Slipped disc and Sciatica

Im glad i found this site, I too have had problems with slipped disc and sciatica for nearly 3 years!!!!

It all started in November 2004 woke up on a sunday am in excruating pain down my right leg.

Husband took me to emergency doc and they gave me low dose valium and painkillers.

I work in an office answering phones all day so the sciatica was murder.

I got sent to back exercise class and physio but still had sciatica and back pain.

Finally this year i got to see a senior physio who referred me at once for an mri scan. Got an appointment on July 26 2007.

waiting to see what the results of the mri are.

Iam totally in sympathy with everyone on here. x

MB, My god, I cannot belive that you have had to wait 3 years for an m.r.i scan, I have had this problem for 12 weeks and thats bad enough!!! However my m.r.i scan was done within 6 and I seen a spinal surgeon straight away, But like I said before I truely believe I was so lucky as my g.p classed me as an emergency and I am now under a private hospital on the nhs. It is so wrong that they can leave us in so much pain for so long, If it was done to an animal it would be classed as cruelty, So where is the difference? Any way im awaiting an xray guided spinal nerve block. At the moment im taking morphine and naproxen still without any joy. I have been on every pain killer resorted to this 6 weeks ago still has nt helped and ive come to the conclusion now that there is nothing in medication form that really will!! I am 29 I have a ten year old daughter and a husband I did this at work and have been on the club scince, my company does not pay sick money and ssp money is disgusting. We were due to go to spain 2moro we have had to cancel that and i feel as though my life is being wrecked. However when i read your forum its made me realise that i have been lucky to have been being treated straight away. I wish you luck at your m.r.i and hope that they stop this suffering for you soon.

Thanks Kelly

Im so glad I had a new doctor who got me referred for mri. I tried private physio. nhs physio, tens ,you name it i tried it!

The senior physio I saw recently couldn't believe I wasnt referred for an mri.

When I first had this back problem, the hospital referred me for physio for 7 months, which helped a bit but didn't solve the problem. I begged them to refer me to a doc or mri but the physio woman I saw wouldn't!

And the my gp who now has retired said there was a waiting list of 6 months or more, so i didnt get referred.

The pins and needles and numbness eased but i know im not right, It can be painful at night my leg and when driving. I've kept on working for the past 3 years throughout apart from a week off sick in nov 04.

I hope you get sorted out soon, I've been reading a lot of info on this site and the internet. thanks for your support. smile

Hi Everyone,

An update from me about what happened to me. Since my last posting, December 2008 I had two discectomies on L5/S1.

Now its April 2010 and I still have sciatica down my right leg from my little toe right to my back.

I had an infection in the disc after the second surgery, which thankfully was treated promptly with antibiotics.

I still haven't been able to work since June 2008 sitting is painful and walking round is tiring.

I'm waiting to see my consultant following an Mri in February 2010 at the end of May I think I have scar tissue as I have managed to read a copy of my mri.

If anybody had similar experience of having long term sciatica who made a full recovery would post their experience I would be grateful.

I tried the gym after the surgeries but too painful.

Take care everyone xx mb

hi,

Sorry to hear about your ongoing problems. My situation is similar to yours. As I have just written in another post after surgery the doctors are reluctant to do much as they go into a period of \"watchful waiting\". This is basically to see how the nerves that were compressed can be naturally rejuvanated. Estimates of this period seem to range from 12 to 24 months. Some people are of course much improved immediately after surgery, but for everybody else this is the excuse that is trotted out again and again.

Scar tissue is a real problem. Like you I had 2 discectomies at L5/S1 in a very short period of time (less than four weeks) and infected CSF, and have a lot of residual scar tissue as a result. I have been told that they can't operate on this because that in itself will create more scar tissue. So I am stuck with it. I don't exactly have sciatica....not that horrible pain. Instead, I have constant burning the entire length of my leg, problems with my ankle/foot and three toes no longer move!! All from the scar tissue. Which I'm guessing is similar to you. I take Gabapentin (amongst other meds) which has really helped with the burning. I have also been going to hospital as a day patient every few months for Ketamine by IV, with mixed results. The first time it was brilliant. I was back to normal......I had forgotten what normal was!!! I could actually walk on two legs that felt the same!!! If I could get that back again I swear I would never ever ask for anything else in my lifetime. But it only lasted three days. I had high hopes for the second session, but afterwards I ended up with a bladder infection....maybe it was a dodgy batch. One thing that really worked well was acupuncture. Hospitals do this now, I really would recommend it. It did wonders for the muscles in my back/butt and leg. People forget that these all get affected by disc problems and I know that I walk sort of lopsided these days. I didn't know until I spotted my reflection in a shop window. It sorted out a lot of the pain. I was quite surprised at just how well it worked.

Anyway, just some ideas of what has worked (or not) for me. Just be sure to speak out and remember that it is the Consultant's job to refer you on to someone else if needed. There is nothing worse than the daily build up of hope to the appointment, just to walk out afterwards thinking \"well I'm sure that something meaningful just happened but I can't think what!!!!\" and when another six month wait to see the same bloke again. As for going to the gym, I would just be careful, particularly if you already have pain. Hopefully you have no new disc problems.

The best advice I can give.......just be kind to yourself. If you need to rest/walk around.......just go with it. Your body will tell you what it needs.

Hope it all goes well with the Consultant.

TFU

Hi Trulyfedup,

Thank you for your kind reply. I hope you get sorted out and they can do something to make you better.

I have been looking into various treatments that can help with slipped disc and sciatica.

One interesting site is this :

on the British Journal of Radiology, (sorry the link can't be posted as I'm not a member of patient uk)

It says that a patient given pentoxifylline–tocopherol helped to reduce epidural fibrosis , (I think that's scar tissue), I found the article interesting and will certainly ask my consultant if i can try that.

I had some hydrotherapy that was really nice last year, I have been cheered up lately as we have adopted a stray cat my husband found at his work last year. It's amazing how much stroking and looking after a pet can take your mind off the pain, also my laptop is a godsend, internet shopping is fabulous and beats trying to go round the shops with leg pain.

I must thank you trulyfedup for your good advice you have given many people on this site, you encouraged me to stand up for myself and keep on at the hospital and docs when I needed help.

Kind Regards Mb xx

(Also what happened to the lady who was going to write a book on here about slipped discs etc?

Hi,

I wanted to share my experience in the hope that it helps.

I had a slight fall on fuel in a petrol forecourt back in September, I had pain for about a month but was lucky enough to be allowed to work from home.

This problem niggled me in the form of mild sciatica until 4 weeks ago( February) I sneezed and found myself doubled over in pain, I was having lower back pain and pain in my right buttock right down my leg to my ankle for a full week, I tried every over the counter pain killer possible to no avail, I decided to take myself to the walk in centre at a relatively close hospital, I waited 2 hours stood up as I was unable to sit down, I told a little fib to be taken seriously saying I had fallen not giving an exact time as I know how the system works, I was given and X-ray this was found to be clear so I was sent home with co-coda mol and paracetamol with no further advice.

In the mean time I had handed in my notice as I was offered a fantastic new job with better prospects, my notice was a month, I was due to start my new job on the 4th of march.

The tablets had no effect whatsoever so I was forced to call my doctors surgery, I did not see my regular doctor but the one I did see seemed nice enough, I described my symptoms and was told it was sciatica and was given another cocktail of pills including Tramadol, Diclofenac,Omeprazole and Amitriptyline.

These also had no effect, by this point I was climbing the walls in agony.

B

I returned to see my regular GP he advised me to stop taking all the pills apart from the Tramadol and gave me Gabapentin again nothing helped, but he did refer me for an MRI and warned me it could be a few weeks for my appointment.

3 days later after driving everyone in my household mad, I persuaded my Father to drive my to Accident and emergency I was in so much pain.

On arrival at the hospital I was assessed and rushed straight through to the assessment area, I was given morphine and fluids and thoroughly examined and assessed the staff were amazing on that ward, I found I had lost sensation in my right leg from thigh to foot, I had lost sensation to want to pass water and with the pain and panic I was hyperventilating.

I was then moved to a surgical assessment ward, I was not told anything but as the morphine was not working I was given alternative medication, I was still in pain but sleepy, I was given an immediate MRI scan, taking 15 minutes, on my return to the ward I was told by one of the the consultants that nothing was showing on the MRI scan he was rude and dismissive and spoke about me as if I was not there, he asked a junior doctor to give me Diclafenic and send me home, I was distraught as I knew the pain I was experiencing must have a more serious origin than muscle spasms down to lower back pain, my experience of this hospital got worse, I was ignored by staff and I constantly cried, I had not emptied my bladder in 12 hours and the staff were fully aware I had no sensation in that area, I was moved to a further 2 wards and received virtually the same treatment, I was put on more drugs and due for release on the Wednesday morning still without any answers as to the cause of my major discomfort.

I was now on Pre-gabaline, oxi-codine(a controlled drug), Diazapam, paracetamols and Nefopam as you can probably imagine I was constantly sick and constipated to add to my pain, I was due to leave the hospital at 1pm at 4pm I was told they had got my prescription wrong and had to wait a further 5 hours before it was corrected and sent back from the pharmacy( in the same building might I add)

I eventually left that terrible place feeling sick, dizzy and having slight illucinations .I lost my appetite and more worrying my notice period for my previous employer was over I had not handed my company car back and was due to start my new fantastic job, I called both parties and explained my situation my old boss was extremely understanding but I still have loose ends to tie up, my new boss was a little sceptical but agreed a new start date at no cost to them, I am now approaching my new start date and have tried everything in my power to regain my movement as not to let my employer down, including 2 doctors appointments, 4 hospitals, 2 physio's and an Osteopath with acupuncture I was given a further MRI that my doctor had booked before my stay in hospital, I was offered the same hospital and quickly declined they then offered me an alternative last Saturday, I am pleased to say I am not a drama queen this MRI discovered a prolapsed disc L5 I saw my doctor on Monday and he gave me the advice to rest and only do core exercises, I am seeing my physio tomorrow to learn the best exercises for my problem, my GP was in disbelief at the amount of medication the terrible hospital gave me and advised me to only take the Pre-gabaline of which he increased the dose and he also upped my dosage on my Diazapam, I feel relieved someone finally believes me and also I am now able to sleep for at least 4 hours a night which was a change from 1 hour for the past 5 weeks.

Wish me luck I now have to call my pending employer to explain I have been signed off until the end of march with no exception, I will of course offer my services by phone where possible and have to wait to receive my lovely new company car still sat in the car park awaiting my arrival, just to add I have not had any money for the past month from either employers as I did not think it was the responsibility of either so I have had over a month of no money( not happy as we all have bills to pay)

Please don't be disheartened by my experience just let it be a reminder that your body tells you more than some of the so called specialists sometimes persist if you believe you have a problem without being fobbed off with medication and sciatica statements as this is a symptom not a cause.

Thanks for reading my very long post, I feel better for getting it all off my chest😅

Hi Everybody,

I have just found this site. I have just received my result of my MRI scan. A slipped Disc lying on nerve

endings. I have been having problems over 3 years. I did not know what to do with myself because the

pain in my right keg was so bad. I felt like I wanted to cut it off. I think some people did not believe me. If

they cannot see a cut blood pouring out then there is nothing wrong with you. When I was reading the

post that were written I could not believe that someone else was having the same problem. I had a BrainTumour removed 1 year ago. The Doctors ruled out that the problems with my leg was nothing to

do with the Brain. I was put on Hormone injections which I had to inject myself everyday. I stopped

the injections because I was putting on so much weight. Since my operation I have put on 2 1/2

stone. I am not a big eater and I watch what I eat. I am 57 and the older you get the harder it is to

shift the weight. I was quite happy with my weight before. I had it under control.

My MRI scan came through very quick and my Doctor got the result in 2 days and rang me

at home. I was on tender hooks, the last time the Doctor rang me at home it was to tell me I had a Brain

Tumour.. I lost my only child Rebecca at the age of 22 through a Brain Tumour.. My Doctor is very good.

I have to have physio now. I don't know if this will help. I have tried exercise. swimming. I have even

bought a foot massager. I will try anything to relieve the pain. When it is bad I cannot get any relief. I put my leg up on the wall. One leg in bed the other in the air. I also get terrible cramp which wakes me in

the night. I have a special pad that you put between your knees to relieve pressure, you name it I have

got it or tried it.

Well everyone, apart from telling you a bit about my life, have you any suggestions on ideas that I might

try, I am only too willing to give it ago. As you already know, you will try anything just for the relief.

Looking forward to any replies.

Thank you.

V

Hi Everyone,

I would just like to say I did not type my post the way it is shown above. It was put together correctly.

Hope you can understand it. Thank you. V.

Hi Veronica,

I am very sorry to hear about your tumour and the loss of your child, that in itself is a need to discuss things to ease the pain.

Since my last visit on this site I have been seeing an excellent Physio from Sheffield that has given me ome exercises to relax the surrounding muscles they are mild as not to push the disc out further, i have also purchased a Mc kenzie roll of which i put round my waist and slip with every night this seems to align my spine to give me some comfort.

The pain is still excruticiating at times but the strong medicaion helps but does make you woosy so i am still off work which is driving me in sane.

I wish you luck, just try everything i have.

i am due to have a epidural steroid injection next week to allow me to go back to work sooner, apparently if it works it only takes 3 day to take away the pain completely, you still have to be careful, but i will keep you posted on this site.

Regards

Michelle

Again, sorry for the formatting of this message and the spelling i was in a rush smile rolleyes

I, too, am suffering from sciatica, and slipped discs of L5/S1. I knew about the sciatic on May 28, about 7 weeks ago. Just this morning, my GP called with the results of last week's MRI, which shows the slipped discs. I have been in excruciating pain all of this time. Next week, I am scheduled to see a neurological surgeon. From the discussions I have read in this forum, I am not very hopeful...in fact, I am a bit fearful. I have been taking high dosage ibuprofen for weeks with minimal results. I am immobilized by the pain, and the nsaids (non steroidal anti inflammatory cause great constipation. I have been researching alternatives to nsaids for pain relief with all their side effects, so I am about to order some capsules called aminoactiv, which are supposedly natural pain relievers with no known toxins or side effects. Meanwhile, I'll keep the appointment with the neuro-surg, continue resting and moving whenever possible.

hi everyone I had slipped disc 3 and half years ago now. I have had 2 operations the last one been in jan 2013. Ive just had 5 sessions of acupuncture and it did relieve some of the stabbing pain I have in my hip. From the consultants report from the surgery the nerves have been badly flattened which has caused me no end of problems with my left leg. Numbness and slight pins and needles. Also when I sit down for more than 10 mins the base of my back is really painfull and when I try and stand it becomes really difficult to straighten myself up. I had a discussion with my consultant at Trafford who said due to scar tissue at the moment there was no point doing another MRI scan. This is frustration as I know its still not right. Small tasks are still very painful around the house. I used to be a gas fitter but I know as I am at the moment I can just about lift the kettle feeling strain on lower back sometimes I feel like im going to snap in half. My sleep in around 2-3 hours which is broken and I take omerprezol, gabberpentine, Arcoxia, dulaxitine Zormorph, paracetamol and adcal. I also have liquid morphine to use when pain becomes too much. I am scared that a third operation would be fatal as the last MRI should the disc pushing deep on the spinal chord. I have to weigh up weather to take the painkillers im on now for ever or have the surgery with no promise of success. I know the medication has affected my bladder function in terms of its a trickle now . You do get down too having to fight for benefit to survive on top of dealing with the pain

Hi everyone,

I have been reading posts after mine and I am shocked that none of you have had any relief from surgery, I had my surgery via the NHS at a private hospital in Sheffield luckily my doctor referred me to an amazing Neurology surgeon call Mathius Radatz he is a private surgeon from Thornberry Hospital, I had a first meeting with him after months of pain and on his assessment found I had a prolapsed disc he had a cancellation the next day so I was admitted that evening to prepare for surgery.

I am happy to say I was in surgery on the Tuesday I was walking by the Wednesday out of hospital on the Friday and back home, I had physio once a week and I returned to work after 5 weeks, I have no pain which is unbelievable after what I went through, I am able to do everything I did before with care and awareness I still cannot exercise only Pilates and yoga and my right foot is still a little weak, but I am back driving for 6 hours a day and wearing my heels.

Core exercises helped me support my back through the recovery and I still do them now to protect it, I no longer take medication at all.

My operation was the best thing to ever be offered me and I am so happy this is finally resolved, I hope that my experience has helped, and I have total sympathy for anyone suffering from the same it is horrendous and as previously said if you are not pouring with blood most people don't believe you.

Good luck everyone and speedy recovery.

Michelle

Hello fellow readers, again we are not alone on this subject with many people suffering excruciating pain With sciatica where we wouldn't put our worst enemy or pets through this torture and absurd waiting game.

Following a 6 week Pilates course and playing active tennis I hurt my back in Feb 2013. I had physio, acupuncture and ultrasound and then developed sciatica lasting between 1-2 weeks and reoccurring almost monthly. My last episode is the worst 'acute sciatica' where I cannot stand or sit longer than 10 seconds without screaming out in pain. The bum muscle, top of leg, back of knee, calf muscle and ankle area go into tight spasms ie the whole of the nerve and the only way to avoid pain is to lay completely flat with a cushion to support where necessary. My breathing and blood pressure appear to go through the roof like little panic attacks until the pain and muscle disperses; leaving me exhausted and in tears.

My GP referred me straight away for an MRI through the NHS and an appointment came through in 3 weeks to see an orthopaedic consultant which I would not have been able to attend without Diazepam which did not help but it got the hospital and consultant concerned with the constant pain and tears and turning up in a wheelchair (aged 45). Unfortunately I was informed an MRI scan would take some time and when I rang to enquire about going privately the response about waiting times was the same.

The meds I am taking which take the edge off this is codeine, diazepam, gabapentin and naproxen.

I had no choice but to go private at The Spire Hospital who as you would expect we're very accommodating. I telephoned on the Friday, had the scan Tuesday afternoon and met the consultant Wednesday evening who confirmed a prolapsed disc in my lower back and the various options I could consider together with the possible side affects. I am booked in tomorrow evening (Friday) for an epidural cortisone injection with ex ray to ensure the exact spot is injected and to return to see the consultant in 2weeks. all self funded and less than £1,800 so I can return to work as soon as possible as I am still in my probationary period of employment. If this works which I very much hope it does will be money well spent. If it doesn't then I will need to spend approx £5000 for an operation to remove the damaged disc.

Fingers crossed and best wishes to everyone going through similar conditions.

Hi all, just found this site and everyone has my deepest sympathy. I can't believe the lack of treatment and knowledge by some of the medical professionals.

I've had a prolapsed disc for approx 5 years now and had 2 injections over that time. The last one being Feb 2012 and I have now been suffering again for the last 10 weeks after bending to put my trainers on!!

Waiting for another MRI to see if the disc has degenerated further and if surgery is now the way forward. GP prescribed meds are not touching it at the moment and I'm averaging 2 hours sleep per night. Luckily work are understanding and have given me time to get myself right.

I've read mixed reports on the success of surgery and as its spinal, the worry is enormous. Luckily, never had an operation before, but I think that's making me even more nervous!! But I really can't continue as I am now. I'm 40, with two kids, play tennis and coach a kids football team, and I really can't think of not being able to participate in any of this because of my disc issue or more importantly my worry over the op vs another injection.

Hi all glad I found this site and also to see at least one positive experience of the discectomy op Have had my pain for 19 months now and only got an mri in February saw the neuro who asked doc to refer me for physio and injection locally and then operation if pain worse

My pain is now worse and now nearly 7 months of diagnosis still have not even had injection or any pain relief. and its 3-4 months wait for an injection. am thinking of asking now to have the operation as the pain is getting worse and I get pins and needles and numbness in my leg too.

My friend said under nhs charter you should get some treatment by 18 weeks of referral, and my referral was the start of March ? is this right and how can I get things brought forward

many thanks

sue

Just joined this site as I too am suffering from Sciatica and wanted to find out how fellow sufferers were

coping,also as a tennis player and keen on keeping fit,how do people cope without doing any exercise.

Please can anyone advise on anything that I can do to tone my now getting flabby body.

I have had an MRI scan which shows up the various parts of the spine which have now deteriorated and

the disc which is pressing on the nerves,so together with that and arthritic spinal cord together with wear

and tear,the advice from my very good doctor is"It will go eventually"Meanwhile I had a holiday booked to

Cuba,10hour flight which I came off crying with the pain despite taking every pain killer going.The holiday

was not looking good.On the holiday site in Valadera the rep recommended the on site doctor,everyone

in Cuba seems to have sciatica,she was brilliant,I had an injection four days running in the buttocks of

Dioxaflex,Betametasona,Diclofenac,and vitamin B12 all combined.

For the journey home she gave me the above injections in pill form together with 500mg of Metocarbamolwhich I have to take twice every 11 hours.

I also have from my own doctor Omeprazole 20mg to protect the stomach which is very important with all

the pain killers that I have been taking.

The above pills that I have mentioned from Cuba are for relaxing and anti-inflammatory pain so beware

the pain goes but it is only masking the symptoms so still take it easy.

I am seeing a consultant early January but hopefully i will not need him.

I will be going back to my own doctor for more of the above pills if they are available in England.

Hope this has helped some of you,and please advise on some exercises that will prevent me getting

flabby.

Hope you all get better very soon as it is a very depleting illness and insist on MRI scans ASAP

Hi V,

I see your post was over a year ago, but I was just wondering how the pain in your foot is? It was so interesting to read you message, as I could have written it myself. Comments you made like wanting to cut off your foot, putting your foot up a wall, Cramps in the night are all the things i am going through.

Would be very keen to hear an update.

C

It's really comforting to know there are others out there suffering with the same illness. I have been suffering from chronic back pain for 11 years. It started when I was 13 years old. I am now 24 and I got my first mri a few weeks ago and I have 3 bulging discs, one of which has pinched the nerve going down my leg and I have lost sensation down my leg and in my last three toes, I feel I need the loo all the time and I can't sit without going numb in between my legs. The pain is out of this world. I hate that I wake up in the morning. I have been told that the waiting list to see the surgeon is months as I have a medical card and my health insurance won't cover it as it's a pre-existing condition.

To make things worse, I'm doing a PhD, and I have been unable to go to work for the last two months. My funding will be cut. I worked so hard to get to this stage in my career and its all going down the drain because my doctor thinks it will just disappear by dumping loads of valium and codeine into me.  It's not just the physical pain, it's the psychological pain, the frustration of having to fight for treatment and the lack of hope you can sometimes feel. 

Does anyone have any tips on how to get your doctor to take it seriously???

Also, will the surgery cause more scar tissue and pain? 

Frightened! :'(