Any experiences with sciatica?

[mommystieg]

DH is experiencing an extremely painful bout of sciatica He had a pretty mild case about a month ago but now he is in so much pain that he has not been able to sit, walk or stand comfortably for any lenght time all week. He received a steriod shot at the dr's office is taking steriods. Have any of you ever had any experience with this? We leave for WDW next week and I am really getting worried that he is going to be too miserable to have fun. Any advice, words of encouragement, prayers and pixie dust would be greatly appreciated Have a great Memorial Day weekend!!

 

[Jeafl]

Are you sure he doesn't have a slipped or ruptured disc? When I ruptured my disc I had severe pain down my hip, leg and even numbness in my foot. Has he had an MRI to determine the cause of the sciatica?

I was literally 14 hours away from spinal surgery when I decided to get a second opinion. The second doctor gave me a Medrol dose pack which is basically a bunch of steroid pills that you take on a certain schedule. This alleviated the pain in less than a day. I'll still have to eventually have the surgery but at least the pain went away (temporarily).

Good luck to your husband.

 

[annamonte]

Oh, boy can I relate!!!

I had two horrible episodes in one month!! First had bulging discs that were aggravated. I have had bulging discs all along, but something got them totally out of wack!!!

Anyway, it was really bad.... couldn't sit, stand, walk, dress... anything! DH took two days off from work to care for me and the family! He had to get the kids and me washed and dressed !!! I went to the chiropractor every day. Finally, after the 8th visit, I was able to function as a somewhat normal human being... well, normal for me!!

Two weeks ago, my sciatica started acting up!!! OH NO! The chiropractor helps alot... but, my left leg gets pain all the way down to my toes!

I can sympathize w/ your DH!! Moist heat has helped me! Has he ever tried the chiropractor, or physical therapy? Might be worth a try!

 

[newmousecateer]

I have definately been in DH's situation...I couldn't stand, sit, walk...I just didn't know what to do with myself. I was in so much pain my DH took me to the hospital.

I received a shot of pain killer and muscle relaxant. Was prescribed pain killers and muscle relaxants. Was advised to use heat on the lower back (no longer than 15 minutes at a time). Wait an hour, then alternate to ice.

I think it just comes down to him asking the doctor about pain killers and muscle relaxants.

Hope he feels better soon.

 

[mommystieg]

Originally posted by Jeafl
Are you sure he doesn't have a slipped or ruptured disc? When I ruptured my disc I had severe pain down my hip, leg and even numbness in my foot. Has he had an MRI to determine the cause of the sciatica?

I was literally 14 hours away from spinal surgery when I decided to get a second opinion. The second doctor gave me a Medrol dose pack which is basically a bunch of steroid pills that you take on a certain schedule. This alleviated the pain in less than a day. I'll still have to eventually have the surgery but at least the pain went away (temporarily).

Good luck to your husband.

The doctor ordered X-rays but we haven't heard from her yet. She said she would call immediately if they found something that required immediate attention. He is taking the Medrol dose pack but yesterday was his first full day so he hasn't really experienced much relief. I told him that maybe by day 2 or 3, they should start kicking in. He is just so miserable

 

[AZKathy]

He could have some inflammation in that area aggravating a nerve. Don't do heat. Do ICE! Ice helps decrease the inflammation. Here is a good recipe for a comfortable ice pack rather than just using crushed ice from the freezer. Put 1/4 part alcohol with 3/4 part water in a zip loc bag. Double bag the bag and put it in the freezer. In a little while, the ice becomes like a slushie which is more comfotable for laying on or leaning against. You can reuse the bag and refreeze it. It will get really hard, but just microwave it a bit and it (not long!) and it turns back into the slushie.

I have been having back problems for a long time now. This is what all my doctors tell me to do. Heat does make things feel better, but the ice works the best for reducing any inflammation. There will be inflammation from any injury, that is the body's reaction.

Good luck with being so close to to your trip! I am facing surgery and our trip is in November, so I can certainly understand what you are feeling!