Sciatica

They are assuming it's sciatica, surgery had at one time had 6gps, they merged with 2 other surgeries and now 5 gps to cover 3 busy surgeries, so to actually see a gp you must have something more serious than back pain.

My DH had the same thing. The GP ordered blood tests and X-ray to rule anything out. I have never heard of a pharmacist being able to prescribe diazepam and amiltriptiline in this country. Your DH needs to see a doctor urgently maybe go to A&E or ring 111.

I think I’d be speaking to the practice manager. Your husband has been prescribed heavy duty painkillers and a muscle relaxant by the pharmacist that are ineffective, the physio hasn’t helped. Therefore you’ve followed surgery protocol which has failed and need the next step. I’m horrified the physio hasn’t referred on. He needs a GP assessment urgently, if you still can’t make one via a receptionist be firm and speak with the practice manager. This is not ‘normal’ back pain, their processes have failed, a different assessment is needed urgently, no one should be left in that level of pain. Good luck.

Why do you think its sciatica? My mother had terrible sciatic pain and it was a trapped nerve and a crumbling disc and she had to have an op to sort it. She was a very early keyhole surgery patient and it was sorted by the op after 8 months of agony. I don't see why he can't see a GP! lay on the surgery floor and insist!

I worked as a receptionist for a GP and I was NEVER allowed to give medical advice. Receptionists should not make decisions about who needs a doctor. Complain to the practice manager and the Health Authority. And if the sciatica carries on and he is agony I would take him to A and E.

Who says it is sciatica?

So there is no GP available to you?

He has seen a chiropractor x 6 and had acupuncture all only temporary relief

I would be making an appointment for a private consultation, I did this as a last resort, I also paid for an MRI scan.

No amount of medication eased my sciatica, I had crumbling discs and trapped nerves. I had a TLIF procedure where screws and rods were fitted and have had no problems at all since.

Sorry is this in the UK? Can't see a GP?

Hello Lindylou, just read your post. I'm sorry to hear your husband is in so much pain. I have never heard anything like that, he can't see his GP because what he is suffering doesn't fit the criteria. What on earth is it coming to, I am shocked.

Your first priority obviously is to get your husband some help from somewhere but I would be speaking to the Health Authority concerned asap. In fact, I would get back on to the GP centre and ask to speak to the manager there and raise merry hell.

I do hope you can get some help for him.

Could you go to an osteopath? Privately, if it is within your means.

He has seen a physio and told him to take paracetamol and ibuprofen. He cannot see his gp as it doesn't come under the criteria worthy of a gp. When I asked receptionist for a gp appointment she said back pain is for physio to see and would not budge.

Why is he not able to see a GP? Has he tried seeing a physio? He may have a trapped nerve as in my case I eventually needed surgery. The GP is the one to refer him.