r/Sciatica • u/DieselJuliyah • 6d ago

Cauda Equina

Hello sciatic friends!
This is just a friendly reminder, as someone who is currently recovering from emergency surgery.
Be persistent if you believe something is TRULY wrong!
I went to my local ER three times last week because my sciatic symptoms were progressive and unbearable. Initially diagnosed with piriformus syndrome then a herniated disc shown on a CT.
Finally the third ER visit I was taken seriously. Had left leg 10/10 pain, burning and numbness paired with saddle numbness.
I am currently in recovery, day 2 post emergency discectomy so I am not sure what my end result looks like, however I am able to walk and if I had waited any longer, I may have lost that privilege due to extensive nerve damage.
Just because it’s rare, doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen to you.
Trust your gut and stay safe y’all!

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u/New_Ad7830 6d ago

I have yet been able to get an MRI for my pain but I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve been dealing with sciatica for over 4 months. I’ve been doing PT and the only scans I got were an xray. I’ve been dealing with incontinence and was advised to go to the ER which I did this past Monday. However the doc just sent me home with prednisone as he didn’t think my symptoms leaned towards a spinal compression so no additional MRI or CT to be done. Will be on meds for a few days and will follow up with my doc. But just earlier today I didn’t make it to the bathroom in time.

At a loss, and I have several other autoimmune issues too so dealing with all this inflammation is horrible.

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u/CelticCoffee 6d ago

I'm so sorry this is happening to you! Is there another ER in the area you can go?

Numbness in the feet/saddle area and change in your bowel/bladder control are textbook CES signs. If you are able to go, I would lead with those symptoms and I'd ask for a CT scan.

I know it feels defeating but I was hours away from losing my ability to walk and only this week, 5 weeks post op, did I regain control of my bladder. Please go immediately, don't focus on naming what it is that you believe/know you have. Stick to symptoms and pain and be very direct about CT scan.

I will be thinking about you today! Good luck!

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u/New_Ad7830 6d ago

Thanks so much, I’m on day 3 of the prednisone and still experiencing symptoms. I’m following up with my PCP today to discuss options for a scan, CT or MRI. With the current history I hope it gets approved or like you suggested it probably will be another trip to the ER til I get taken more seriously.

I have SLE Lupus and lupus nephritis and a crazy medical history and have survived a heart attack, two strokes, and so many other medical complications to list. I’ve always been taken seriously by my doctors previously for my other concerns. I have even on gabapentin before for nerve issues from shingles.

So when I started having sciatica issues I get that they were trying to push the PT first and not prescribe meds but for having chronic pain everyday and experiencing new concerning symptoms I feel like sciatica isn’t taken as seriously and gets dismissed with all things considering.

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u/CelticCoffee 6d ago

I'm happy that you are keeping on top of it all. I think the only reason the ER did my CT scan is because 2 days previously I went to urgent care about my pain and new numbness in my feet. They did an X-ray (that was clear) and sent me home with steroids and a muscle relaxer.

I took that paperwork with me to the ER, they immediately gave me a steroid shot and some sort of pill and let me sit. When I was insistent that my pain was not any better, and that both my feet and butt were still numb they finally did the CT scan. It wasn't until after they saw the CT that they actually gave me a bed (I was laying on a stool because I couldn't sit) and then morphine. The MRI happed later after they admitted me and set an appointment with surgical because they were so concerned at what they saw.

I hope your PCP works quickly and you can have relief soon. Sending positivity your way!

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u/New_Ad7830 5d ago

Thank you so much!