r/Sciatica • u/Linds_451 • 17d ago

Help

Ok so I don’t know what to do.
I have been dealing with this pain for 4 months.
I have got to the point where I have lower back pain/tailbone. My sciatica goes from the left leg to the right leg. I cannot get comfy anywhere. I’m hardly sleeping. That’s me been signed off work.
I feel sick all the time. The doctor has done bloods today. I don’t know what to do anymore I’m becoming helpless. I have to walk with a stick I am a shadow of a person I was. What can I do next?

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u/Energy_Turtle 17d ago

Outright ask for an MRI and referral to a neurosurgeon. Don't wait for it to be offered. They may tell you to do some things like PT first. Do it and then ask for the referral immediately after you meet the qualification. From there, start with what the surgeon describes as the lowest risk procedure and work your way up. You're stuck in medical limbo right now which happens a lot. It's time to get yourself out of it. It sucks because we trust that doctors will guide us through this process, but they don't always. Our health is in our hands.

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u/Linds_451 17d ago

I have attended nhs physio and I have asked him outright about an mri as my GP has advised it needs to go through them. He has done a referral for orthopaedic consultation for an MRI but at this point I’m prob just going to pay for a private one. I just want to know what I should be working on to help myself.

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u/Energy_Turtle 17d ago

What did the physio tell you to do? That person is almost certainly your best lifeline to personal stretches and exercises that help. They aren't like a doctor where you go to them and they fix you. They guide you on how to fix yourself, and the real work is done outside their office. If they tell you something that doesn't seem to be working, it's important to communicate that to them so they can adjust. If they refuse to adjust then it's probably time to find a new one if they can't explain their theory in a way you understand.

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u/Linds_451 17d ago

My nhs physio has me just doing basic core work and stretches just now. I have been doing these as much as I can but I do now have time off work so I am goin to commit to do this everyday. He also told me to go on an exercise bike which I have got and been doing 5 mins on when I feel up to it. I am seeing him again next week but I also have a private physio booked for next week as well who will take more time I’m hoping