sciatic

[twalla]

I had a MRI done and I have 2 disc bulges on my sciatic nerve particularly on the left side my left leg and foot goes numb all the time I cant stand or sit for too long. Can anyone relate?

[seano]

I had terrible sciatica in bothlegs (stabbing pain in the calf area). Pain medications didn't even begin to touch this type of pain! I was on large doses of virtually every  type of narcotic- morphine, fentanyl, oxycontin, etc... I finally had a fusion which did indeed solve the sciatica pain considerably. It didn't help the low back pain, but I considered the leg pain from the sciatica to be MUCH worse! I strongly recommend looking into surgery to rid yourself of the sciatica pain. I know it's horrible. I did alot of research and went to New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts for my surgeries. Even though I'm still disabled ( chronic low back pain, SSDI),  I cannot stress enough how much that hospital has helped me. I wish you all the best.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Twalla,

Welcome to our Pain Mangement Forum. Many of us can relate. I too suffer from chronic sciatic pain. I have SIJ Dysfunction that effects the sciatic nerve. There is not a treatment or surgery for my long time deteriorating condition. Sciatica is a daily part of my life and complex pain syndrome. So I can empathize with you.

I too cannot stand, sit or walk for any period of time. Driving is difficult and if it's for more than 10-15 minutes it will bring on a flare. I'll bet you also have pain when you drive beyond short distances.

What have you found to ease your pain? I use opiates also but find that unless I include rest and often heat they are not very effective. You've come to the right place for support and information. We will look forward to your activity in our community.

Peace,
Tuck

[opus88]

hi, I sure can relate...I've had the sciatica for at least 12 years..trying to remember back..
finally abt 6 yrs ago a doctor put me on a medication that was a God send..do you take meds for this?
the sciatica was under control with the meds but eventually however that was only treating the symtoms and not the under lying cause, an MRI 3 yrs ago dx'd DDD with herniated disks.
So my symtoms grew alot worse over the years until I had full blown neuropathy to my legs mainly the left..constant pain, the feeling of whole leg as hard as cement with a deep throbbing ache that cannot be reached.and yes the numbness...sitting or standing is the worst thing you can do as this further compresses the nerves that are impinged .
I needed to go on opiates this year, that helps only moderately.