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Chronic Pain
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Posted 9/10/2013 2:56 PM (GMT -5)
Hi All!

Found this group & just joined.

I was having the symptom of sciatica (have had it in the past) but it always went away, not totally away but not where I needed to see my Dr.

I was shaving my legs a few days ago & the next day I woke up with sciatica again & thought oh well it will go away or be bearable but this time it is not happening.

My lower back is also burning & hurts.  I feel like I cannot fully bend over, & all I want to do is lay down with my legs up.  I am iceing my back & I have been taking Motrin, nothing seems to be helping this time.  My legs also feel weak.

I did call my Dr. & I have a appointment for the 24th of this month.

I don't know what to expect from my Dr.s appointment.......will she send me to go get a MRI ???

 

Posted 9/10/2013 3:36 PM (GMT -5)
Hello Raven and welcome to HW. I also have sciatica so am very aware of the pain.

Its anybody's guess as to why it comes and goes and sometimes stays around. Im guessing that whatever position you took to shave your legs caused something to occur as that's a point of contention with me, stand and bend, sit and pull my leg up? No really best way to shave with spine and knee issues.

I prefer heat to cold for my sciatica pain but that's an individual preference. Whatever works for you.

Yes an MRI will likely be needed especially if you've not had one or its been awhile.

As for the weakness in your legs that's more concerning, is it like a numbness kind of weakness? Or just like you get when you run to far? Are you having any loss of bladder or bowel function? If so I wouldn't wait until the 24 the even if you have to make a trip to the ER.

Did you explain your reason for wanting an appointment in detail? You can always call and ask if there's any cancellation to please call you for an earlier day.

Others will be along to welcome you and add their advice.
Posted 9/10/2013 4:02 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome to HW.An MRI is the only way to really see what's going on with your lower back,legs.Sorry you're having these problems.

Have a good day,
Rick
Posted 9/10/2013 4:17 PM (GMT -5)
Hi

My Dr. is on vacation so she won't be back until the 24th.

Its more like a tingling sensation down my legs.

No loss of bladder functions.

Yes, that's what I was hoping, my Dr. sends me to go for a MRI

My Dr.s husband is a PM Dr. 

Thanks for the replies

Posted 9/10/2013 5:04 PM (GMT -5)
Shaving my legs is rough on me too. It's entirely possible you pinched or trapped a nerve, that's what it sounds like from your description.

Sometimes the pinch/entrapment is slight and you end up resolving it quickly and unknowingly just by some movement or action (kinda the same way it happens in the first place)

And other times it's a bit more severe and things start to get inflamed and aggravated. It could very possibly still resolve on it's own (without you TRYING to fix it).

If not, then medications such as muscle relaxers or an anti-inflammatory could be helpful. I've had a few cases of my own where physical therapy was recommended and a few of the exercises they gave me really helped.

Hopefully the MRI sheds some light on the issue and you get to feeling better really soon.

Welcome to HW :)
Posted 9/10/2013 7:14 PM (GMT -5)
hi raven and welcome. i'm also new here and and have issues with my back. an mri was one of the first
tests had done. hopefully they will be able to see whats causing your pains and get ya going again..
oh, because of the nerve issues they also ordered a emg. which did indicate some nerve damage.
best of luck to you.
Posted 9/10/2013 8:24 PM (GMT -5)
Raven. Welcome !!

Had THAT pain several times & it takes my breathe away..sorry you are having this.. not sure I could wait that long myself.

One such episode, my orthopedic was out of work for several weeks due to death in his family but, bless his heart, my regular dr had experienced sciatic pain himself &, since I had brought paperwork from my orthopedic (MRI reports, list of scrips, etc), he gave me scrips for muscle relaxers, pain med as well as shorten workday notes..

Saved my sanity & my work record!

I agree with the info others have posted..

Prayers
Posted 9/10/2013 10:49 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome Raven. I have a terrible back, had 6 cervical injections today. I am so sorry you are having such pain.

By the 24th your pain will be gone if you continue to do as you are. Your doc may want an MRI. This kind of pain comes from weakness in lots of different places. Im 62, my back went out in 1977, and has continued to do so at least once a year since then.

Mine usually does so either right before I am gona have a bunch of overnite guests who I cant stand. I am serious as a heartattack. I let my husband and guests eat out someplace nice, with out me. I am in bed with my legs propped up. They will all parade by the bed to tell me what I missed. I know what I missed for sure.

Next morning my hubby is heading out to work and I will visit with them as best I can. Thank goodness for all my great pain meds. I study in my mind why i dont like company. I get the same answer all the time. I am a for real recluse. I have a short list of my dear family, and thats it. My husband has caught on to the recluse thing so its perfect.

I hope your doc can get to you before the 24th. You will probably have an mri, probably with dye. A good brace helps. I found that dark chocolate helps too. I am so sorry you are laid up. Have you tried Doans? It still exists way down low on the low shelves. I used them a lot 40 years so, now I have more expensive dope, but Doans does help some people even now.

I hope you get some rest and sleep....Regards..Cathy
Posted 9/11/2013 12:23 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Raven99 and Welcome to Healing Well Chronic Pain Forum! Sciatica can be extremely painful, I have problems with it myself. Mine also comes and goes but I also take pain meds to control it. Sounds like you need an MRI to find out what is going on, as was previously mentioned, the weakness in your legs is of concern, can you  move your legs and feet normally, no foot drop or anything?  If you leg gives out on you or you find walking difficult, I would recommend going to the ER right away.  Also as was mentioned any loss of bladder function, or any thing like that, also go to the ER. Sciatica is often caused by nerve root impingement in the lumbar area of the spine, it can be painful and in some cases it can cause major problems, so it is not something to just pass off lightly!

The 24th is a long way to wait, so please take it easy and try not to do anything that will cause you more pain, i.e. lifting anything heavy  or bending over. Hopefully your doctor will run the test needed to find out what is going on, and can give you some relief!

Good Luck to you! and again Welcome to the Forum

White Beard

Posted 9/11/2013 8:43 AM (GMT -5)
Hi neuropathy10

I was suppose to have guest this weekend & I canceled with them because I can't entertain them so I know what you are talking about.

No I never tried Doan's pills, I think CVS may have them.

My Dr. is on vacation so that's why I can't get in to see her sooner.  Wish I could just pass on going to her & go directly to a PM Dr. but I am not sure if I can do that.

Thanks for your reply!

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