Fao Sqad - ? Piriformis Syndrome

[NoMercy]

Dear Sqad, I have been in varying levels of pain for the last 10 days or so, ranging from very uncomfortable to agonising pain where I can hardly move. The pain started in my left buttock and then spread to the right and is making walking very difficult and painful and, at worst, trying to turn over or sit up in bed produces shocking pain. I don't know how much more I can bear.

I have maxed out on Paracetamol and Ibuprofen / Lysine, which I'm not sure I should be doing in my current "condition".

Any advice gratefully received.

[Buenchico]

While you're waiting for Sqad, I'll remind you that you've got an expert available to advise you (when it comes to choosing the best painkillers during pregnancy) in almost any large supermarket. I refer, of course, to the pharmacist, who knows even more about drugs than doctors do. So why not have a word with a pharmacist, to see if he/she can give you something stronger than you've been taking (but which is still safe in pregnancy).

The NHS website says:
"Ideally, pregnant women shouldn't take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends and prescribes it.

It's best to tell your GP, pharmacist or health visitor about any medicines you're taking.

Paracetamol is recommended as an alternative to ease short-term pain or reduce a high temperature"
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Painkillers-ibuprofen/Pages/Introduction.aspx

The NHS website also has a video about exercises which might help you:
http://www.nhs.uk/video/Pages/sciatica-piriformis-syndrome.aspx

[NoMercy]

Because I'm presently in Iceland, Chris, where English speaking Pharmacists are few and far between. I'm flying to Boston, MA this evening.

Thanks for your reply, anyway.

[Sqad]

Sorry to hear about your problem NoM....difficult.
Could be pyriformis syndrome,could be ischiogluteal bursitis.....a medic needs to take a good history, but whichever it is, it will be a difficult time for you as you will be sitting and walking quite a lot.
Whatever your maternal status, relief of pain is of the utmost importance and the regime that you have chosen, Paracetamol/Ibuprofen is the regime of choice despite your "condition". Also if you can get Ibuprofen Gel then that will supplement the analgesics taken by mouth.
Many people suggest hot and cold around the pain area, but in my opinion that makes the pain worse, but you can try it.
I should reduce your "sight seeing" to a minimum and rest as much as possible. It couldn't have come at a worse time.
If the pain is not controlled by the method that i have suggested then see a doctor who may well give you a steroid injection into the affected area.

[NoMercy]

Thank you so much, Sqsd. I admit that an IM injection did cross my mind.