Piriformis syndrome

[Gemini]

This is what I am suffering from. It's like sciatica but worse in my experience. The main pain is deep in the buttock, but all around the hip area and down the leg.
This condition is what started me on the deep tissue massages which I now have monthly.

It flared when my mum still alive and I was in a lot of pain when I was vsisting her in hospital and at her funeral. Once the massage and time healed t it has been mostly held at bay only returning mildly a couple of times

It came back a couple of weeks ago. I had a massage last Wednesday which helped. Unfortunately I spent the Friday at the hospital with DD3, walking between ultrasound and oncology (It's a big hospital) and back and for some the time pushing a heavy suitcase with heavy bag balanced on (She was convinced they would keep her in do had all this stuff. I knew I was damaging myself but O had no option as DD can't carry things at present.
Aqua aerobics can help but some movements make it worse and the water temperature makes it really spasm.

My massage therapist, a family friend, is extremely sympathetic and has put me at the top of her cancellation list. She says that all that is goign on is probably a big factor in this. The stress causing the body to react.
As it started when my mum was very ill I had wondered about this myself
So, this is a moan and also to explain what I mean when I talk about my pain at the moment!

I have found no painkillers which help at all. It's possible codeine may and I know there is a drug for nerve pain. You have to wait so many weeks to see anyone at our surgery self help seems the better option. The massages and use of heat pads and stretching do help and my aqua classes when I am not in flare.

https://complete-physio.co.uk/piriformis-syndrome/

[Oma]

Gem
I sympathise with you ,
B has constant pain in his leg due to nerve damage ,
His is like constant electric shocks and no matter what pain relief he takes nothing helps ,
He is considering asking for a pain blocker operation,

At the moment you have no choice but to walk around and do things , but that must irritate it even more ,
Does a hot bath not work to help sooth it or does heat trigger it?

Anything that helps you get some sleep and rest from it is worth a try
I do hope your massage therapist can get you in and help relieve some of it ,
Stress is a funny thing ,
I think it can highten pain can't it

[Lizzie48]

I have never heard of it Gem, it sounds painful. Poor you!xxx

[Gemini]

A bath does help Oma. I am heading there in a minute. I also stand under the shower at the pool before and after class and let the water hit that area, which eases it. The cooler water in the pool still makes it spasm though.

It is Lizzie. The worst pains I have experienced are childbirth, tooth abscess and knee surgery recovery.
This is up there!

[Nanto2girls]

Gem, that sounds so painful. Pity there isn't any painkillers that can help.

[Daisy]

Gem, I'd never heard of it, but reading the link explains how painful it is. They hint that stress can trigger it, and goodness knows you have plenty of that. I wonder if alongside which ever treatment they advise, some relaxation, yoga or mindfulness might help. My DIL finds journaling very helpful. It's just finding what is best for you. Does a reflexology treatment help?

I notice they mentioned ice might help.

xxx

[Gemini]

I'm not surprised no one had heard of this condition. It's rare with only a small percentage of sciatic problems being this one.
The fact that I have scoliosis (spinal curvature) is I am sure a big factor in my case.

[Daisy]

Gem, it's a good job it's been diagnosed. So often something unusual doesn't get picked up for ages.

Did the gin pain relief help at all last night?

[WeeGranny]

Many years ago when I first started having lower back/hip problems it was suggested that I might have Piriformis syndrome. After a lot of investigation it was decided that wasn't the problem! But I do remember the pain from it. Since having lumber decompression and a new hip I haven't had any more problems( fingers crossed). I too have scoliosis as does my DS!

[Gemini]

WG that's interesting, I had read that scoliosis sufferers wouldn't be considered for hip replacement.
I think I should get myself to the GP.

Two of my DDs have scoliosis too, but very mildly.

[Daisy]

WeeGranny, it seems some of these problems run in families. It does sound very painful.

Gem, I agree. You should see your GP and try and get some help with the pain.

[WeeGranny]

Gem, I suppose it depends on how bad the scoliosis is as to whether they do hip replacements or not. My hip consultant didn't seem to think it a problem! I'd speak to your GP and get referred to an orthopaedic surgeon to see what they say.

I also have Gilberts Syndrome ( or disease as it used to be called!) which is hereditary. I have no idea which parent it came from nor if I've passed it on to my DC.

[Daisy]

WeeGranny, my DS1 had Gilberts Syndrome and when the raised levels were noticed in a blood test the doctor thought he was drinking too much! He never had any obvious signs of it, and seems to be one of those things that happen. We don't know whether my OH or I have it!