Sciatica- please help - so scared I won’t recover

Bowen Therapy worked for me, though it isn't effective for everyone.
www.bowen-technique.co.uk/

I had unbearable pain from irritated sciatic nerve due to herniated lumbar disc and arthritic changes on MRI scan. Steroid injection into spine did absolutely nothing. Prescribed Pregabalin which eventually took the pain away but with awful side effects, ie. brain fog, memory problems, tiredness. My consultant reluctant to operate and is happy for me to continue on Pregabalin indefinitely. Then lockdown enforced acceptance for the time being. I do not want to take this medication forever and have tried reducing the dose but pain is still unbearable.
You have my sympathy VWlady it must be really difficult to deal with on your own. If you want to chat any time feel free. I too am in my 60s and had to give up work last year due to this. Kind regards.

Marg my DH is in a similar predicament and in his case an op has been suggested. But he's suffered with this on and off for years. Like you the steroid injections didn't help and he has side effects from the pregabalin including leg swelling. I sympathise about the pain.

Every sympathy it is such a debilitating condition. I had sciatica as a result of spinal compression which was eventually fixed by an operation.
A good physio should be able to advise you. I don't know anything about herniated discs but keep asking for help and advice. Do not suffer in silence

I had sciatica because of a bulging disc. I was put on codeine to start with and also visited a chiropractor which not help. In the end (after 9 months I was referred to the orthopedic intervention service (had to see the the specialist so that I could have an MRI scan) and then had a steroid injection which did nothing for me at all. I went back to the GP who then had to refer me all over again to see the specialistt who wanted me to have an other injection but when I refused put me down for a spinal operation which finally took place 2 years after I went to the GP.

I had been suffering from severe pain and numbness in my leg and foot and after the disc and spinal bones were shaved I was able to get up and walk properly with no pain from either the op or the sciatica. The op was two years ago and I have had to sciatica at all since.

Oh dear..I did not have to wait too long fo my op. Went to GP Sept 18 & had op July 19. Did have an epidural Dec 18 to see if that would help. Unfortunately it did not. I was offered different pain relief.. some wete helpful. Am back walking & gardening

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWwsBwuJ19I

Some simple exercises might ease the discomfort.

I have suffered with sciatica on and off over the years. I am in my 60’s too - very painful. Lying down does help if on your back, if in your side place a pillow between your knees stretching down to your feet longways. This will help align your back and make it more comfortable to sleep.
When getting up from the sofa or a chair or from bending down to something, think about leading up from your head/neck area (concentrate on this area when rising) and you will find it a lot easier. Hope this helps. It will go in time. Best wishes.

There does seem to be a reluctance at present to do any operation which isn't life threatening. Understandable with the present backlog I suppose, but not helpful when you can't move without severe pain (or even not move). Unless you can pay, but even that doesn't guarantee a quicker operation now.

Acupuncture and simple exercises worked for me. What a relief.

Suffered an infection in lower spine. Pain from sciatica was UNBEARABLE radiating down both legs. Orthopaedic surgeons gave me the greatest advice in keeping a bag of frozen peas always in the freezer. They were my best pals and applied them to the sorest points , this really worked for me. By the time the pain had subsided the writing on this wonderful bag of peas was completely worn off. This worked and still keep a bag of peas in freezer. Good luck .

No NfkDumpling but i have spoken to him on the phone and because i am allergic to any form of medication i have to put up with it until this Covid19 lets me have a scan,my GP will refer me for an appointment.
Thank you for asking.

The exercises Granny23 mentioned were really helpful for me. My pain was only mild but it has gone for now, thanks to these stretches.

Larry5
I had been suffering from severe pain and numbness in my leg and foot and after the disc and spinal bones were shaved I was able to get up and walk properly with no pain from either the op or the sciatica. The op was two years ago and I have had to sciatica at all since.
Wow Larry that's a fantastic result, that's what my DH is hoping for after years of sciatica pain. He's finally been referred for a similar op, not sure when that'll materialise but it's a start.

More thanks to everyone for continuing to post advice. I ended up at A&E last week and I’m being referred for an MRI which I hope at least will determine exactly what the problem is. Meanwhile I’m continuing with physio exercises and painkillers which help a bit but it’s very hard. Did anyone else find they became quite weak and wobbly through not being able to walk much?