Sciatica

[B00]

Is that how you spell it?

Anyhoo, my eldest daughter (23) has got this. She's currently on Morphine, Tramadol (sp?), Diazapan (again sp?) and also gobbling Paracetamols and Ibuprophin (ditto sp!).

She literally can't move without help. It took me half an hour yesterday to heave her upstairs just for a shower. This has been going on for nearly 2 weeks now. When can we reasonably expect to see an improvement? Should she also be receiving further help from her GP other than them chucking pills at her? Which frankly seem to doing nowt other than turning her into a space cadet?

[rowanwitch]

if the pills are not helping she probably needs a second opinion.. and staying on one level for a few days so she doesn't need to use the stairs would help.

[B00]

She's got a bed set up in the livingroom, so only needs to shuffle a few feet to get into beds. She's really struggling in the mornings, as she's stiffened up during the night and is totally unaware that she needs the loo, so im having to strip the bed every day- which is nice!

Thing is, i'd have thought we'd be seeing an improvement by now? And we aren't. Should she be getting physio? Do they come out to you? as she she as hell isn't capable of going to them!

[LazyGun]

You might find this link helpful boo

http://www.nhs.uk/con...ges/Introduction.aspx

[albaqwerty]

ooh ouch (mega ouch)
Had sciatica when I was expecting first son. I was advised to try to exercise the leg (obviously they didn't throw tablets at me) To stretch the leg was incredibly painful but gave me some relief for a few minutes. Then it came back again.
I do hope she gets better soon xx

[B00]

oh Jeeze LG....6 weeks minimum?

She tries every couple of hours to stand up Alba once a round of pills have kicked in, but as hard hearted as I am (i'd make a crap nurse!) even I can see she's struggling. Her legs start buckling and she's literally shaking with the pain. On a good moment ,she can hobble to the shower herself, but these are few and far between.

[daffy654]

Get her a TENS machine and place the pads on her lower back/hips. She won't get immediate relief but should notice a difference after a couple of hours.

[B00]

ok thanks guys- right, im off to do Nursey Boo for a bit, so will check up on any new replies i get later on.

Thanks xx

[jackthehat]

Poor big-mini-B00.....:o(

I had galloping sciatica which was dreadful but it was actually a symptom of my slipped-discs.

I note what you've said about her wetting the bed. I was told by the various medics I was seen by that any 'loss of bladder-control' ought to be reported as a matter of urgency. I appreciate that what she is experiencing may not be a 'loss of control' as you would picture it, but if she's not getting the *you need to go and empty your bladder* signals, there could be a greater problem with the nerve messages getting through.

Ring her GP with this bit of information and see what they advise.

[rowanwitch]

Agree could be a more serious nerve compression maybe assessment by a consultant neurologist is needed

[Sqad]

She needs an MRI scan.......depending upon the result........admitted to hospital for traction.

I would suggest contacting your GP with the suggestions mentioned.

[Groupie]

I had that recently, the quack gave me cocodamol which done the trick, if its any help he told me it goes as quick as it comes, which it did for me.
My sympathies to your daughter tho.

[LoftyLottie]

Sqad is right. You need to call a doctor in asap BOO.

I hope all is OK.

xxx

[LoftyLottie]

I have had sciatica on and off, BOO, and the last bad bout lasted for about six months. It was eventually helped by a physiotherapist on the NHS and with ultrasound, although it still twinges.

However, it was no way as bad as your daughters and I had complete bladder control. One of the first things doctors usually ask is whether you are having bladder or bowel problems. Please, please get the doctor in for her. Obviously the pills aren't having any effect.

[Wak]

If it does finally turn out to be Sciatica then you may find this to be of interest and help:-
http://www.backpain.com.au/instantrelief/

It can also explain quite a lot which some people are not aware of.

[gingejbee]

When I suffered with this (prior to two operations) it was impressed on me that I should inform GP of any bowel and/or bladder difficulties without delay.

[bednobs]

have to agree with the above - loss of bladder control/feeling in this situation is very serious, and could indicate spinal cord compression

[EvianBaby]

When I went to the doc about Sciatica last week (although thankfully mine is not a touch on how bad your daughters is) the very first question she asked was about bladder/bowel movements. As this is what everyone else has said I'm surprised her Doc didn't even mention it.

Hope she gets better soon.

[B00]

Hello, back again :)

She's told her doc about weeing herself in the mornings and he didn't seem all that concerned? oooo I dunno what to do now. The reason she's weeing herself first thing is because her hips downwards are that numb with sleeping, she's got no feeling there, so the inevitable happens.

She's a bit perkier today, able to shuffle upstairs for a shower and clean her teeth etc.

The physiotherapist is coming next week

[jackthehat]

I don't want to distress you, but..........

She's not numb with sleeping............she's numb because when she sleeps the nerves are compressing. It can lead to long-term damage if not addressed PDQ.

Hopefully, she'll continue to improve, but if she carries on with the weeing-thing, I think you may have to stamp a bit harder with her GP! :o)

[B00]

Yeah will do Jack, will see how she gets on over the weekend. Cheers xx