Severe Sciatica, Bowel/Bladder Dysfunction, and Lumbar Issues Post-Fall

[gwynthompson]

Hello, I have been suffering with intense pain for about 15 months now , started with numbness and pins and needles a year before. I have lumbar stenosis and facet joint probs which started after a fall in 2010. Id been coping pretty well , then this pain started , and it has got much much worse. I constantly feel my bowels arent empty , urination is hard to start , and sitting is completely impossible ! this last week or two I have increased sciatica right to the soles of my feet . Basically from my bottom down im in agony . I am going to see doc ,to see if he will get some tests done for PN, because im at my wits end now.

[stephanies]

Hi Gwyn,

It sounds like you have already had a lumbar MRI but a pelvic MRI to look at your sacrum (where the PN originates) may also be useful and something to discuss with your doctor, especially if you have sciatica. PN and sciatica together can point to a spine issue as the underlying cause of both in some people. A pelvic pain doctor or urogynecologist is a good place to start. I hope you are able to get more information and a direction for treatment.

Stephanies