Pain in buttock continues after 4 injections, including SI.

Posted by mimibelle @mimibelle, Jun 8 7:08pm

Since January, my husband (age 69) has not been able to sit (can't drive) because of severe pain in buttock, at times painful sensation/tingling mid-calf and foot area. Has seen neuro spine surgeon as well as orthopedic spine specialist (physiatrist). Has had MRI, x-rays, acupuncture, red light, deep massage, PT (hurt more), cryotherapy, numerous NSAIDs as well as opioids and four injections, one of which in the SI joint. Uses neuroMD, electric hand massagers, copper compression belt, etc. There has been improvement. Can sleep through the night (not up every 2 hours) but wakes up with pain in buttock and calf. Tries to walk it off. Takes three Ibuprofen which provides relief for the rest of the day (doesn't like to take meds, but...). Never really told the cause, just keep hearing sciatica/si joint/piriformis muscle. Has mild stenosis, L5 narrowing, but never told this was the cause. Spine in good condition overall. We have an appointment with another physiatrist who offers table decompression. Where else do we go and what do we try! Mentally exhausted!!! Sorry for the long post! Desperate!

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kenc | @kenc | Jun 12 7:29pm

Sad to say that I have no positive results from injections, etc. to stop the pain in my rectum area.

mimibelle | @mimibelle | Jun 12 9:29pm

In reply to @kenc "Sad to say that I have no positive results from injections, etc. to stop the pain..." + (show)

Sorry to hear! Don't give up.

queenie2030 | @queenie2030 | 6 days ago

Has any pain doctor suggested ablation? My husband had 3 ablations one on each side of the lumbar spine and one on one of his SI joints. All were extremely successful. He had almost no pain for a year but now the nerves are beginning to grow back together. He is told the second round of ablations will last longer. It has allowed him to do much that was impossible before the ablations. Best wishes in finding pain relief.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 6 days ago

Hi mimibelle,

I'm sorry for what your husband, and you, are going through. I read through all the comments here, and it sounds like you've tried just about everything.

I have had sciatica that affected the back of my left and right legs, each on different occasions. The first time it resolved on its own, and thank god because it was soooooo painful. Felt like an ice pick in my calf.

The second time I had a ruptured disc fragment at S1/L5. The first surgeon I saw would only do a fusion of S1/L5/L4. I got another opinion, and that Dr. did lamintomies on those three vertebrae. Basically he drilled holes in the back of the vertebrae to 1) get access to the spinal canal and remove the disc fragment, and 2) provide more room to take pressure off my sciatic nerve. I still have scoliosis, stenosis, listhesis, and overall degeneration from arthritis. But this minimally invasive surgery worked well, and it's been 10 years now. I am also in the gym everyday and focus on core and cardio the most.

I would ask the surgeon if a laminotomy could be used to relieve pressure caused by stenosis. I also suggest icing the lower back frequently - and please do not use heat as it only increases inflammation.

Another way to protect the lumbar spine is by maintaining a very strong set of core muscles. A good trainer at a local gym can help with this, although relieving your husband's pain is priority #1.

So I'd check with a good spine surgeon about laminotomy. And use ice, a lot.

I'm truly sorry I don't have more to suggest. I've been through this, twice. The first time I had horrible shooting pain in my buttocks, hamstrings, and calf - and the second time I could not remain in a standing position for more than 30-60 seconds. I had to sit down.

I certainly wish you and your husband the best, and hope you find answers.

Joe

mimibelle | @mimibelle | 5 days ago

In reply to @heyjoe415 "Hi mimibelle, I'm sorry for what your husband, and you, are going through. I read through..." + (show)

Dear Heyjoe -- thank you truly for your response and helpful suggestions. Sorry to hear about your struggles also. It's very difficult when you've been very active your whole life. Went to see another pain management doctor and my husband was given some exercises to strengthen core muscles and will start table decompression today. Taking less meds and is able to function better during the day, as well as sleeps through the night. Baby steps but not moving fast enough for my husband. Prayers to you for continued progress.