Bilateral sciatica

manda52

Hi first post not sure what I'm doing but could do with advice. 2 years ago I was working and very active. Since then I've had pain from middle of my back to both hips and down both legs when walking or upright. I'm on a cocktail of drugs to help manage the pain, I'm crawling around my house to get jobs done but spending most of my life in bed where the pain is bearable. I've had 3 standard mri's and nerve test which have shown arthritis/spondylosis/ facet joint degeneration herniated discs but apparently nothing severe and no nerve impingement. Pain management are leaning towards FND. In my gut I've always felt like it's compressed nerves when weight bearing.I'm wondering whether an upright MRI with contrast would be worth having done privately. I'm so fed up with life. I'm waiting for power chair and ramps so I can get out more x

PJoanne

Hello @manda52

Welcome to the forum, its great to have you here with us.

I would follow your gut instinct and if you can afford the private investigation go for it. I think the NHS terminology for describing conditions as 'mild/moderate/severe' very unhelpful, as the impact is different for each person. Have you tried any other treatments/therapies?

Hope the power chair and ramps are arriving in a timely manner for you.

By FND do you mean Functional Neurological Disorder ?

All the best Joanne

manda52

Hi Joanne, Thankyou for the welcome.

I've had hydrotherapy which was amazing as almost Pain free in a swimming pool, but I have to crawl out of the pool as pain is unbearable when I get out.I still try and do core basics exercises first thing in the morning. But so limited on movement.

I've been refused ramps and wheelchair once but got occupational therapy referral and letter this time. Hoping it happens.

It's alot of money for private MRI so wondering if it would be worth it and whether the out come would be any different. Ive contacted my GP for advice aswell. Yes Functional neurological disorder. Pain lady said my main nerves aren't compressed but it doesn't mean my smaller nerves aren't being affected but that's doesn't line up with what they say FND is. It's all confusing.

Take care

Manda

PJoanne

Hi Manda

What would the standing MRI with contrast confirm/rule out? Perhaps a rheumatologist or neurologist would be able to give a better understanding of what is going on.

Its really fantastic that you are doing your core exercises and the swimming sounds great. Perhaps even though it is painful to get in/out of the pool you might find the time pain free while in the pool beneficial overall for your wellbeing? It's definitely a good place to exercise for the whole body!

I know everyone bangs on about breathing exercises and mindfulness, but this is something that is worth pursuing - can be done in bed as well. See Meditation, t'ai chi and yoga | Side-effects, uses (there's a tai chi follow along here as well) and Meditation and mindfulness and how it might help you . I listen to BBC radio 3 unwind (it's available from the BBC Sounds app) all day long and through the night sometimes as well, I highly recommend it.

All the best Joanne

manda52

Hi Joanne, I'd hope standing MRI would show what's going on and why I have so much pain being upright. The thought of being like this for the rest of my life is horrible and very depressing. I'd happily try anything to stop some of the pain. If I stay fairly flat my pain is ok and in a swimming pool almost nothing. My nerve drugs are also working to an extent so it would mean I have nerves being squished somewhere. The more I read on FND the less I think I have it. But just got a letter saying they have diagnosed me with it. I contacted GP for a copy of MRI results and will go from there. GP said I'd need to speak to a specialist for more info.

I love classic FM and I've started doing art, I've joined a local art group run by mind. And I've been doing sketching in my bed lol.

Take care

Manda

PJoanne

Hello @manda52

Sounds like you are doing good things with the art! I used to listen to classic fm as well, they play a lovely selection of stuff.

All the best

Joanne