Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.
Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.
You have a history of sciatica with failed back surgeries. Most people will not require surgery. If you develop muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, loss of sensation, particularly in the pelvis and severe and progressive pain, you will need to be re-evaluated again urgently. However, treatment for these types of pains includes medications (non-steroidals such as advil, neuropathic pain meds, such as the pregabalin you are taking), sometimes steroids if there is swelling (edema), temperature therapy (hot or cold packs), stretching and controlled physical therapy, muscle relaxants, and so on. All of the treatment options are best prescribed by an experienced physician since each has its own indication.
One means of assessing the sciatic nerve is with a test called an EMG/NCS, which assesses how fast the nerve conducts electricity and how the muscle responds. This type of test is done by neurologists in most centers. It would be best for you to discuss surgical and non-surgical options with your physician.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.
Thank-you for the info. I so understand it is hard to figure out what is wrong, but I would like to know what causes the stiffness in the thigh and the severe shooting pain. I am just looking to other avenues to check out. Could this pain be caused by my back? Could the stiffness come from muscle damage…ect. Also, my right thigh on the outside is numb. The leg pain, stiffness and numbness all started after the surgery. I had injections in the scar (hip surgery) the doctor told me I had a lot of scar tissue from the hip surgery. Any ideas????