going through. Hope it eases soon xxx
Joined: 13 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 8842 Gender: Female
Posted: 28 August 2008 at 5:04pm | IP Logged
My DH suffers on and off with Siatica - although not as bad as you describe.
He uses anti inflammatories (often nicking mine as he cant be bothered to see the GP - naughty naughty!) and paracetamol. He finds that hot and cold therapy is the best thing for the pain although he has never tried tens (daft really as I have one in the loft!).
He tends not to complain as he knows I suffer much worse but sometimes its too much to bear. He struggles to get comfy so it affects his sleep and makes him moody.
Hes just come through a bad patch and I'm hoping he doesnt trigger another one pulling me upstairs!
Have you considered seeing a chiropractor or osteopath? I know some people who have had great results, although my DH wont consider it as he had a bad experience with one a few years ago.
PS. So flip what are these life style choices which lead to this??? Sorry feel free to ignore the question, I'm just nosey!
Joined: 11 September 2007 United Kingdom Posts: 3073 Gender: Female
Posted: 28 August 2008 at 5:30pm | IP Logged
Awww flip sorry to hear your suffering with sciatica... my ex had this and often would spend nights trying to sleep on a sleeping bag on the floor.... not sure it worked.
I know chiropractor's and osteopaths worked for him in the past but i know it plays up alot. He has a back belt he has to wear when it's playing up but all he has to do is get in the car wrong or sneeze and ouch....
Joined: 09 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 2934 Gender: Male
Posted: 28 August 2008 at 5:51pm | IP Logged
Quote: Madzwalker
Have you considered seeing a chiropractor or osteopath? I know some people who have had great results, although my DH wont consider it as he had a bad experience with one a few years ago.
PS. So flip what are these life style choices which lead to this??? Sorry feel free to ignore the question, I'm just nosey!
I was under a chiropractor for well over year for another back issue I had and still have and to be honest we just could not afford it now, I spent a £1000 easily and the end results were only temporary.
I have been referred for Physio but that does not start for over another week, hopefully though they will be able to offer some advice.
The life style choices were nothing major, I'm just renowned for not seeing the doctor or seeking medical advice (without a lot of persuasion). I used to go back to work (manual work) or down the pub within hours of having my shoulder reduced, instead of immobilising it, that type of thing.
Joined: 11 September 2007 United Kingdom Posts: 3073 Gender: Female
Posted: 28 August 2008 at 6:01pm | IP Logged
silly question but couldn't you contact physio and let them know how bad you are at the moment if not could your gp not push for you to be seen sooner?
Joined: 09 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 2934 Gender: Male
Posted: 28 August 2008 at 6:30pm | IP Logged
It's only a small Physio department in a cottage hospital, they know how bad I am because I took the referral in personally, I was quite impressed they are seeing next Friday
Joined: 09 December 2006 United Kingdom Posts: 1108 Gender: Female
Posted: 28 August 2008 at 9:16pm | IP Logged
How horrible - i can imagine it completely dominates your life and makes it all to miserable - i hope the physio can shed some light and it improves for you in the near future :)
Joined: 24 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 2836 Gender: Female
Posted: 29 August 2008 at 7:36am | IP Logged
I really hope physio can do something for you Keith, I was pleasantly suprised that my physio was well in tune with my condition and it seems to be working. Good luck and let us k now how you get on.
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Topic: Sciatica
my Nan always said that my lifestyle choices in my younger days would catch up with me health wise in later life, instead I thought I would just make a post about Sciatica as this is a health forum and I don't think I have seen it discussed before.
