Havn't I got lovely neighbours !

Result! at least you can do the exercises now, which with any luck will help ward it off in the future.

I think I have got a magic solution !!!!!
This morning the pain was so bad I had to almost crawl to the bathroom and in desperation rang 111. A lady on the other end of the phone was lovely as I tried not to cry. She said the duty doctor would ring me within 6 hours. He did so within 6 minutes and prescribed Gabapentin which one of my great neighbours went into town to collect. Within 2 hours of taking one I was upright and walking without too much pain. I could not believe the difference and can now do the exercises which hopefully will also help and then as Elegran says it will one day just go away. I do realise that drugs are not a long term answer and would hope that I do not have to take them for long but the relief at the moment is wonderful.

Horrible, tiggypiro. My sciatica was like an electric shock going from buttock to little toe. I was prescribed a very small dose of amitryptyline, which is apparently good for nerve pain. I found a hot water bottle comforting at night, and the stretching exercises to ease off the pressure on the nerve do make a difference eventually. The physio was actually more helpful than the consultant, she explained just what was happening to my vertebrae, did a bit of mainpulating, and gave me the exercises - by the time I finally got the referral to him it was better. He watched me walk into his office without wincing, and said that they find that it often resolves itself given time, so they don't make the appointments too quickly! Moral - get that referral as soon as it strikes, don't wait, you'll have enough waiting once the referral goes in.

Oh how I sympathise tiggypiro I actually thought it was worse than childbirth!!
It does seem to have to take its full course which is no help I know. Painkillers didn't have much effect,trying to totally,I mean totally relax did some good but as soon as you move a centimetre it is back.

No magic wand, but do keep up with the exercises, they will do the trick in the end. Take them slowly, breathe deeply as you do them. I found Pilates really helped - I did pay for one to one sessions which was expensive but well worth it. What lovely neighbours to have!

Thank you for all your kind comments and good wishes. This blasted sciatica is just awful and for those of you who have never had it (and I wouldn't wish it on anyone) it feels as if a serrated knife is being thrust into my leg and then twisted. It is far worse than when I had a broken leg (and at least I knew when that would get better) I can only walk by bending forwards and yes I am on painkillers !!!! I am trying to do exercises but many of those make it hurt too. I don't suppose anyone has a magic solution do you ? It is especially galling as DD and 2 DGS's are coming in a few days for the summer and I had it last summer when they were here too.

How.great to have such thoughtful neighbours. They must be paying you back for being good in the past.

I had a neighbour once who, when she first moved in would climb the fence to bring in my wet washing, if it rained while I was at work. I did think this was over and above the call of duty. I had to thank her and put her off kindly.

That's lovely to hear. Restores your faith a little doesn't it?

Hope the sciatica improves soon x

How lovely. It's nice to know that there are still some good neighbours.

I feel so sorry for folks who have such awful problems with their neighbour's. It warms the cockles of my heart to hear the opposite.
We've always had good neighbour's-apart from one lady who obviously had mental health problems. One day her Mum arrived and her daughter wasn't in so Mum came in to our house to wait. She told me her daughter was fine until one of her daughter's died and since then she had been poorly She was so restless and moved house (again) soon.

Oh how lovely. So good to have one good neighbour, but you have a whole bunch! You must be a very nice person yourself to bring out the kindness in others . Do hope the sciatica clears soon.

That's what you need - restores your faith in human nature. Hope the back mends soon.