Suggest treatment for sciatic nerve pain - Online Doctor Chats
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Practicing since : 2005
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Hello,
I'm a 57yo female, basically healthy with an old fracture at L5 and narrowing of the sciatic nerve space on the right side. I've had pain since the birth of my daughter at 40. (I should also mention my x husband is a physician) , While I had insurance I had routine MRIs and a cortisone epidural to keep the pain under control with vicodin if needed. Now divorced without health insurance and little possibility of surgical repair. It would be helpful to have some pain relief when needed. Any suggestions?
Also should mention was scheduled to have surgery for laminectomy when my husband was Dx with lymphoma therefore, didn't procede.
I'm a 57yo female, basically healthy with an old fracture at L5 and narrowing of the sciatic nerve space on the right side. I've had pain since the birth of my daughter at 40. (I should also mention my x husband is a physician) , While I had insurance I had routine MRIs and a cortisone epidural to keep the pain under control with vicodin if needed. Now divorced without health insurance and little possibility of surgical repair. It would be helpful to have some pain relief when needed. Any suggestions?
Also should mention was scheduled to have surgery for laminectomy when my husband was Dx with lymphoma therefore, didn't procede.
Hello
Please give me a moment to read your query
all right
are you there?
yes! hello
hi
I have read your query
I am sorry about your pain concern
You seem to be in chronic pain
off and on
this requires multiple approaches to keep the pain at bay
Could you please rate your pain now on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the severity?
there are various methods of pain management
for instance, I went for a long week-end, walked a lot with my daughter so it was about 9
oh
so sorry about that
is it the same now?
I'm resting so it is about 4 currently
that is good
Apart from the epidural cortisone and the vicodin, have you tried any other measures of pain management?
A side note, I take tylenol. NSAIDs reallly upset my stomac
h
Tylenol is better than any other drug for you
neuronton, I'm currently on an SSRI
Good, the SSRI would help you with the pain
Avoid NSAIDS as much as possible as it could affect your kidney
I would suggest a few non-invasive non-pharmacological treatments for you
I've really tried so many other 'pain' possibilities...
Mild physical exercises would be one option for you
yes, it requires Behavioral modification as well
coping with chronic pain can be troublesome at times
I walk as much as possible, although being on my feet bothers my back more.
Do not strain yourself much
a moderate walk for 20 to 30 mins would be fine
You could try Cognitive Behavior therapy, biofeedback mechanisms
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Have you tried this as well?
Let me tell you, ultimately, you need to learn the pain management yourself based on the level of pain you are in
Let me share that I'm well educated...MS immunology. There are times when I need to get things done, I'm sure you understand that
Surgical corrections do not always relieve the pain by 100%
Yes, I agree
Yes, I do understand
That is good to know that you are well educated
Glad about it
So, you must have learnt how to deal with the pain
I am sure, you know all the non invasive and invasive pain management techniiques
I believe so. There are still times when life gets in the way and one must move on.
With the existing knowledge that you have, you can use different pain management techniques as and when required
Yes, that is right
You should move on and the pain should not come in the way of your progress in life
That' a great thought. It isn't always reality
yes, but we could try to do our best for ourselves
Now, how do you think you are managing your pain?
Anyway, I appreciate your time and effort. I'm sure you're busy.
Not really
would be glad to help you
If there are no more queries from your end, we can end the chat
Would you like to end the chat now?
The only way I 'manage' my pain is when I'm pushed to the limit and I've tried all other options, is to take vicodin
I understand
I know that isnt the optimal answer.
But, yes, Vicodin can be best in moderate to severe pain at times
You can take it on occasions
The ultimate aim would be to get relief from pain especially when it is severe
Also, you must rest adequately at those times
Thats good to hear. my issue is not having insurance. To try to get an RX at an ER I wait 2 hours and 'maybe' get 20. My last visit the admitting dr said "oh, we used to have an attending with that last name....I said, "yes, he is my x-husband".
I see
I'm feeling a bit silly at this point, I'm not sure what an online consult can help me with but I appreciate your conversation.
feeling a bit lost in what to do
Online consult can be relieving in educating you, we could discuss health concerns here
perhaps about the treatment and other medical guidance
yes, I am sorry, I cannot treat your pain sitting online
sorry about that
I can reassure you not to feel lost
But, you are already well educated with your pain
So, you must know what treatment you should take when
Since, your pain is at level 4, you probably need some bed rest and a tylenol to help you
This should suffice for now
You should feel better tomorrow
Yes, but it seems as if I look like a 'frequent flyer'
Thanks for your time and effort and I wish you the best in your future practice in medicine
Thank you too
Your wishes matter the most
Good health and good wishes to you as well
Get well soon
take care
my regards
you too
:)
:)
bye
bye
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