Sciatica Pain

[telcoguy]

Can anyone offer any suggestions, I have a herniated disk at L5-S1, it appears to be pinching my sciatic nerve.  Most of the pain (a great deal of it) when I get up from sitting or laying down is in my right buttock and down my right leg, usually stopping behind my knee, except when I sit for a period of time or sit on a really soft chair or sofa (you now the ones that you sink in when you sit down), then the pain goes all the way down to my foot.  I have seen an orthopedic surgeon, a neurosurgeon, and a neurologist, I have had 2 MRIs, 2 sets of ex-rays, a EMG? (needles in legs), and what I like to call the Taser test (OUCH).  the only thing they can tell me is "well lets try Physical Therapy"  The neurologist currently has me on neurotine and Percodan and although I get some relief, I don't like taking it because it makes me so tired (I am very sensitive to medication that may cause drowsiness).  Can anyone give me any suggestions to relieve some of the pain, or at least tell me its all in my head and there is nothing wrong...

[dmjames]

Sounds like Piriformis syndrome. Look it up online and see if it sounds like you. I have it and there is a surgery for this.
good luck
denise

[BrandyF]

Hi there,sorry to hear of your pain!! God knows that I "know" just exactly how severe the HELL of sciatica can become!!! Back in Sept. I was diagnosed with sciatica by a pain specialist,had 3 epidural lumbar injections on the 3rd week of them we got the results of my "mri" As I was crying & moaning in pain.....he said I had a dic herniation so extreme he had the neurosurgeon come straight to see me & gave me demeral shots while he admitted me straight into the hospital for surgery the next afternoon! Surgery went well.I had no pain at all in my legs for 2 months, when I began to have sciatic pain agin in my left leg, then over a couple of weeks...my right also! Well It took 2 months this time,only because my insurance would not pay 4 another mri yet, when they did.....I was in back surgery the next wk-which was last monday! This surgery was much more severe, & I( am in so much pain from it is living hell!!! I just hope this 1 works! Oh, I failed to mentioned that inbetween these 2 surgeries I had the same thing happen except in my neck, had cervical surgery to remove a disc so extreme...Had to have the disc space jacked back open to normal height & a metal cage w/4 screws!!  So, if anyone can tellu, I sure can..It is not in your head!!! Stick on those Dr's, & try any conservative treatment available before u get to "my stage"...where surgery is not an option what-so-ever!!!  I wish u the bst of luck!! Have no shame in asking 4 & taking all the pain meds they will give u!!!! Best Wishes, Brandy

[Poobah]

I had the same problem as you.  I spent 8 months in terrible pain until my neurosurgeon finally decided to get my into surgery and do a diskoctomy..  I now have a 1 inch scar and was up and on my feet immediately after the operation.  Of course I had to take it easy for the 1st month after the surgery, but it was worth it.  AND you will have to be careful with your back for the rest of your life.  Hernias do come back, as I am now experiencing after 4 yrs!
Most of the Dr's though, want you to try everything else before you do opt for surgery.  They think it should be the last choice.  I don't know why.  I was in so much pain that I couldn't even do excercises like they asked.  But thank God that I survived.  But since I am not in as much pain as I was before, I am going to try to do some light back exercises to strengthen my muscles and try to avoid surgery this time.  I don't think it is good to get into the habit.  Plus, I have seen a few horror stories on this forum!  LOL

I don't know what you can do for the pain, but I KNOW that this pain is not in your head.  It is the worst pain I EVER felt in my life!  At one point I thought it would be better to amputate my right leg because the pain was so bad.  I can't believe how desperate a person can get when they are hurting.

feeling for you......

[nuggetone]

I would be asking the Dr. If the MRI shows any extruded disc material.  It could be pressing on the nerve causing the pain.  This material can be surgically removed.  I sent you an invitaion to add you as a friend so we can send messages privately instead of posting them.  I have this problem and they are removing the extruded disc material which came from the herniated disc.  Let me know if I can help if nothing else to allow you to vent.  We all need to at times.  Good Luck.