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cj5orion
Nomad
Posts: 336
Registered: 2-6-2010
Location: Pacific Beach/Gonzaga Bay
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Mood: time for a cervaza !!!
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sciatica ???????
no back pain though !
thigh pain=little
lower back leg=alot
ankle= a little
left leg only
chronic
pain,numbness.
suggestions,advice,exercises
??????????
Home Remodels/Builds..Recession!
Gone BAJA BUILDIN/FISHIN !
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55steve
Senior Nomad
Posts: 857
Registered: 4-24-2006
Location: Warner Springs, CA
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I had a similar issue Bert. My left leg would ache so bad I wasn't able to walk more than 100 yards. I went to several doctors many times over 2
years and they kept telling me it was nerve related and I kept telling them is was vascular. They ended up putting a stent in my left femoral artery
and all is well.
[Edited on 9-13-2014 by 55steve]
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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Certainly not for everyone, and I am certainly NOT giving advice, just mentioning some personal experience.
John has had this problem for years and years and the most recent flare up of the sciatica was brutal --- he is now seeing a back specialist who is
not a surgeon, as another doctor said, the surgeons sometimes are too quick to put a scar on your back. Not that that might not happen in the future,
but for now it is just an option. The specialist he is seeing works with the USA Ski Team which we think is a good thing.
He put John into Physical Therapy with very specific exercises including nerve flossing exercises, for him to learn for a ongoing home program. He
then scheduled him with another specialist for one of those x ray guided epidural cortisone shots. He already had the MRI done. They don't work for
everyone and he was not too keen about having it done until we talked to our neighbor who said it was great.
Well, so far, the results have been amazing and they could last a short time or for a few years. Meantime, he will continue with the exercises,
especially since more weakness set in because of the pain. When in severe pain, one does not move that area.
He was in so much pain with all that numbness, etc., and is now no longer like a grizzly bear with a tooth ache. This is not a cure as his last five
discs are without any cushion, but it has stopped the months of agony for now and he can once again feel his leg.
I would suggest you see a specialist who really knows what they are doing as it is different for everyone. And there may be other reasons why you
might not benefit from the shot and it is not without some potential side effects. We really checked out the doctor who did the procedure. And the
procedure was quick and easy. But again, this is just personal experience.
As Steve posted, what some thought was sciatica was not his problem ---- it is definitely specialist time!
[Edited on 9-13-2014 by DianaT]
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6926
Registered: 8-5-2011
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I had a bad case of sciatica once and a couple milder cases since. The bad case kept me in bed most of the time for about 3 weeks and it took a year
before I was able to cross the affected leg when sitting on a chair. Everything is OK now.
My sciatica was caused by trauma. I lifted something way to heavy using the wrong technique. I knew immediately I goofed-up. Sciatica caused by
non-trauma issues is hard to get rid of.
The condition was diagnosed by a doctor and he prescribed the pain reliever Tramadol and the anti-inflammatory Ketorolaco. Tramadol has a maximum
dosage of 400 mg a day according to Internet sites dedicated to pharmacology. It is an opioid, or opioid like, there is some debate, so there is an
addiction possibility with withdrawal symptoms when you stop. I had to taper off. Ketorolaco has small probabilities of serious side-effects according
to what I read.
There is a lot of info on these two drugs on the Internet. Study before you take them.
They're both available over the counter in Mexico.
But first, it would be best to see a doctor for a diagnosis. It's a common geezer ailment. 
[Edited on 9-13-2014 by SFandH]
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bajabuddha
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Mood: Always cranky unless medicated
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Dittos with Diana T (and god forbid I give any immoral or life-threatening advice!)... it can be more than just sciatica, but get in to have it
diagnosed, and a good first step can be physical therapy. By your signature you're a builder; that coupled with a li'l paunch (just askin') can
aggravate it; do you wear a waist belt or harness? I sure did when doing construction. Posture and gut have everything to do with the lower back.
The older we get the heavier the materials get too; my theory of Earth Compaction... one day it's "oh chit! Gravity works!" Good luck to you; it's a
common malady, and you have a lot of sympathizers in your corner.
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 9-19-2009
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hey im in no way endorsing chiropractors, I always figured they were all quacks but in my 30's I suffered awfully with sciatica and finally a trip to
ol' alan harper completely cured me. of course ymmv
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DianaT
Select Nomad
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Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by willardguy
hey im in no way endorsing chiropractors, I always figured they were all quacks but in my 30's I suffered awfully with sciatica and finally a trip to
ol' alan harper completely cured me. of course ymmv |
For years and years, good chiropractors were able to help John when things flared up. We have a very good chiropractor here and this time he worked
on John, but it was he who suggested and pushed John into seeing the back specialist because of the severe numbness.
Unlike some chiropractors, he will refer patients to traditional medical people. The chiropractors we stay away from are the ones who believe they
can cure everything!
BTW--- the specialist said that chiropractors can be useful. It is nice when they work together rather than throwing stones at each other. And they
all believe in Physical Therapy especially if it is directed at setting up a permanent home program.
I guess I so strongly suggest seeing a specialist is because it has been such a huge godsend for John and our lives, and too many regular doctors have
just written it off because it is so common.
Suggestions are good, but nothing takes the place of a REAL personal diagnosis and personalized plan. You could go on the internet and find
exercises, but you risk doing the wrong ones for your individual condition.
bajabuddha We are probably on thin ice now. 
[Edited on 9-13-2014 by DianaT]
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larryC
Super Nomad
Posts: 1482
Registered: 8-11-2008
Location: BoLA
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About 20 years ago I suffered from lower back pain radiating down my right leg. I put up with it for a couple of years and when I couldn't stand it
any more I went to an orthopedic surgeon and got checked out. He found a bulging disk that was putting pressure on the nerves. Had surgery to remove
the bulge and have been fine for the last 20 years. Your problem may be something else entirely so just get checked out by some one you trust. Good
luck with it.
Larry
Off grid, 12-190 watt evergreen solar panels on solar trackers, 2-3648 stacked Outback inverters, 610ah LiFePo4 48v battery bank, FM 60 and MX60
Outback charge controllers, X-240 Outback transformer for 240v from inverters, 6500 watt Kubota diesel generator.
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Paulina
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Posts: 3810
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Location: BCN
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| Quote: | Originally posted by larryC
About 20 years ago I suffered from lower back pain radiating down my right leg. I put up with it for a couple of years and when I couldn't stand it
any more I went to an orthopedic surgeon and got checked out. He found a bulging disk that was putting pressure on the nerves. Had surgery to remove
the bulge and have been fine for the last 20 years. Your problem may be something else entirely so just get checked out by some one you trust. Good
luck with it.
Larry |
Same here, i had three bulging discs. I had a neurologist perform my surgery. He said it should last for 7-10 years. I'm going on 20 years now and
still ok, but have to be careful at times.
P>*)))>{
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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pauldavidmena
Super Nomad
Posts: 1688
Registered: 5-23-2013
Location: Centerville, MA, USA
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In 1986 I moved from Summerville to Charleston, SC and had 4 really strong guys help me haul furniture from the first house to the garage of the
second house. I had the bright idea of bringing everything in from the garage by myself, including a washer and dryer. I didn't feel bad right away,
but the first sign that something was wrong was a burning sensation in my right heel. Within 24 hours, it was radiating up the back of my leg.
Doctors took x-rays and told me that I had sciatica. "But I don't have a disk injury", I said. "Oh yes you do", they replied. A few days later, I
could hardly move.
I've had good and bad experiences with chiropractors, but the one I had in Charleston was a treasure. The acute pain was stabilized in a few
appointments, and I was able to avoid surgery, even though I still have a clear herniation of disk L5/S1. To this day it's been periodic physical
therapy and yoga, the occasional epidural injection, and strong beer. 
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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| Quote: | Originally posted by cj5orion
no back pain though !
thigh pain=little
lower back leg=alot
ankle= a little
left leg only
chronic
pain,numbness.
suggestions,advice,exercises
?????????? |
Does not sound like an issue with the sciatic nerve to me. Does the pain involve your tendon above your ankle? If so, sounds like Achilles
tendinitis.
I'm racking my brain trying to think of something. I don't claim to be a doctor but am fairly good at diagnosing leg injuries due to my running
background.
More info please
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajaboy
| Quote: | Originally posted by cj5orion
no back pain though !
thigh pain=little
lower back leg=alot
ankle= a little
left leg only
chronic
pain,numbness.
suggestions,advice,exercises
?????????? |
Does not sound like an issue with the sciatic nerve to me. Does the pain involve your tendon above your ankle? If so, sounds like Achilles
tendinitis.
I'm racking my brain trying to think of something. I don't claim to be a doctor but am fairly good at diagnosing leg injuries due to my running
background.
More info please |
My orthopedic doctor has told me that pain seldoms radiates up, but often radiates down.
You bring up another possibility ---
cj5orion --- please see a specialist before you try anything as the possibilities are many.
[Edited on 9-14-2014 by DianaT]
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajaboy
| Quote: | Originally posted by cj5orion
no back pain though !
thigh pain=little
lower back leg=alot
ankle= a little
left leg only
chronic
pain,numbness.
suggestions,advice,exercises
?????????? |
Does not sound like an issue with the sciatic nerve to me. Does the pain involve your tendon above your ankle? If so, sounds like Achilles
tendinitis.
I'm racking my brain trying to think of something. I don't claim to be a doctor but am fairly good at diagnosing leg injuries due to my running
background.
More info please |
My orthopedic doctor has told me that pain seldoms radiates up, but often radiates down.
You bring up another possibility ---
cj5orion --- please see a specialist before you try anything as the possibilities are many.
[Edited on 9-14-2014 by DianaT] |
I agree about the multiple possibilities. If you were having issues with the sciatic nerve in the lower part of your leg it would be the outside of
your knee that would be bothering you. This is often called runner's knee.
Are you active? Did you recently start climbing stairs, hiking, etc.?
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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A close friend of mine has recently had very similar symptoms. A full checkup showed a PSA of 200. His 2-year old prostate cancer surgery had failed
and the cancer had metastasized to the bone in the lower back where a tumor was pinching his nerve. He had no back pain back then.
Not to scare you because this is very unusual. But it shows how different the cause can be from what you expect it to be.
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cj5orion
Nomad
Posts: 336
Registered: 2-6-2010
Location: Pacific Beach/Gonzaga Bay
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Mood: time for a cervaza !!!
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Thanks for the many responses !
didnt realize.
Looks like a trip to the doc is in order,hope my doc knows a "specialist" ?
Home Remodels/Builds..Recession!
Gone BAJA BUILDIN/FISHIN !
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EnsenadaDr
Banned
Posts: 5027
Registered: 9-12-2011
Location: Baja California
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Mood: Move on. It is just a chapter in the past, but don't close the book- just turn the page
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Yes, please do. I am in awe of the medical advice that comes out on this board. Then again, I didn't sleep at a Holiday inn last night. The main
thing is that you GO TO THE DOCTOR. You could have a blood clot in your calf as well and it could be serious. I am so glad you aren't using the
diagnoses here to convince yourself you have sciatica or a simple muscle strain in case it is something more serious. Oh and by the way, don't take
Pepto Bismol for this. I don't think it would help, even though Buddha prescribed it.
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Yes, please do. I am in awe of the medical advice that comes out on this board. Then again, I didn't sleep at a Holiday inn last night. The main
thing is that you GO TO THE DOCTOR. You could have a blood clot in your calf as well and it could be serious. I am so glad you aren't using the
diagnoses here to convince yourself you have sciatica or a simple muscle strain in case it is something more serious. Oh and by the way, don't take
Pepto Bismol for this. I don't think it would help, even though Buddha prescribed it. |
In the responses to his inquiry, I sure don't see where ANYONE attempted to diagnose or give advice other than see a doctor. People simply shared
personal experiences with similar symptoms and over and over people emphasized that there are endless possibilities as to what may be wrong and that
he needs to see a doctor.
Then again, pepto is probably a good idea.
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
| Quote: | Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Yes, please do. I am in awe of the medical advice that comes out on this board. Then again, I didn't sleep at a Holiday inn last night. The main
thing is that you GO TO THE DOCTOR. You could have a blood clot in your calf as well and it could be serious. I am so glad you aren't using the
diagnoses here to convince yourself you have sciatica or a simple muscle strain in case it is something more serious. Oh and by the way, don't take
Pepto Bismol for this. I don't think it would help, even though Buddha prescribed it. |
In the responses to his inquiry, I sure don't see where ANYONE attempted to diagnose or give advice other than see a doctor. People simply shared
personal experiences with similar symptoms and over and over people emphasized that there are endless possibilities as to what may be wrong and that
he needs to see a doctor.
Then again, pepto is probably a good idea. |
You forgot to insert real....
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EnsenadaDr
Banned
Posts: 5027
Registered: 9-12-2011
Location: Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Move on. It is just a chapter in the past, but don't close the book- just turn the page
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I'm licensed, Bajaboy, what are your credentials to judge me? Or do you just like to defame others and set yourself up for a lawsuit? | Quote: | Originally posted by Bajaboy
| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
| Quote: | Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Yes, please do. I am in awe of the medical advice that comes out on this board. Then again, I didn't sleep at a Holiday inn last night. The main
thing is that you GO TO THE DOCTOR. You could have a blood clot in your calf as well and it could be serious. I am so glad you aren't using the
diagnoses here to convince yourself you have sciatica or a simple muscle strain in case it is something more serious. Oh and by the way, don't take
Pepto Bismol for this. I don't think it would help, even though Buddha prescribed it. |
In the responses to his inquiry, I sure don't see where ANYONE attempted to diagnose or give advice other than see a doctor. People simply shared
personal experiences with similar symptoms and over and over people emphasized that there are endless possibilities as to what may be wrong and that
he needs to see a doctor.
Then again, pepto is probably a good idea. |
You forgot to insert real.... |
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I'm licensed, Bajaboy, what are your credentials to judge me? Or do you just like to defame others and set yourself up for a lawsuit? | Quote: | Originally posted by Bajaboy
| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
| Quote: | Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Yes, please do. I am in awe of the medical advice that comes out on this board. Then again, I didn't sleep at a Holiday inn last night. The main
thing is that you GO TO THE DOCTOR. You could have a blood clot in your calf as well and it could be serious. I am so glad you aren't using the
diagnoses here to convince yourself you have sciatica or a simple muscle strain in case it is something more serious. Oh and by the way, don't take
Pepto Bismol for this. I don't think it would help, even though Buddha prescribed it. |
In the responses to his inquiry, I sure don't see where ANYONE attempted to diagnose or give advice other than see a doctor. People simply shared
personal experiences with similar symptoms and over and over people emphasized that there are endless possibilities as to what may be wrong and that
he needs to see a doctor.
Then again, pepto is probably a good idea. |
You forgot to insert real.... |
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Licensed yes.....I'm glad you have a piece of paper....I'll remember that the
next time I run out.
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