Going on from WheelieBears posting I have had the most awful pain for weeks now. Personally I think its a pregnancy thing, but I was wondering if it could be sciatica? Is it possible to have this sort of thing? The pain starts in my buttocks and runs down the back and outside of my legs, and seems to end around my ankles and heels. Its truly awful, stops me getting any sleep and is worse on the right side generally. Im also getting buttock spasms which sounds so stupid and ridiculous I dont know if I should laugh or cry! Only I could have such a pain in the arse!!

Anyway there is no point in going to the drs as unless your head is about to drop off they wont do anything when you're pregnant. I was just looking for any feedback or opinions if possible.

thanks
L

It depends how far along you are, the baby could be putting presssure on you lubar regeion and that might be the problem. I would deffentley call your doctor and they might be able to check you via ultra sound? I know back when I had my children they wouldn't do exray's and ct, nor mri's, but he may be able to have you take some otc meds but check with him/her first.

Also sleeping with a pillow under your knee's while on your back sometimes helps during the day and at night.

Hope this helps.

nipper

Hi L,

The symptoms you describe sound exactly like Sciatica, which I used to suffer from so know how painful it can be. It may not work for you, but I bought a "Pain Pen" which worked instantly. Its a small hand held device, shaped like a miniature version of something from an Anne Summers shop, only you don't need batteries for this.. (That's the only way I could describe it)

My wife would hold the tip of the pen where the pain starts; on my buttock, then give me 15 or 20 small electric shocks by pressing her thumb on the small plunger at the top. She would do this at certain points along my sciatic nerve, paying particular attention to the side of the ankle. This got rid of the pain instantly, so I could get back to sleep.

The principle is similar to a TENS Machine where small electric shocks stimulate your natural endorphins to act against the pain. I would recommend it, but as you're pregnant I think you should seek advice first.

I still keep it in my bedroom draw, so I can take a photo of it for you and post it here? I cant remember where I got it from, but I'm sure if you Google "pain pen", you will soon find it.

I hope this reply has been helpful?

Good luck

Mike

Is this it, Mike? Click to view attachment

It sounds like something many would find useful.

No, mine is in the draw..... But its Identical... I'd recommend it to anyone, although it gives AB's a sharp shock.

Some of my new PA's ask what it is, so I tell them to put it on the back of their hand and press the end.... It makes them jump.... Cruel sod aren't I?...

Thanks Mike. I've just ordered one via Amazon. At under £30 delivered, it's worth a try. If I find it's as good as you did, I'll be a very happy bunny.

That's a good price Greybeard; mine cost £40, but its years old and still works; not that I need it like I used to.

Your Mr's might get a shock in her hand, she just has to hold it correctly (damn this sounds bad..

I get the pain in the left side, but sleep on my right side. I usually swing my hand back and point with my thumb where to do it. As my leg is bent up, I can reach my buttock, behind my thigh and knee but not my ankle.

I try and explain to my PA where on my ankle; its usually right on that outside ankle bone. As I have full feeling I can feel the pen, so just say up, down, left or right. Failing that i touch their ankle......... Well you've seen my PA's so I find any excuse....

I would have thought your Mr's needed it more than you, as you've been a pain in her for years......

Let me know how you get on. I was a total sceptic, but have become a convert..

I doubt she'd appreciate me sticking it there, but if you think it would help.................!

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I will definatly get one of those pen things. As TENS machines are suggested in pregnancy Im sure it will be ok. I thought it probably was sciatica, but I wasnt even sure if you could get that with SCI. Im hoping it clears up after the baby is born as its particularly bad at the moment.
thanks guys

L

Hi, I get sciatica but it is from nerve damage that isn't in my spine but because they had to remove most of one of my buttocks. It could be originating from your buttocks now that you are carrying the extra weight of you and your child and with the wasting that comes from being SCI could be putting pressure on your nerves. If I ride in a bus or sit in cramped seating the whole back of my leg also goes numb and is paralysed for a while after I get up, just by having pressure on the nerve. I have to hang from the grab rails a few stops before I get off so it will wake up again. It moves forward as the muscles at the front still mainly work but the muscles at the back not working means it just doesn't stop.

There are exercises to do (though you may have to have hubby help you as I'm not sure as to your level of function) for when being pregnant is the cause. You may be able to find out from a PT or your Dr. but (different friend than the one from my other post) when my AB friend had her 2nd son he was setting off her sciatica. Her OBGYN sent her to PT who gave her an exercise program & there were some of them on a piece of paper for her to do at home.

Yes Sciatica.......I know the B&%@H well. Except that on me it's the left but same difference.......starts off down the buttocks then wraps around the backs of the legs & hips then takes over the lower leg & just about makes me want to cut my legs off!

How much longer do you have to go? I'm hoping once you give birth & the pressure is off it'll go away or at least be reduced.