Sciatica

I actually was in shock when I read your post. I cannot believe any receptionist can take it on herself to decide if a condition warrants a GP referral . That is horrendous practice. As others have said, who diagnosed the sciatica in the first place. It shouldn't be as acute as this for 7 weeks, and given the strong medication that makes it even more concerning if it's not touching it.

I would definitely be going to either out of hours or A & E He needs a scan. Alternatively you can opt for the private route , often referral isn't necessary, you can check out your nearest private hospital and they will list their consultants under speciality with a contact number.

Please do not leave this any longer. Back pain not responding to strong analgesia needs investigating ASAP

I didn't realise that pharmacists could prescribe such medicines. Is this right?

There is no way our pharmacist would prescribe anything like that without a prescription. I had a rip roaring UTI recently, having had them before I knew all the signs , but he wouldn't give me anything other than Ibroprofen. Thankfully our GP operate a triage telephone system and I was able to speak to a GP who then sent the script straight to pharmacy. The pharmacist had it ready in less than 10minutes so I was very grateful.

Shrub no- that is why I queried if this was going on in this country.

Believe me our pharmacist can prescribe medication, but not sick note that is when you see a gp crazy!!!

We have been to Spire and he's had an mri, results Tuesday.

Timetogo2016, he's had physio, acupuncture and seen a chiropractor x6 all to no avail

I had sciatica a few years ago, the only thing that stopped the pain was diazepam.
I too would be concerned if all those drugs were not giving relief.
I suggest you keep a 48 hour diary logging medication, pain and activity.
Take this if you see any medical professionals.

I'd just take him straight to A & E! My doctor has a similar system of offloading/sending on to physiotherapy. It is not always the right thing, though.

When my lower back went, I had a private MRI at a Spire hospital. I saw my GP with the results and was referred to a consultant.

Spire pointed out a problem with my upper back too. I (waited and) later had a NHS MRI for that.

Meanwhile, with the disc bulges diagnosed, I saw a private physio (very good indeed) to reduce my pain while waiting for the NHS physios (two different appointments, two different physios for the upper and lower back). They were rubbish by comparison to the private one (sorry to say).

Yes, it cost money but I was in such agony and so sleep deprived that it was worth it!

That was in August 2017. Now it's 80% better, usually stable, with an occasional relapse. This year, it suddenly went and the kids called an ambulance. I was whisked off to hospital for a check up and all the staff were very kind. Muscle spasm this time. Sometimes you just have to make a nuisance of yourself, insist and shout for attention, I'm afraid.

You will need to see the GP soon with the scan results to be referred for an appointment with a consultant.

I had agonising sciatica last year - my GP just suggested pain killers and said it would “go in a few weeks”. I don’t like taking pain killers. A friend suggested a local sports massage chap could sort it. I was unsure, as I’m certainly not sporty. But I saw him - 3 times in all - and he sorted the pain. He said often sciatica is caused by the Piriformis muscle getting trapped, which presses on the sciatic nerve. He was able to manipulate the muscles. He also taught me some simple stretches to do, with a foam roller, to keep the muscles freed up. May not be the same for others, but it worked for me.

I suffered with sciatica fir quite a while. After an MRI I was rushed in with stenosis and had 2 decompression and undercuts within 3 months. I had to retire at 52. Keep insisting you see a gp and have your mri accessed.

DH has had results of mri,he has shadows by his spine,consultant used words of Lymphoma or myeloma, and said he needs blood tests,but did not say anymore,I am beside myself worrying of seriousness of his condition.I cannot stop crying my head is all over the place. DH is very pragmatic about while thing. I wish I could be the same

If your surgery is insistent that he cannot see a GP. I would either complain in writing to the Practice Manager or take him to A&E and just tell whoever you see that your poor husband is in agony. Make it clear how much pain the man is in. This is ridiculous. I feel very sorry for him. Sciatica is extremely painful, nobody should be left in this much pain.

Lindylou apologies didnt read whole thread. Sorry to hear re your husbands results and a bloomin disgrace with the rigmarole. However, what I wanted to say is, one of my previous managers had Myeloma, it can be treated as I know they attended hospital for appointments. What it consisted of I don't know. Unfortunately Lymphoma I know nothing about. I very much feel for you but please remember your husband needs you now. You will get a ton of support from the good folks on this forum. You are not alone.