Sciatica.

[Jemisa]

I've been in agony the last few days, it all started with a dull pain in my right buttock then the pain became more intense & now its like someone is prodding me there with a red hot poker. Now it is traveling down my right leg, my knee and my shin are on fire.
I've been taking Paracetamols like Smarties, It will not let me sleep, at night it is far worse. I've got an appt to see my GP tomorrow.
Being as I'm on quite a bit of medication for other probs I don't want to buy over the counter stuff in case of a reaction.

Now I know this is Sciatica because 20 years ago I had it on my left side. I
think this complaint is one of the most painful ever. Has anyone got any idea's how to relieve the pain? How did you cope when you were suffering?

jem

[karenmac60]

Hi Jem, I had it a few weeks ago. Until you get to the docs, there's not really much you can do. Can you take ibuprofen?. I think they might help more than paracetamol. Also, I found having a bath helped a bit - for a while anyway. The dr gave me much higher strength co codamol, ibuprofen, low dose amitryptaline and diazepam, but it still hurt like mad. The only benefit was that all that stuff knocked me out so I wasn't as aware of the pain! I hope you get it sorted, it's horrible.

[joggerjayne]

I don't have a clever remedy, but I just want to say you have my sympathy, and I hope the mean pain goes away and leaves you alone.

x

[LoftyLottie]

Ibuprufon and paracetamol can be taken together. Ibuprufen will take any swelling down. Also a cold pack on your bum where the pain radiates from. A pack of frozen peas will do, wrapped in a tea towel. Apply for ten minutes.

[LoftyLottie]

Ten minutes that is every couple of hours or so.

Horrible thing sciatica which I have had a problem with for years on and off.
Physio can be very helpful, as I found out. I also had ultra sound treatment which worked a treat (done by the physio).

[ladybirder]

I don't think there is much can be done about it except to manage the pain. My sympathies as I had it many years ago but it did just go away in the end.

[Jemisa]

I think I'd rather give birth Karen. I'm not sure what I can take because of all the other medication I take, I've only got to wait to tomorrow but its going to be a long day & night.
I'm going to the Theatre tonight, will my leg let me down? (I ask myself)

JEM

[vodkancoke]

I get this quite a lot Jemisa. My doc sent me for physio and accupuncture which certainly relieved it. He also gave me co-codomol but they tend to send me a bit loopy! lol

[Jemisa]

A pack of frozen peas eh! Lofty, I think I'll give that a try. Shall I take a pack to the theatre tonight.
We don't have a bath but I do find letting hot water in the shower does help.
Perhaps I should try a hot-water-bottle & peas alternately.
Thankyou all for your interest, luv U all.♥

jem

[LoftyLottie]

Jem, I certainly wouldn't recommend going to the theatre. Sitting in one position will be excrutiatingly painful I can assure you and make things worse. I don't even know how you can consider it with so much pain.

[ummmm]

Sounds mad but, my aunt went to a crystal healer. She swears it worked.

[LoftyLottie]

Cold pack will take down inflammation, hot pack will help to relax muscles so good idea to alternative, although in the early stages the cold pack will do more good and it does numb the pain. Make sure you mark the pack and don't eat after using as a cold pack though!!

[LoftyLottie]

good idea to alternate!!!

[Jemisa]

Lofty, I know what you mean but I don't wan't to let my G/children down, I bought these tickets weeks ago and they're all exited about going. on the phone this morning they were all exited. If you're a Nan you'll know what I mean. I think I'll just have to grin & bare it.

Ummmm, I'll see what the doc has to say but if there's no great improvement I'll be trying everything. Thanks.

jem

[sandyRoe]

You might get some temporary relief from the pain if you lie on your back on the floor and rest the backs of your lower legs on a chair.
I've had sciatica and know it can make life a misery.

[LoftyLottie]

Rather you than me Jem. Is there someone else who could take them. I went to see a show when I had a mild touch of sciatica and ended up in extreme pain. What was so awkward though was that I had to keep getting up out of my seat and disturbing everybody. I ended up standing at the back of the theatre almost in tears because of the pain.

No, I'm not a grandmother!! I doubt I ever will be.

[LoftyLottie]

Jem, forgot to say. Whatever you do, don't bend and lift heavy things!!

"For severe sciatica the initial treatment is rest. This should be on a firm mattress or on the floor. Sitting or lying in the bath should be avoided as this will make the pain worse. Complete rest will be advised for the first few days followed by very short periods of moving around, with avoidance of any bending or lifting. "

[karenmac60]

Lofty, my doc told me to keep mobile - as long as I didn't overdo things. She said staying inactive would only make things worse.

[LoftyLottie]

I think you are right Karen, but I think rest for the first couple of days does help when it first happens.

To be honest, there was no way I could have been mobile on a couple of occasions!!

But sitting for long periods is the worse thing - all that pressure on the area which triggers it off. I just don't know how Jem will manage to sit in a theatre for any length of time.