Removal of meds but no replacement or investigation

[gemmakin]

Last year I was told I had sciatica and a slipped disc after a five hour train journey and being on the 2nd floor of a hotel with a broken elevator. I tried co codamol which didn't help so then tramadol which really helped. I don't know why it wasn't investigated further. Recently I moved areas and the new gp said tramadol is addictive so it's been removed from my prescription. I asked what we will do instead but the gp said the pain will magically disappear and that a scan won't be necessary. What I believe is that once the tramadol ends the pain will return to how it was before where I couldn't lie or sit down. I can't change surgery as they all have a one mile radius thing and I've seen two GPs here so far. Do I have to see every doctor at the surgery and if they all refuse to refer me for a scan (re slipped disc) or give me anything for the pain, what will i do?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Sounds a very unpleasant situation to be.

However, this is a thyroid forum, which might not be the best place for you to have posted. Did you possibly miss your thyroid issues?

[gemmakin in reply to helvella]

I've only just joined and I don't know why it was put into the thyroid category

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to gemmakin]

Click on the link below (also available on the My hub menu) and choose whichever forums you wish.

healthunlocked.com/search/c...

You can join or leave forums/communities as you wish.

[humanbean in reply to gemmakin]

This is another useful link for seeing the communities available :

healthunlocked.com/communities

helvella

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

"but the gp said the pain will magically disappear and that a scan won't be necessary."

That makes me wonder if your GP goes to work on a unicorn!

As this is a Thyroid forum, I wonder if you have posted on the right forum. It sounds as though you may be better posting on a pain forum. Click on the square of 9 circles at the top of the page then click on "Find a Community" and search for "pain".

[Catfink]

You can self refer for physio, there’s just a form to fill in. You may ease your pain, and at least it’s another healthcare pro getting a look. Good luck with it!

[Djb20]

That sounds like absolute bs. I would admit a second opinion from a proper consultant, not another GP. You can get steroid epidural in your back for sciatica pain, sometimes it works. And the GP shouldn't stop your Tramadol if it works. That said I took Tramadol for six weeks for broken ribs. Trying to come off it was hell. I felt I had ants under my skin.

[Kavrili]

Not sure about the slipped disc, so cannot comment, however I suffered from very bad sciatica last year, after doing two years of masters degree and not being able to exercise plus other predisposition factors. I recall it got so bad I could hardly walk up stairs, I nearly cried each time. The more I rested in bed the worse it got. Had to have 12+ sessions with a physio via to get better, even after it was not healed 100%. My Physio told me I needed to do gentle exercises (Pilates is the best but I did yoga), and, most importantly, to move more - yes, through the pain. Months of this regime and nearly there. Must admit that with my office job, and sitting all day, if I do not get a chance to get up and move, the sciatica does come back (not half as bad as before), I cannot sit prolonged hours. I used to have a good aromatherapist years ago and know the massage can be very soothing. I did not take any special painkillers, a nice warm hot water does relax the muscles so helps the somewhat. Careful with the spine issue of course. Hope this helps a little, all the best, get a private healthcare if at all possible (mine is through my employer), GPs will only refer you for 1 session under the NHS, in my experience.

[Hidden]

Would the doctor agree to electrical studies/EMG/NCS? If your pain goes into your legs, that can be diagnostic. In the US, that plus an MRI are standard although certain aspects of a clinical exam are helpful in that regard such as straight leg raising.

[Treepie]

Try a sports injury physio privately or a osteopath or chiropracter.

[Ziburu]

I have a thyroid prob and previous slipped disc. Caused by wear and tear at 15!! That was my first bad back ache and Xray.

Better to follow an anti inflammatory diet than rely on meds as the side effects, which you cannot see, are likely to be more debilitating than your original back ache.

Drinking water will ‘reinflate’ what disc you have left. Also you might want to try hydro therapy exercise its good to get some stretch and space between your currently compacted discs.

But try an get yourself referred for hydro therapy first I recommend - or a pain clinic. Good luck

[KittyAO]

The only thing that got my back better was stopping the physio and going to an Osteopath who put my back into line by manipulation. You need to look at the underlying problem. I go for remedial massage and it is the only thing that keeps me going. Hope you get some relief soon. Painkillers mask that you could be moving your back where it doesnt want to go - advice from the specialist. Good luck

[Hidden]

If you go to a good Chiropraactor trained in the Bournemouth college they will send you for a free scan, mine did and got it sort out.

Why are you in the UK?

[Jeppy]

Good luck

Yes my physio for same worked a treat, worth the effort x

[Jeppy]

.....may find it on a respectable u -tube link to do in own home?

[Dyliss1]

I bought one if those sciaticure bands made a big difference to my pain without any drugs, but I am a bit concerned you were not offered steriods injections which would likely give you months pain free. Demand gp sends you to see physio and get them to recommend steriod jabs and scans. I've had sciatic pain for years so understand but you need to be firm with gp, they are probably trying to save money but thats not helping you.

[LAHs]

I gave myself sciatica by throwing my behind against a sticky door for a couple of weeks! First I went to a GP who gave me steroids, while this did work for a week it all came back when the steroids had finished and worn off. I hobbled around for crutches for a little while but then found that massage and soaking in one of our hot springs fixed it. It was not magical, it took about 6 weeks but it did go away without a trace. Some people said go to a chiropractor, I did, once, but I was not impressed. the masseuse who worked out of the same clinic was a wonder worker though, I was so grateful to her. Oh and the hot spring can be simulated by a hot bath with piles of Epsom salts in it.