Trapped nerve and psoriatic arthritis

[Fred]

Just as I thought things where going well, yesterday and today I was in agony. My PsA felt a bit bad a couple of days ago and yesterday whilst working in the garden I suddenly got a huge pain in my left lower back and top of my leg.

I have never experienced anything like it before and it felt like my leg muscles had exploded! couldn't move all day, no sleep even taking loads of pain killers. And this morning had to get Mrs Fred to help me out of bed. No problem there I thought as she has helped me in the past, but as she helped me stand the pain was like someone ripping the nerves from my body.

Anyway went to A&E and explained I had the problem in December where they thought I'd had a kidney stone which had been passed. So more tests, bloods, urine, x-rays, and another scan, and they have said my nerve is trapped in my spine do to my psoriatic arthritis. I've been on a painkiller drip most of the day, and although they wanted to keep me in I'm now back home with loads of painkillers.

Just wondered if anyone else has experienced this?

[Krissie_Wright]

Hi Fred,

Sounds very much like sciatica. I had a real problem with it before I developed the PsA in my hands and wrists and the only thing that my GP could prescribe was rest (with legs elevated) and anti-inflammatories. I think that PsA patients are more likely to experience this due to the build up of inflammatory fluid around the nerves which pinch it causing pain. I can sympathise fully with your pain and I hope you see some relief soon. Mine recurrs every now and then but generally only lasts a week or so if I rest up.

Krissie

[Fred]

Hi Fred,

Sounds very much like sciatica. I had a real problem with it before I developed the PsA in my hands and wrists and the only thing that my GP could prescribe was rest (with legs elevated) and anti-inflammatories. I think that PsA patients are more likely to experience this due to the build up of inflammatory fluid around the nerves which pinch it causing pain. I can sympathise fully with your pain and I hope you see some relief soon. Mine recurrs every now and then but generally only lasts a week or so if I rest up.

Krissie

Hello Krissie, thanks for that. I hadn't thought of that as I wasn't sure what sciatica was. I've just found the following and it looks like you could be right.

Quote:

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Lower back pain, if experienced at all, is not as severe as leg pain.
Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg, but rarely both the right and left sides.
Pain that originates in the low back or buttock and continues along the path of the sciatic nerve - down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg and foot.
Pain that feels better when patients lie down or are walking, but worsens when standing or sitting.
Pain that is typically described as sharp or searing, rather than dull.
Some experience a “pins-and-needles” sensation, numbness or weakness, or a prickling sensation down the leg.
Weakness or numbness when moving the leg or foot.
Severe or shooting pain in one leg that may make it difficult to stand up or walk.

They have given me Tramadol for a week, and see how I feel after that. Oh to be young again, I knew I shouldn't have kept that dancing up with you the other day.

[Caroline]

They have given me Tramadol for a week, and see how I feel after that. Oh to be young again, I knew I shouldn't have kept that dancing up with you the other day.

Indeed in this specific case the dancing did you no good. I have never experienced something like this myself (luckily).
Hopefully you will recover soon and the pain will go away..

[Krissie_Wright]

Ooh! Tramadol... that's fairy dust that stuff... makes me feel completely off my face. Best make sure it doesn't cause you to do more dancing! Tramadol will help you deal with the pain but you need to get the inflammation down.

I would recommend Ibuprofen gel rubbed into the affected area.

[Fred]

What......................................Who said that?....................................Where am I?

The worst thing about Tramadol i've found is No Alcohol

Will have to look at Ibuprofen gel, they did offer me anti inflammatory pills but I won't take them.