This is the first time of trying this route. I broke my spine 3 years ago now and had major surgery. Fusion my L1 too 2 vertebrae up and down. Even though I'm so much better than I was I'm left with very different pain levels up and down my spine and right thigh.
Have and still on a cocktail of pain relief from Gabapentine to Tramadol.
Now I'm told I might have syatica ( sorry for some spelling ).
I'm looking for some advice or similar cases as im really at a loss.
Thank you in advance.
Hello stew25
You are very welcome here. Hopefully there will be some answers to your questions and usually someone around if you want a rant or just a chat.
Right - so what are you asking? Diagnosis? That is really your GP or paim xlinix's job. Advice on meds? Can give you an idea od what we all use but as we are all different it is very much trial and error.
Tell me what you'd like to know and see if I can help.
Pat x
Ooh talking? Yes god at that - it's the stoping bit I have difficulty with.
Are you a stew as in male? Broke your back? May I ask how? And you are still mobilr? Sounds like my David. Broke hos back 30 years ago whilst serving and been in chronic pain ever since.
Yes he too has ciatica - we can both not spell together! He has a lot more besides so yes - I can understand what you are saying.
Are you a member of the wonderful pain clinic?
Pat x
Hi Pat
Yes im stew as in male 
Yeah I broke my back sledging of all things flew off a 6 foot drop not knowing was they ( sober ) lol.
Yes I'm still mobile thank goodness. But still rely on my wife for more things than I should.
How long has David had Ciatica for?
And no I've never heard of that name before.
Stew
You sound brighter already! Are you in the UK?
He's suffered with ciatica about 30 yearshe tells me.
When was your accident? Can't rememeber if you said in yor pst?
Pat x
The Gabapentine is given for nuro pain and that should give relief for nerve damage, it will also suppress nerve pain, tingling etc in the sciatic nerve. Generally I have sciatica in my left left leg down to the side of the knee. Gabapentine is generally used as an antidepressant and the relief of nerve damage etc is a contraindication.
Most probably the nerves in the lumber area are possibly damaged and that would give problems down the sciatic nerve. If you need further information you could try NHS CHOICES on the internet, they will give more information. Of course on this site the members are all very good and can give encouragement and information on various treatments
I do not know if you have been trained on the use of a TENS or a pain pen, you can actually with training do nerve blocks ans that could help relieve the sensations you get down the sciatic nerve.
With some of the TENS machines you can use them as an EMF and that can actually tone muscle groups and assist in suppressing nerve damage pain
BOB
Hi BobThank you fit for been straight forward in you reply it has give me a better insight of. I honestly didnt think Ciatica can last aslong as this.
my pain clinic of offered a procedure were they stimulate the nerves with permanently placed metal rods with battery at end and remote control. I'm still exploring the idea and field for this.
Stewarr
I am Sussex, David North Yorkshire and we live in Scotland now." Some close friends in NE and get down whenever I can.
Bob always has excellent advice. He won't mind me saying - many of us used to think he was at least a Dr with his wealth of knowledge.
Glad to hear you are a member of the pain clinic - they may not always have the answers but they have a cuphoard full to try.
Rods sounds a bit like the spinal cord stimulation which has been discussed her. If it is something you are seriously considering you can always post a question here. But as with drugs - different folk have different experiences.
David has been pretty much on the same treatment for years with relative success. Few additional tweaks but now he has deteriorated to ssuch an extent nothing much is helping. Crisis they call it with too many flair ups. Deep depression has crept in and hard to know what to do.
Ahyway this is about you not him.
Tens is good as it uses the body's natural endorphins Spinal jags which do help the ciatica greatly.
x
Hi pat
I'm ok with ppl talking about themselves or own experience its all info for me.
I'm new too this way of life before my accident I was very active lifestyle and now active but painfull.
I also get the impression from personal ppl I know around me that they doubt the pain levels I have cause I still can do things one day and then be in real agony the next.
Its hard when you cant necessarily show whats wrong with yourself iff you understand what I mean. We have a 1 half year old girl aswell and its hard some days too even pick her up even though I try and not let it affect life. And its really annoying not working now for 3 year when im used to very hard manual labour work.
Stew
Words like I should and I used to are counterproductive. This is a new version of you and at the moment you are finding it unacceptable. Try to learn to take pride in what you can bear and what you CAN do. On the other hand, if your pain can be better managed, then you need to find out. Ask your doc for a referral to Pain Management and you will learn so much about pain. We Geordies are a hardy, stubborn lot. You will get on top of this.
Ye its just a big life shock really.
But it's life Stew, just not as we knew it! Best wishes. By the way, sciatica can sometimes be helped by anaesthetic injections. Ask your GP.
Yeah I've had the injection worked for about 3 weeks. Thinking of trying spine stimulation with metal rods. I need to have a panel meeting with them first.
Welcome Stew to the world of invisible chronic pain.
You look so well - I didn't realise - can you do so and so...all questions cp sufferes get on a dailt basis. Use a wheelchair one day cos of the pain, walk the next and watch the comments. It is hard and being pack anumals no one wants to be different and stand out. It shows your vulnerabilty.
Have the pain clinic taught you about pacing yourself? My soap box topic to those who know me! Pacing is the key to managing much of your pain. Tell me if you don't know - saves the ink to write of you do!
I have a friend whose husband has muscular dystrophy with 2 youg cjildren. To them Dady in a chair and unable to do anything is a way of life to them. Kids can be very resilient and learn quickly when it hurts you. David has a 6 yr old gretat niece and she will do anything for hi,. She understands even though we don't see her pften. Picks up his sticl if he drops it. Passes him thigs rather than him having to move. I am redundant!
Time to stir the animals.
x
See an Alexander Teacher. They will help with muscular coordination. Muscular coordination has a bearing on much pain you experience.
Hope this helps.
not sure I can help but I was supposed to have fusion opp. on my 1.2.3 vertebrae but was told they couldn`t do so because it was to close to the brain and also I have C.O.P.D(emphasima) forgive spelling this was 18 months ago and my quality of life has gone down hill fast my legs have a mind of there own my skin most days hurts if I lean against something or put one leg on top of other I am on oramorph (3times a day) gabapentin (3 ) and Zapain (4) times a day these make life livable but it would be so nice to at least awake one day with no pain at all, I managed to get this cocktail by talking to my doctor so maybe you need to talk to yours and see if you can find what works for you all .the best
I think you should consult with a professional spine surgeon or may be the pain is the result of of not doing proper rest after the surgery, so you should discuss all such issues with your physician.
Long term suffer of fibromyalgia 
Advice on long term chronic pain due to slipped discs 
Long term tramadol rules
CRPS how did this affect your life in the long term?
Pain. Why now and for so long.
