AnnSixty and NikDumpling, it turned out that I don`t have sciatica after all, just very bad arthritis, and after x-rays, my right knee joint was found to be non-existent anymore, so I`m now on the waiting list for a replacerment op. Hubby had an aneurysm on his aorta which was quite large and potentially dangerous, hence the op, plus, if he hadn`t had it, he couldn`t have had his bowel cancer treated (in time, after he recovers), so it was Hobson`s Choice really. He was fine this afternoon, but in pain again tonight.