Pain from ruptured discs - a hard time dealing

Hi.  I planned to get on here sooner, but - the pain has been SO BAD I'm really struggling.  The electric kind that comes suddenly and makes you yell and gasp and grab the painful area (in my case, my low back-butt) until it passes.  Sciatica, I'm thinking it must be.

I've had fibro for many years, and back pain even more, but this is way beyond anything I can remember.  I'm hoping it's not permanent nerve damage because it's really hard to endure. 

I can't even use the computer much - I'm standing up while typing this - why I don't know, but sitting in a chair aggravates it more than anything.  If I'm careful I can sit on the couch.

I have 2 ruptured discs, L4-5 and L5-S1.  I felt it happen, or at least felt the pain come, 2 weeks ago.  My usual Tramadol helped some but, increasingly, not enough.  Norco has been sort of taking the edge off, but I think the Celebrex I took today worked better even better.

Anyone who's gone through this have any advice?  Good or bad recoveries?   How do you spell relief???  

Debbie

Yes, it does sound like sciatica and sitting is one of the most painful things you can do while its going on. I do feel for you, its no fun. I am assuming you have had an MRI and all done on your back. What does your dr propose to do about the disc problems? I think before starting any exercises I would check with my dr, maybe stretches would be ok, but I would be very careful. Has your dr ever said you have a pinched nerve in addition to the disc problem?

I do not know if you have seen your dr since the pain level has kicked up, if not perhaps you should call & see if they can work you in and be seen so he can see you while you are at your worst. Sometimes when the drs see us when we are really struggling as you seem to be, it can make a difference in our treatment.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Take care.

Thanks for the support. I am seeing my regular doctor tomorrow, I guess just to see if I'm doing all I can for now, as far as meds, moving, and whatever else.

I did have an MRI last Monday, SE, and it confirmed the 2 discs.

I guess what worries me the most is the EXTREME sciatica that comes in jolts and also the fact that I'm a bit numb in the crotch....not totally, but still....I worry about equina cardura(SP?) syndrome, although one doc told me if it had been that, I'd be paralyzed by now.

Oh, joy! Debbie

(yes, I can think of clubs that might be more fun, SE, but probably not w/nicer members!)

Hi Debbie, welcome aboard. Wow that sounds quite painful. I hope you get some answers in helping you deal with this pain. Several members here have back issues and i'm sure they will be along and post.
hope you can get to feeling better soon.
Keep posting and let us know how things are going for you.

Suzane