Post Christmas sciatica ☹️☹️

[weathervane]

Ive probably over done it over Christmas as i woke this morning with severe sciatica and i can barely walk or find a comfortable position. Luckily i had an appointment with the rheumy Nurse, she gave me a letter for gp to prescribe Etoricoxib 90mg . I have never taken these before ss i try to avoid anti inflammatories because of stomach but i am in severe pain so try anything as tramadol did not make any difference. Has anyone else used this and does it take long to take effect? I do have slipped disc and facet joint injections i had earlier in the year were great . Advice appreciated

[wsjkcj1]

Oh no WV, sorry to hear that. You were supposed to have a nice relaxing Holiday! I have not taken that medication but do you take herbs like Tumeric? I've taken it for a while now and it really does seem to help inflammation so I don't rely on Nsaids so much.

[weathervane in reply to wsjkcj1]

I am beyond worrying about side effects at the moment ☹️ Do you use powder tumeric , i use it quite s bit in cooking . How do you take it ??

[wsjkcj1 in reply to weathervane]

I take the pills daily and also use the herb cooking sometimes. Also take Ginger in pill form.

[weathervane in reply to wsjkcj1]

Thanks will start trying that 😀

[helixhelix]

I use etoricoxib/arcoxia and find it works just fine and quite quickly. But not used it for sciatic pain, just inflammation. For sciatica I find the best thing is stretches and walking. So hamstring and piriformis stretches as well as for the lower back -lots available on the net from reputable sites. It's foul, so sympathy.

[weathervane in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks helix , it has come on again very suddenly . I will have to wait so it to settle before i can do stretch’s as i can hardly move . I hope you got through Christmas ok yourself xx

[helixhelix in reply to weathervane]

Could you manage to pull your knee towards your body when lying in bed? Even just a tiny bit for 30 seconds a day can help faster recovery.

[weathervane in reply to helixhelix]

I have been lying like thst and it does give a bit of relief for a wee while, sitting on dinning chair at moment but will have to change again soon

[helixhelix in reply to weathervane]

Not surprised you can't last long on a chair! I find standing and lying down the most comfortable....anything in between was a problem. Which is so boring as so little you can do in those postions.

[weathervane in reply to helixhelix]

LOL , was at rheumy clinic this morning and I couldn’t sit so had to apologise and stand at receptionist disk as it was right height to lean on , im so annoyed as my back has been great since facet injections ☹️

[rabbits65 in reply to weathervane]

I feel very sorry for you, I know just how severe sciatica can be, try either a hot water bottle or perhaps an ice pack.. Combination of rest and stretching movement if you can.

[weathervane in reply to rabbits65]

Thanks rabbit , i have tried the heat and found it gives relief and comfort. The pain is really bad down side of calf at the moment like a bad nerve cramp.

[PFKAAde in reply to weathervane]

Can’t agree enough with helixhelix - stretches done (slowly and carefully at first) —>regularly <— the piriformis ones can be very helpful. If / when you get some relief then I can highly recommend strengthening your core muscles. As a fellow slipped disc (lost count but 8+ so far) sufferer this has given me my life back, to some degree.

Good luck.

[weathervane in reply to PFKAAde]

Thank you , I haven’t been able to do any stretches yet as i am having constant spasm and cramping down my leg when i move . I think i need to rest and let this settle as pain from it is severe still . I DO need to strengthen my core and get this under control as i am unable to move at moment and it can’t go on . Thanks for your support , everyone has been wonderful as im in a bad place at moment xxx

[PFKAAde in reply to weathervane]

Yes you have my total sympathy because sciatic pain really is the worst. Relentless is an appropriate adjective.

As difficult as it is to move, not doing so can be counterproductive. Sometimes it can be partially caused by muscles tightening up and going into spasm (particularly the piriformis) and getting them loosened up can be a big help. In my own case this wasn’t an overnight job unfortunately, it took a few weeks / months of regular stretches and gym work, but despite the state of my spine (and it is a state), I haven’t yet had a recurrence of sciatic pain.

I truly wish you all the best and here’s hoping next year is less painful for all!

[weathervane in reply to PFKAAde]

Just came downstairs to supervise dinner so moving about a bit

[Amy65]

Hi they are called arcoxia 90mg .the name u put is the cheaper brand I've been on them for years with caution can affect ur kidney readings hope they help amy

[Eiram50 in reply to Amy65]

My understanding is they’re exactly the same? One is the generous name but same thing?

I too take mg per Day ze

[weathervane]

Thanks Amy , i wont stay on them too long as stomach doesn’t tolerate them for too long . I took first one about 80 minutes ago and still very sore .

[Amy65]

No problem hope they help if not ask gp for gabapentin they are brill for pain I need left hip and right knee replaced pain is awful but find gabapentin work well for pain hope ur better soon amy

[weathervane in reply to Amy65]

Thanks Amy , i am already taking lyrica which I think is a bit similar?

[Amy65]

No problem hope it helps

[weathervane]

You are a help and support , so thank you 😊

[Eiram50]

Oops Apologies!

90 mg per day

[weathervane]

Ha ha , thought you meant that ! It has been a sleepless night for you too ?

[weathervane]

I have been down stairs since 6.30 , put 4 pillows behind me so could sit forward on sofa , only position of comfort. I watched the silliest chick flick ever , not my usual thing at all with four men in my house .

[Moleymum]

Hi I have taken etoricixib for a bad shoulder flare. It was gentler on my stomach but I’m convinced made me short of breath so I won’t take it now. If you are looking at a non-drug solution check out essentialsomatics.com/hanna... There are lots of videos on YouTube if you search Hanna Somatics. I found these pandiculations (natural stretches) were the only thing that helped a nasty case of lumbago several years ago. They are very gentle and you start to feel the benefit quite quickly.

[weathervane in reply to Moleymum]

Thanks for that link moley , the rheumy Nurse suggested etorcixib as she thought it would be gentler

[Suzy-P]

I have suffered with sciatica on and off for years both pre and post RD diagnosis. I go to a chiropractor for relief - treatment can be painful as it involves pressing on the sciatic nerve but have found it to work really well. You obviously need to find a practitioner who is able to do this and who comes recommended in your area. I have found it to be successful after one or at the most two treatments so it doesn’t cost a fortune. Hope you get some relief soon.

[weathervane in reply to Suzy-P]

Thanks suzy , this is the worst it has ever been , i have been troubled on and off for years .

[Mistypatches]

Hiya, hope you have found some relief? The only thing that helps me when my sciatica flares really badly is using a tens machine, or two and I have them on always.

[weathervane in reply to Mistypatches]

Hi misty, i have never used a tens machine , i might contact Physio about it next weekend , thanks for that suggestion. I hope you are pain free at the moment

[Marycullen]

I am sorry you are in such pain I have had back issues for many many years and have been going to a chiropractor for my sciatica. I do not have that problem anymore. It is great not having to get shots and pain medicine for my back.

[weathervane]

Thanks mary , it’s great your treatment has been successful , I think i might need another pain shot though ☹️

[dryan]

Whenever you have an acute attack it's important to take an anti-inflamatory. Take an antacid for stomach protection. Maalox is good or ask your MD for a prescription strength one. Anti-inflamatory meds have their place are often needed short term to deal with acute attacks, etc. This has been my experience. Best to you.

[weathervane in reply to dryan]

I am afraid i have done all that and im still in severe pain , this attack is dragging on . Sorry to be so negative but not in great form .

[dryan]

Sorry you are not getting relief. Wish I had a better idea. Guess you have to keep speaking with your MD and stressing how you need an alternative approach, keep hopeful.

[weathervane in reply to dryan]

Thanks dryan , i have tramadol but dont know if can take with other drugs so wil phone pharmacy tomorrow

[Neonkittie17]

I do hope this med works for your relief. I always get sciatica in the winter when it gets to freezing point. It goes all the way from hip to toes. I also get it sitting on unsupportive seats where you sink in (have been on one all yesterday when visiting 😐) and also car journeys of any distance (yesterday!!). Hope you feel better soon.

[weathervane in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thanks neonkittie , i think it was all the standing cooking over Christmas that did it this time ☹️

[Neonkittie17 in reply to weathervane]

Christmas can be very taxing on us. I feel wrecked! 😴 I enjoyed visiting people but it was very hectic all December to be honest. I have a padded stool in the kitchen to keep perching on whilst cooking as my hip and knee go bonkers if I am in there standing for ages. Hope you get back on track soon.

[weathervane in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thanks neon , for your thoughts. I dread Christmas sometimes as i know some part of the body will suffer !

[webar4780]

Hi weathervane,

Ouch!!! I'm so sorry to hear you are suffering from sciatica pain. The word sciatica makes me cringe! It brings back the memory of where my serious health issues began! So, yes, I know that pain!

Like yourself, I suffer recurring prolapse discs. So, back pain is a normal experience for me. The sciatica pain, was something else! I struggled for 6 weeks, then saw GP. I was given 8/500 codeine paracetamol. Didn't touch pain. GP gave me 30/500 strength, hoping physio refer appointment would soon come through. Pain got worse! I was given gabapentin to take additionally. I had very little sleep, couldn't lay, walk, sit..... excruciating pain continued. I eventually collapsed. Enough said! (The experience is documented HU).

WHAT I LEARNED, WHAT I WOULD DO, IF IT CAME BACK.

(Okay, none of the above intended to make you feel worse, I know your pain).

I would immediately pay for private physio. By the time I got my MRI (3prolapse discs) and physio appointment, I was beyond the point physiotherapist, could teach me movements. She used a machine on my back twice weekly, for a month. I just had to lay on my side. It was not a type of TENS machine, as she said no, it was to settle inflammation in my spinal cord. Whatever it was, it was wonderful. (Physiotherapists got me back to walking properly, but I had to go to physiotherapy rehab for a time too).

The other thing I would do, I would seriously request 2mg - 5mg dose of diazepam. I did do this, (requested 2mg), after I collapsed, because many years ago, my first episode prolapse discs, laid me flat on the lounge floor, for 5 days. GP visited, day one, I had urinated, (unbeknownst to me), he prescribed a high dose diazepam to relax my muscles, ease inflammation, get me much needed sleep, and keep me out of hospital! Lol. (It was Christmas period too!).

Interestingly, a good friend of mine, suffered sciatica the same weekend mine began. She didn't hesitate to get an ambulance (I probably would not, but I'm used to back problems). The point is, she was given morphine, slept like a baby, discharged home 4 hours later, pain free. To this day, we both agree, the body needed rest. Rest allowed her body to heal. Unfortunately, by the time I got diazepam, I'd had such little sleep, the damage was done!

I agree, with one reply here, NSAID's are fantastic in acute situations, unfortunately, I am allergic to them.

I have successfully received treatment from chiropractic service, for my back, in the past. My most recent chiropractor experience has caused more harm than good. I am currently suffering with tendonopathy in my shoulder.

Each of us, has to do what is best for ourselves.

I'm sorry such a long reply. I don't like to think you are suffering so badly. Maybe, some of my experience, may just help.

Wishing you a more comfortable New Year. X

[weathervane]

Thank you webar for your support it is wonderful when someone understands. I had a very bad night so i have taken emergency tramadol which has helped slightly. I will try to go back to consultant i saw before ( i have 4 slipped discs) , i pray I will see him soon as i cant get any relief. I hope your shoulder settles , i had decompression surgery on mine 9 years ago and it was a great success. Best wishes xx

[Mistypatches]

Hiya Weathervane

Just wondering how you are getting on and if you are finding any peace? Hopefully something has eased a bit and you are getting some respite.

[weathervane]

Got a phone call from hospital re cancellation for mri at 12.00 so sitting waiting for that now . I had been in A&E as gp had sent me there when got call , so might have to go back and join queue there after . Pain no better yet ☹️☹️

[Mistypatches]

Hiya Weathervane, was just wondering how you were getting on? How did the MRI go and how is the pain? Hope you are getting some relief and things a bit better for you.

[weathervane]

Thanks mistypatches 😀 had the MRI which was very painful lying on hard surface , it showed the disc had slipped more and was impinging on the nerve . The gp has increased the tramadol and lyrica which has helped a small bit but still getting bad spasms at night . Good news is i see a consultant tomorrow so will see how things go from that . How are things going with you ?