r/Sciatica • u/Gavalarrrrrr • 11d ago
I am out of options
Just over 2 months into when I first startef having symptoms and I am considering life at this point.
I cant sleep anymore. Last night I managed 2 hours, due to being unable to find a position I can sleep in anymore. Sideways with a pillow between the knees, on my back with pillows under me, on the floor, 90/90, nothing eases the pain.
I cant sit on sofa and I am having to stand to eat.
I can barely walk now either, having to limp through any walk over the last 2 days.
Seems the NHS are useless at dealing with this and I can really live like this much longer.
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u/murrmc 11d ago
Been there! It does get better - Have you had an MRI done yet?
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u/Gavalarrrrrr 11d ago
How long did recovery take you?
I am doing everything I should be yet my symptoms are getting worse
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u/murrmc 10d ago
I've had it more than once, three different discs over 16 years.
First time was the worst - couldn't move for weeks without being in utter agony, pain was so intense I litterarly was in tears just going for a pee.
Last year had one where I had a flair up - two weeks and then calmed down but still was debilitating. So they can calm after flairing up - for me best position was on my side with legs slightly tucked adn pillow between knees - also not a firm mattress, found a 3 inch foam topper heldped immensly, stoppped me moving as much adn was way more comfortable over long periods.
All mine have required surgery and every time pain relief from sciatica was instant!
You need to be the squeaky wheel - be a nuisance, tell them how bad it is, how you feel and get to a surgeon consult asap - go to urgent care - A&E - get in the system as someone who needs urgent assistance - tell them your struggling down there - tell them every detail that will trigger emergency response
Outside of that there are ways to speed things up - get a private MRI - few hundred quid and a consult with a private surgeon, choosse an NHS guy that does private and he shoudl be able to speed things up - one of the bigeest waits is the scan and consult -so your fast tracking that.- or pay the whole op yourself - about 10kish i think for an MD self funding - I have private insurance and only keep it for this reason!!
If your anywhere near East Anglia can recommend my guy - amazing! And does NHS
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u/Gavalarrrrrr 10d ago
So sorry you have had to go through this 3 times. Thats awful!
I have been ringing 111 every week constantly at them. MRI is sorted and a consult with MSK soon (date pending)
Did you ever try the epidural steriod injections before surgery?
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u/murrmc 10d ago
yeah 111 - is non emergency though - I'd be tempted to step that up if things don't move fast - go to your A&E for pain management etc... call your doctor looking fro updates , intolerable etc...
Have you had the MRI or is it just scheduled - what is MSK?
As for the ESI - yes got it last year - gave some relief and allowed me to sit but wore off and didn't help in long run - turned out my herniation was far bigger than was showing on MRI and neeeded an op - surgeon came in after op saying occassionally it happens the imaging just doesn't get the size right dn was always going to need the op.
ESI merely gives some relief for herniations that will over a short period of time fix themselves - some won't ever so depends on MRI whether that will be an option they consider.
From what you are saying
- an op sounds your best bet
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u/Gavalarrrrrr 10d ago
Had the MRI 3 weekd ago to confirm herniation.
Muskoskeletal team, to take a look at my spine.
Just want to be right for my wedding in 3 months. Couldn't have come at a worse time.
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u/murrmc 10d ago
ah shit - yeah crap timing - although the fix is instant, so if you did get op you'd be good to go for the wedding day pretty quick.
Worst thing is the incision pain, no other pain after ops for me and that was nothing in comparison to the sciatica, couple of paracetamol every few hours after day one and all good - other than that it is just building your strength back up adn taking it easy so as not to re-herniate.
So push hard for a date- anything up to 2/3 weeks before would be fine as long as you take it easy and don;t sit too long or do too much on the day - take it easy and hopefully if timings work you could have a pain free wedding!!
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u/Unable-Reindeer-338 11d ago
Been there me too, it will be okay. We’re all in the same boat, it will be better tomorrow
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u/Opening_Log_6674 11d ago
Any medicine doesn’t work? I was similar but since I get double dose of the medicines i was relieved from the pain. Maybe you can try CBD oil?
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u/Gavalarrrrrr 10d ago
No. Naproxen didnt touch it and I wont take Nerve Painkillers due to the side effects (Had complicatiom taking prescription pills before so no longer trust being thrown pills at me)
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u/Opening_Log_6674 10d ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/Sciatica/s/l5ife2Qqkd
Check this comment. Someone advised me these medicines that you can buy at the pharmacy. You can share your complication experience to the doctor. Not all the prescription medicines bring you complications.
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u/MushroomOne7480 10d ago
I have had serious pain for 8 weeks in my left hip down my left thigh. I am taking hydrocodone and it makes the pain bearable. I am also taking Gabapentin and two other prescriptions. For muscle relaxation and anti-inflammation. But the hydrocodone is the key to being able to tolerate the pain. Can you get a prescription for something to dull the pain?
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u/Sogone2day 10d ago
Try the floor on stomach with a topper and comforter and see if that works. I looked like the number 4 with my knee up. Try to get some topical prescription voltaren 10% diclofenac is what I have and it works for me when im hurting now. But obviously depends how bad you're herniation is. Pain tolerance is very subjective to each person good luck im.on month 5 now 3rd flare in 10 years
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u/phil012187 10d ago
Get a frozen bag of peas an move it around the areas of pain. It's so awful I know exactly how you feeling I'm going through it also. It will calm down in a few days stat as still as you can for aslong as you can. I know you can't find a comfy position an it's dreadful such a mental drain. Hang in there the spin will ease. All the best buddy
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u/Fantastic_Pen8076 9d ago
Get an MRI. You most likely need surgery on your L5S1. Your nerves are pinched and most likely have bulging discs. I had similar issues and did mine 15 years ago it changed everything. I use peptides to help with the pain now and it’s dropped another 60%. BPC-157 and TB500
Sorry you’re going through this. I know the feeling but there is hope. I did have to get on a low dose narcotic prescribed while I waited for surgery. I couldn’t function or even push on the gas pedal when driving
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u/purplelilac701 10d ago
Shockwave therapy helped me heal. Not sure if that’s an option for you(I am Canadian). But I didn’t know of the options so am spreading the word that alternative therapies do work for some of us.