Sciatica.

[Jemisa]

I've been in agony the last few days, it all started with a dull pain in my right buttock then the pain became more intense & now its like someone is prodding me there with a red hot poker. Now it is traveling down my right leg, my knee and my shin are on fire.
I've been taking Paracetamols like Smarties, It will not let me sleep, at night it is far worse. I've got an appt to see my GP tomorrow.
Being as I'm on quite a bit of medication for other probs I don't want to buy over the counter stuff in case of a reaction.

Now I know this is Sciatica because 20 years ago I had it on my left side. I
think this complaint is one of the most painful ever. Has anyone got any idea's how to relieve the pain? How did you cope when you were suffering?

jem

[Jemisa]

Went to the theatre, thank god I had an aisle seat & I could stretch my leg out, I got a lift from door to door so no real walking.
The kids really did enjoy the show and I pretended to. Got app't at docs in one hour & counting.

jem

[birdie73]

I also suffer from sciatica & have an attack at the moment,I have been free of it for some time now but due to my husbands recent disability I am having to tackle things I haven't done in the past. I found previously that a regular dose of accupuncture helped me & almost cured the problem, I also use a tens machine which I find very helpful. The only thing I can take is paracetamols as I have a funny tummy!!!

[237SJ]

There`s something called the Sacro Wedgie that I`ve seen on tv in the States. I think you can get it on Amazon. It doesn`t work for everyone but it might be worth a try if you`re desperate. It stretches out the muscles at the sacrum apparently.

[Jemisa]

Doc has put me on Co-Codamol 500mg, 4 times a day. They do help but make me feel a bit wooly headed. Got to go back in 2 weeks and he will analyse the position again. I am thinking of accupuncture Birdie, , I've never had it before, where do they stick the needles? How many sessions does one need?
I'm sitting here on a pack of frozen peas and they do help to dull the pain.

jem

[LoftyLottie]

Jem, I am glad you survived the theatre!!

I can't take co-codomol at all. They make me hallucinate really badly.

Glad the frozen peas are helping.

Seriously, see a physiotherapist (ask your doc to refer you). A physio sorted me out with stretching exercises. The exercises help to relieve the trapped and irritated nerves. She also gave me some ultra sound treatment which worked wonderfully.

Best of luck!!

[ladyalex]

You might also consider going to an osteopath.
Check your Yellow Pages or ask around in your local area for one who is properly registered / recommended.

If you do go for acupuncture, they seem to put the needles into the most extraordinary places that bear no relationship to where the pain is at all. The needles only just puncture the skin and you can barely feel them when they stick them in.
Lots of people get a lot of help from them.
I do hope you can feel a bit better soon. :-((

[pips1]

Everything everyone has put on here I have tried and failed to get any relief from any of them, and spent a fortune to boot! Now, years later, I get relief from walking a lot and taking Gabapentin (prescription only) Good luck Jem x

[LoftyLottie]

Walking keeps it at bay for me now.

[SpikeyBush]

In 2008 I had two discs in my back let go. Was waiting four months to get it fixed. The painkillers left me feeling like I'd had three pints of Stella, and I couldn't stay on them otherwise I'd get hooked on them. So I went for physio and the chap there suggested acupuncture. It worked very well and meant that I retained my sanity until I went under the knife and had my back fixed.

[Jemisa]

Thankyou you lovely people for your sugestions, It does seem as though accupuncture comes out on top here. AfterI've seen the doc again in a couple of weeks I'll see what he comes up with, I'll ask about physio & accupuncture (can you get that on the NHS?) Meanwhile I'll carry on with the Co-codomol & see how it goes.
Going to bed now with a double dose. (Doc said) Night night & ThanQ.

jem

[LoftyLottie]

Night Night Jem.

I had physio on the national health at our doctor's practice. The Physio comes there twice a week. She was brilliant!!

Are you taking the peas to bed?

[emu777]

hi jem
there's nothing worse! you can try a heat or ice pack -whichever you tolerate best on your sciatic nerve/rt buttock, i think a hot water bottle or bath helps the best. can you not take an anti inflammatory like ibuprofen?
stretching can help ease out the pain...lying on your back draw your knees up to your chest and with your arms around your knees rock from side to side...this was shown to me by a physio and really helped

[Jemisa]

Lofty, LOL, Can you imagine what they'd be like in the morning (I could have 'em for breakfast tho couldn't I?).
I've got my electric blanket on low, the warmth helps me relax.

Night - night,

jem

[coccinelle]

What did it for me was visiting an osteopath but it has to be a good one so somebody who recommends one. Also, to relieve it make sure you're getting plenty of liquids, dehydration spirts sciatica and tennis elbow.

[Jemisa]

Thankyou 'Pink One' I have no pain in my back it is bad in my buttock. the doc pressed me there & I nearly hit him. Does an osteopath deal with buttocks?

jem

[birdie73]

Sorry Jemisa a little late in replying, you can get acupuncture on the NHS but this was of no help to me. I then went privately & she was wonderful, spent a while asking about medication taken & any other health problems before starting after that needles are put in several different places & a pulse check is taken. I started by having it twice a week, then once, followed by monthly sessions & when feeling good again a 6 monthly top up is good. It not only eases the pain but makes you feel good. Good Luck.

[Jemisa]

Thanks Birdie, I am definately considering it, when I go back to my GP in two weeks I'll quiz him on it. Otherwise how do I go about finding one?
On Line? I'm not feeling any better today but its early days yet I suppose.

jem

[birdie73]

Hi Jemisa my acupuncturist was working with our local chiropractor but then decided to move out on her own several miles away which makes it more difficult to get to her. I will seriously have to consider a more local one if my back does not improve but it's not that bad at the moment & I start pilates class for bad backs on the 2nd so will see if that helps. You should find one in your yellow pages or on the net. Good Luck.