Sciatica

Living with and after blood cancer
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Hi all

diagnosed with Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance ('MGUS') about 2 years ago. For about a month have been suffering really bad with sciatica symptoms. No type of pain releif or physio has helped. GP tells me that i have to go through physio process to get an MRI which i requested? Does anyone thing that i should ask GP again , referecing Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance ('MGUS') or contact haematollogy dept? Any help would be appreciated

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Hi @doughboy

Sorry to read you’re having a difficult time at present.

I was always told to flag any changes in health with Haematology team.

They may well be able to get support quicker than through GP but I guess that depends on your team.

Hope that helps and informs decisions about your next steps.

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Hello there @doughboy, sorry to read of that sciatica and it not clearing up yet despite your best efforts. That does sound frustrating and I hope you’re not dealing with a lot of pain or discomfort.

Like dear @DuncanB says it’s always wise to pass any new or changing symptoms by your haematologist. In some cases they can chivvy things along with other aspects of our care being seen to by other doctors. Your GP should know about your Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance ('MGUS') diagnosis but may need reminding.

If you’d like to call the lovely Blood Cancer UK nurses to talk through the medical side of your concerns their free number is 0808 2080 888.

Another option is to contact PALS if your sciatica symptoms are not improving even though you’re following treatment. PALS can liaise between you and your GP and advise on potential next steps. NHS PALS: What is PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)? - NHS or NHS PASS Scotland: https://pass-scotland.org.uk

Hope that helps a little @doughboy, do please let us know how you get on.

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Thanks so much
I’ll let you know how I get on

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Thanks, I’ll let you know

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Hi @Duncan,

I am sorry to hear about your sciatica. I too have Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance ('MGUS').

In my recent experience, my local hospital refused a MRI referral from my GP and said they only accept such referrals from a MSK service. This can be horribly frustrating especially if you are in a lot of pain. There is always the option of a private MRI scan, best done with a GP referral then the report and images are available to the GP if there is a need to refer to a NHS specialist.

I recommend keeping for haematology team updated with any changes in your health.

Helen

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Hello there @helenfwallace, thanks so much for sharing this. I’m sorry you’ve had experience of being in pain though, as well as the Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance ('MGUS') diagnosis, and it sounds like sciatica. I’ll tag @doughboy here so they also get a notification about your great tips.

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Hi,
I have spoken today with Haematology team who are arranging an appointment within the next week or so. They said the process is blood tests first, then depending on result, scans.
I can confirm my GP gave the same answers. So , after blood tests, I may well have to pay for private mri, and have been quote £280. I will update when I can

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Just a thought Doughboy are you currently getting physiotherapy with the NHS. The physiotherapist may well be able to refer for a MRI.

Wish you the very best.

Helen

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Hi
Yes, I’m waiting physio appt as told that is the route to take

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Hi @doughboy

Welcome to our forum, I am pleased to see all the advice you have been given here from our wonderful members.

Sorry to read that you have been suffering with bad sciatica symptoms, this sounds really distressing for you. It is good news that you were able to speak to your haematology team and that they are arranging to see you shortly. As they have told you the first steps will be blood tests and then they will arrange a MRI scan for they feel it is clinically necessary. Hopefully, you will not need to pay for one privately.

Let us know how you get on.

Kind regards

Fiona (support services nurse)

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Thanks Fiona,
Currently sitting in hospital waiting on doctor after being called in due to potassium reading of 2.7. Will update asap

Regards
Perry

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S into a can be awful can’t it and even more frustrating that nothing helps to relive the pain and discomfort. Please keep us updated on what your haematology team advise.

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Thanks

Will keep informed

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Hi @doughboy, I just wondered how your apointment went, and how your sciatica is feeling now?

Take care,

Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services

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Hi,
All results of tests returned were ok.
They say no connection to sciatica.
But still in real pain with sciatica and waiting on physio who can then refer me for a MRI​:weary_face:

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Hello @doughboy,

I’m glad that all the results were okay, but I’m so sorry to hear you’re having to still deal with the pain. I really hope that physio can get the ball rolling towards sorting it.

I took the liberty of seeing if there were any useful resources online about it, and found this from The Brain Trust, which includes pratical and wellbeing advice when dealing with the pain of sciatica. I hope it might be of some help.

Take care,

Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services

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