My new normal

[challny]

I guess it's been about a month now with this sciatica that I've written about before. I don't have much new to say, but when you are awake all night every night there is not much more to do than write a few words; it helps pass the long hours. I've been to the doctor and he's thrown just about everything he can at this problem. He's given me gabapentin, hydrocodone, ibuprofen and two injections. They took x-rays, which showed I had sciatica, which I knew when I walked in the door. The deal is that supposedly this will go away on its own. It almost always does, they say. And I admit that has been the case with me in the past as well. But I'm beginning to have my doubts this time. I have almost forgotten that I have COPD. My new enemy is this vile pain that has invaded my body and refuses to leave. Oh, well, just another cross to bear. I know many of you suffer mightily too. I hope that I don't get kicked off the site for complaining too much and too often.

[HungryHufflepuff]

You complain all you want if it helps a little. I’m sorry to know that nothing your doctor’s done has really helped. I don’t suppose your doctor could even give any indication of when it might go away on its own. Hopefully that will be soon 🤞

[judes]

You have my sympathy sciatica is horrendous complain and moan all you like makes you feel better.

The pain will ease eventually, I have personally found meds take the edge off to make it bearable, and have good days and not so good days. Let’s hope it eases soon.

J

[sassy59]

You won’t get kicked off for speaking about your terrible pain challny. It usually takes around 6-8 weeks for sciatica to improve so......

It’s the worse kind of pain because it’s so relentless.

I wish your doctor could have done more but it’s so difficult to treat. I remember seeing an osteopath when I had sciatica and that helped but it’s not for everyone.

Wishing you well. Xxxxxx

[challny in reply to sassy59]

Hello, sassy59 .....Six to eight weeks means I've got a couple of weeks to go. What exactly does an osteopath do? My GP might be setting me up to see a specialist, but I'm not sure. I wouldn't know who you would see or what they could do. Neurologist? Orthopedic? We had an older neighbor over for Easter dinner and she said she was given epidural injections for sciatica some years back.

[sassy59 in reply to challny]

Osteopaths and chiropractors do manipulation to find out if the back is out of alignment and to re-align things. See what your GP has to say maybe. Take care xxxxx

[Ergendl in reply to challny]

My osteopath also gave me stretching exercises which help build up muscle and reduce pain. Try taking magnesium supplements too.

[Mooka in reply to challny]

Hi challny

I was referred to pain management for my sciatica. I have had epidural in my back by the pain management doctor. Worked for about a week. You really need an mri to see what is causing the sciatica. Doctors are reluctant to send you for these due to the cost. Throwing pills at you is the cheapest option. Through the pain management doc I have been referred to pain management physio and she referred me for hydrotherapy. I hope yours clears soon. If not you will have to persevere with your gp until he does refer you on. Good luck x

[Lemon7]

Hope it improves soon for you.

[powderpuff]

Sciatica is so miserable challny so it’s not surprising you complain. I’ve had it in both legs for a number of years now, not all the time probably twice in the last 5 years it’s flared up. I had nerve conduction tests to confirm trapped nerves & get painkillers prescribed which aren’t that effective really. Hopefully the pain will break soon for you.

[challny in reply to powderpuff]

It's amazing how many people are afflicted with this. Every time I mention it, somebody replies, "Oh, I know what you're going through."

[Badbessie]

Sadly I also suffer from sciatica. I have had every test known from MRI to xray and basically I have been told there is nothing they can do. My spine, joints etc show severe degeneration with osteoarthritis. Like you I have injections, tried all the different medications, some of which caused more problems than the original problem. I have recently been diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome. My one day of hope is that I have been referred to a pain management team. I have had two assessment days and with just that I have managed to stop taking morphine. There are little things you can do that help such as pacing activities, learning how to breath and keep yourself moving through the pain. My full 8 week course starts in August. The first thing they tell you it is not a cure. All the course does is teach physical and psychological methods to manage pain. Perhaps if your pain persists you could see a pain specialist.

[Oshgosh]

If my sciatica flares up I go to see a sports physio,it’s expensive,but but it has worked for me every time. Hope your pain eases soon.

[Whitechinchilla]

Hi challny, if we can’t give vent to our feelings here in our “ safe place”

then there’s no hope left.

A new member recently posted she was having a “ wee winge” which I thought was hilarious. Better out than in challny. The up side is you have almost forgotten your COPD. That has to be worth something😂😂