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

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?

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.

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

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.

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 .

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

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.

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.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWwsBwuJ19I

Some simple exercises might ease the discomfort.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Ditto Candelle!

I agree with loopyloo, until you (or your doctor) knows exactly whats causing the sciatica it can't be treated properly. You really need an MRI scan or whatever treatment you're trying could be making it worse. In my case, physio was pushing the disc the wrong way. If its not improving see your GP and ask for a referral.

timetogo, have you seen your GP lately?

Another sufferer here.

My sciatic pain was so bad that I would have jumped off a cliff had I not been operated on. I only lasted three weeks with the pain before surgery and I will never forget the horror of the pain, so I do understand how you feel.

In my case, surgery was the only option but if the disc has herniated higher up it is possible to wait it out and the disc may.. recover, so you would not need surgery. You obviously need good advice from a neuro-surgeon after having MRI/CT/x-rays etc. Only then will you know how damaged your spine is.

Until you can see anyone (please don't leave it) regular painkillers may help and gentle stretching exercises, if you can tolerate them could also be beneficial. There are many online but with all of them, very very gently does it - you are trying not to irritate the nerves.

I wish I could give you brighter news: to sum up, see a GP and ask for a referral to either NHS/private neuro surgeon as soon as you can; take regular painkillers (don't take more than the recommended dose); do very very gentle stretching exercises.

It goes without saying that you should not carry anything remotely heavy - even a kettle or pain of water can be too much.

I hope you are better very soon - you have my sympathy.

May I suggest people try tapping? I know it looks and sounds strange but it does help many people and is non invasive. Medication can be very effective as can acupuncture but this stimulates the same points without the needle and can be learnt at a simple level at home .
See www.emofree.com/ for some more information
I hope this helps people

Thank you to everyone for your caring and sympathetic words, info and advice. I can’t take anti inflammatories because I have asthma, but reluctantly for the last few days I’m taking over the counter cocodamols that means I finally have pain relief. I’m having a face to face appointment with my physio shortly - Covid precautions have not helped as it’s all been phone/online consultations so far. Fingers crossed for some progress but I’ve taken on board all your comments- it really helps just to know others have been through the same thing. Thank you all again.

Grandmafrench Yes that is more or less the same except that I do it standing up while holding on to the sink.

I was greatly helped by an osteopath who used acupuncture. It usually takes about 6 weeks to heal.
Found it impossible to sleep at night and eventually had a short course of diazepam which helped a lot.
Do push for an MRI. I found rest and gentle movement with codeine occasionally at night and eventually it improved.
But do try acupuncture.

This sort of thing, Granny23 ? I swear by these exercises first recommended by my Osteopath about 15 years ago. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lntsHN0ezw

I had my first flare up of Sciatica while recovering from a broken arm. I was attending the hospital for physio for the arm and mention my other problem. The physio gave me an instant relief strategy, which involves/involved bending my leg up at the knee and across the front of my middle, holding and then repeating. Works every time for me.

You have my sympathies. I too felt trapped and alone.

I suffered with the same for nearly a year. Left side.

Pain killers together with anti inflammatory tablets were horrendous giving me severe heartburn. Physio had no impact at all. I ended up walking with a stick. I couldn't do heel rises (push up onto my toes) so walking was difficult. My difficulty with walking had also put extreme pressure on my right hip aggravating the arthritis I had.

I was recommended a chiropractor.

Saw him twice a week to start with. Within 2 weeks I didn't need the stick and within a month I was starting to do full heel rises. He also gave me acupuncture and suggested hot/cold treatment for my right hip. In bed: Hot pad on top / cold underneath or visa versa.

I slowly dropped off the sessions over the following year. The numbness is still with me 10 years later and I still do the exercises he gave me when the aches start. I only get these when I've been gardening too much. He told me off for doing too much of the same gardening for too long. Guidance was one activity for 1/2 hour at the most.

If someone can recommend a chiropractor, try one.