Undiagnosed unremitting pain

[AnnLinds]

I have had what I can describe as ‘electric’ pain down both buttocks into my legs for over 2 months now. It was intermittent but is now constant and severe. Lying down is worst I can’t turn over or sit up without this severe pain. I also suffer from osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. My GP referred me to an orthopedic triage nurse specialist who was very rude, dismissed the whole thing but when I insisted said he would send me for an MRI but doubted whether it would fit in the scanner. It has been 3 weeks now and I have not heard anything. I am sole carer for my husband. I am not getting anywhere. I am now considering suicide as this pain is all encompassing and with my other pains life is now intolerable. I am only 60 but after being an empathetic caring nurse realise there is no one caring for me.

[oldtimer]

Sounds like a sciatic nerve root pain - have you had any physical therapy to help? I see an osteopath when mine flares up.

I also go to the swimming pool daily if I can get there - just for 20 - 30 minutes in the water to stretch and use the muscles.

But it is a horrible pain which drives everything else out of your head! Don't give up - it can improve!

[Katiecatweazel]

Ann, I have similar electric shocks and pain in one hip particularly in the morning. I was told I had gluteal tendinopathy and given exercises. It seems to be improving now. I also have giant cell arteritis. Do contact a physio via your GP and ask for an urgent referral, for the right exercises to do at each stage of your treatment, gentle at first.

[KittyJ]

As old timer said it could be sciatic nerve pain as it sounds like the pain I get from my back. Hopefully your appointment for an mri will come through soon, sadly there seems to be a long wait for anything nowadays, but you can self refer for physio whist you wait which could give you some relief. I hope you get sorted soon.

[Yogi-bear123]

I’ve been put on 20 mg of amitriptaline for sacral nerve pain and def helps...ask your gp. I saw a guy specialist in nerve pain. He prescribed 25 mg but start with 10 mg for a week but your gp will advise. Worse case for me if it for some reason doesn’t work he can then burn the nerve which would help for a year I think before it grows back. But they don’t take doing that lightly as is quite a traumatic procedure!! Good luck I’m sure with stretches with physio and some pain relief will get there.

[RAreyna]

If I don't stretch out my hips and glutes every day, I'm right where you are. It's excruciating. Google "piriformis syndrome" and you'll find info and stretches. I know it seems like stretching can't possibly help, but it saves me. I have to stretch to the point of pain, but your muscles eventually loosen and it becomes a matter of maintenance. Don't give up! You're not alone!