In Agony With Back- Please Help!

[Scarlett]

Yesterday I had to sit for longer than I can with my bad back (facet joint inflamation and slipped discs). Today I am in absolute agony. Lying down doesn't hurt but I can't move- stand, or sit. It's the most pain I've known. I have had 2 paracetamol, 2 co-codamol, 2 ibuprofen and finally tried CBD gel capsule. None have done anything. I am looking at the diazepam and don't want to take it but I feel I need to do something. i can't even get to the toilet. The pain seems to be getting worse. I know "keep pottering" was the advice, but I simply can't move. Any advice gratefully received!

[anneasquith]

Oh my, you seem to be in dreadful pain despite a concoction of medication.,would you consider a visit to " out of hours service" or contact 101 ?

[jourdain2]

Horrible pain for you. You can't take any more pills. Understand the pain (I've a very bad back). Heat helps - have you a hottie you can use? Otherwise try stretching by bending forwards and arching your spine - I know, it will hurt. Are you on your own? If so, I think I would be ringing for a 1st Responder if the heat and stretch does not help a bit. You poor soul! Pillow or cushion under the knees to lie down also sometimes helps.

[jackthehat]

Acupuncture.
The short-term relief is blissful. It doesn't address the 'mechanical' problem but helps you to live your life again....

I appreciate it might not be a solution for 'now', but I urge you to consider it for the future.

[Scarlett]

I phoned 111 who told me to take 2 diazepam and 2 co codamol in 2 hours time. I don't hold out much hope but willing to try.

[jourdain2]

My doctor gave me a course of acupuncture, which did (to my surprise) help a lot. That, plus massage, plus occasional visit to osteopath keep me going. Neuro-surgeon I've been to see advises me to avoid fusion op. as long as humanly possible - and I admit that it sounds dreadful, but my back is bad enough for him to do it. He has recommended swimming (which I hate - but I'm going twice a week). Scarlett sounds critical, however, and in need of immediate relief. Once this is past, S., try the other ideas. :)

[jourdain2]

Scarlett - can you get a back massage booked for tomorrow?

[Scarlett]

I can't get to the loo so as much as I'd love to, I wouldn't be able to get down the stairs I don't think.

[jourdain2]

Oh gosh! Bad, been there. It's a hands and knees job isn't it (if you can do it). Do you have access to a phone? If so I would be thinking about ringing 999 - but ask for 1st responder (they are the ones in the cars) who may be able to help or advise. I was told to do that when Mr J2 fell downstairs recently and was very bloody, bruised and with a broken rib (as it turned out). Have you anything you can wee into? Get inventive - plastic bag? Sorry can't help too much there, don't know what you've got. Seriously, telephone if you can.

Thought - you are on-line, can you alert some help that way?

[Mamyalynne]

After following the advice they've given you, if this crisis doesn't ease at all by tomorrow you'll have to get some help.
You can't stay trapped in one room.

[Smowball]

Oh no you poor thing! Been there many a time, am almost wincing now just thinking of the pain. Do you have any anti inflammatories??

[sunny-dave]

Diazepam and co-codamol later is a good call - worked for me in the past. The diazepam relaxes everything (& you may even get some sleep) whilst the co-codamol is anti-inflammatory and pain relief.

Good luck

Dave x

[andres]

perhaps ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) alternated with hot water bottle might help.

[Scarlett]

I've now taken the 2 x 2mg diazepam which was an hour and a half ago, and it has made no difference. Still cried trying to get to the loo. No way can I sit there long enough to do a no.2! How long should it take for Diazepam to do something?

[sunny-dave]

Depends on the strength and how used you are to them - for me it took about 45 minutes to kick in and then the effect increased until it peaked at about 2hrs - 4hrs and then tapered back down - but by then I was usually asleep.

[sunny-dave]

4mg is a reasonable dose I think (I had 5mg, but am a fairly solidly built bloke).

[anneasquith]

Scarlett, I'm not a Dr, but maybe time to get medical assistance .

[sunny-dave]

I would agree - if you can't get some sleep tonight & it's no better tomorrow morning then you need some help.

[Scarlett]

The co codamol is 8mg/500mg. Just taken that half an hour ago. I've had a urine infection and apparently back pain can be caused by that?! Seems unlikely as I completed the 3 day course of antibiotics, although it still feels like it's there a bit.