what pain killers have they given you, the problem is that the stronger ones like codeine, tramadol, etc are so addictive so you can only have them for about 10 days. Ibrufen is bad for the stomach it is a big problem is pain relief as the only safe one is paracetamol and they are probably not strong enough.
Magnesium glycanate might be worth a try holland & Barratt or online it helps muscles to relax. I do think if you can get some relief from the pain you will feel more positive, how long have you had it now.
Are your family nearby, I know a lot of families are spread around now.
One of my sister is in the SW which is a 5 hour drive for me as I am in Grimsby. it does make visiting difficult I don’t mind the drive but it is quite a cost too and not something you can just do regularly.
When is your acupuncture starting ? i have heard that can be a great success.
Will chat again tomorrow its way past my bedtime. X
Hope you get remembered on Mothers day, or am I presumptive thinking you have children? Slight relief today, pain not quite so intense but not counting chickens. Prob change car for automatic. Still awaiting call or email back from acupuncture clinic and various private docs, do they not want business? My family all 200 miles away, and constantly busy. My naproxen dsnt seem to do much but i persevere, this latest episode of sciatica is about 3 weeks now x
Yes I had a lovely Mothers Day thank you, I have a son and and a Grandson. My Grandson lives with me so I am not on my own which is nice, he is 20 years old and a lovely lad very helpful too !.
I am glad your pain is a bit better . yes an automatic car will be a lot better more and more people are getting them nowadays, I think in America Automatics are the main, it makes sense really.
Lets hope your sciatica is on the turn and starting to get better 3 weeks is a long time for severe pain, I have had sciatica a few times but never for that long and yes it is dreadful, bad backs are so disabling.
It has been a lovely sunny day, quite windy but mild, I went for a walk along the sea front as Cleethorpes is only about 10 minutes drive from my house, it is a lovely seaside town and nice to have on the doorstep! , we are lucky to be so close to the sea, and being at the Port of Grimsby the fish and chips are lush !. I will keep my fingers crossed for your improvement to continue. X
Another day indoors, hav’nt been out for about 10 days, my unshaven face and unwashed hair will bear witness to the fact I can’t stand in the shower or at a sink, will rig up a stool at the sink soon.
Ive spent the last few weeks researching what car to get, my current one is a small 5 seat van based mpv, perfect in size shape and power, ideal to pull my small caravan. What a minefield! Many new or newer cars have issues, lots of unaware owners get caught out with very complicated and expensive repairs. I am fairly well versed in mechanical stuff, plus I have a knowledgeable friend who I talk cars with, but its all electronics now. Owners forums are very useful, as one cannot believe a word dealers say, as I have found out to my considerable cost. That experience and others mean sadly I do not trust anybody at all. Buying new does not guarantee a fault-free purchase as many a new house owner will testify.
Glad you had a good mothers day. I miss the kids and grandchildren turning up to spoil my wife. x
Hope your pain is still diminishing ! 
and you are managing to get out a bit in this lovely sunshine. x
Hi P6. I have not been out for 2 weeks, but tomorrow I hope to scoot along to the health centre to make a nuisance of myself to get better pain relief. I am now shaven, but hair will be subject to dry shampoo spray. I’m still awaiting replies from acupuncturists and private doctors x
Fingers crossed that you get something sorted out at the Health Centre, and don’t worry about your hair you will get it washed eventually, or put on a sun hat !. I must admit you do feel better when you can have a shower though.
Its a good forecast so you will enjoy the sunshine on your journey !.
I know it must be different for everybody, but when can you tell when that time is right not to be around any more? My health seems to be going downhill by the day, with no help available in a timely fashion. Nobody, friends and family alike, can be bothered once one becomes a nuisance with ill health. Even the private health sector don’t bother to reply to enquiries. The safety nets I put in place for myself no longer seem important. It is not fair to bring others down with my bad news with each communication, eventually of course people stop asking.
Hi Devon, it sounds like you are not in a good place right now, it may seem an extreme question to ask , are you feeling suicidal ?. X
Hi P6. As you have probably gathered from my previous posts I am very disillusioned with so-called friends, tradesmen, the government, misleading advertising, promotion of gambling, complacency of parents with social media, and the whole world in general.
You must think I am a miserable bugger, but I’m careful not to drive people away in social situations. I am aware creating an aura of misery and complaining will not endear me to anybody, which is why this site is great to let off steam anonymously. However anonymity on social media is a recipe for bullying, fake news, crime, plus all the other bad stuff and could be stamped out overnight if only our authorities had the courage. Clicks are the new currency.
Enough of the rant, like many others I do have suicidal thoughts when things look bleak, but I am not in any immediate danger. Thanks for being concerned. However if this damn pain and non mobility goes on for any considerable time it might be a different story.
My shopper has let me down so no tea until at least tomorrow, plenty of food in stock but no milk! x
You keep ranting if it helps, and everyone complains sometimes and others should lend an ear to it especially your family. Did you get to the health centre earlier in the week ?.
Obviously I do not know your financial situation and do not wish to but if you need some shopping and can’t get out Deliveroo will go to the shop for anything you need and deliver it, its an online thing, I have not done it myself as I live very near to shops but I think it is quite easy, delivery costs will depend on how near your shops are but it might be worth looking at. They will go and get anything even if you needed a pair of socks !. Or if you make your tea very weak and put a tiny bit of sugar in having it black is not too bad.
You said the pain was receding a bit has it reduced anymore ?
Its been a lovely sunny day here but a rather chilly wind, I think the forecast is good for a while now so hopefully you will be able to get out on your scooter. or maybe a gentle walk.
I had a little flutter on the Grand National and won ! …wait for it £2.49p !!!. it was just for fun 
. and the jumps are a lot safer now so not the carnage that there used to be. xx
Hi P6. Once again thanks for your thoughts and concern. I have well stocked cupboards with tins and packets, freezer has plenty, since being alone I have been self sufficient. I still have supplies bought by my late wife who was a shopaholic! I could survive for 3 or 4 months if needed. I also have a shopping neighbour who managed to get milk to me just in time yesterday. I have never shopped for food or takeaways on line, I’m in a town (nearly at the moment!) full of shops, I support local as much as I can, not only with food. I realise it can be important and life saving for those who are remote or without transport, but it makes me angry (probably not justified) to see people order from outlets 5 mins walk away. Sorry another rant! I have dabbled with Wiltshire farm foods and Oakhouse foods, but became disillusioned when the small print could not confirm the ingredients were British.
I have been trying to rehome my cat who has various problems, no return calls. I will miss him but can no longer look after him.
I’ve got blood being taken tomorrow for tests, but not for my current condition. Next GP appointment is weeks away, will persist in trying to get private attention, my pain is worse than ever.
Seeing the new born lambs has lifted my spirits. Lets hope the spring optimism can filter through to my addled brain. Don’t spend your winnings all at once in these restrained times! x
Devonolderguy I can sympathise with you on the way you are feeling.I lost my gorgeous beautiful late wife sue who sadly passed away on the 1st February 2023 and I went through a rough patch where I didn’t want to do anything.but and this may sound odd but I had a dream one night and I could hear sue saying come on don’t you give up and I’m here for you as always now carry on making me feel proud of you as I have and I will carry on being proud of you. Hope this hasn’t upset you
Aw Martyn that is lovely and I agree we have to live the best life we can, poor Devonolderguy is in pain so I think that is not helping.
Hi Devon, how did you get on at the clinic and are you feeling any better ?.
I haven’t done a lot today, I was going to garden but there is a very cool wind so I stayed indoors. I went to work this evening but apart from that I have just been pottering at home. No harm having a lazy day now and then 
Hello P6 and now Martyn. Parts of today I have had really bad pain, it does vary. I had blood taken today for testing for an ongoing previous condition.
I have today been to a local chinese acupuncture practicioner and made an appointment for later in the week. Up till now I had been a bit wary, but several people have recommended him. I don’t expect instant results, a usual course is six sessions.
Anyway I’m out of other options, I have tried contacting the private sector to no avail.
I am trying to dispel the feeling of being overwhelmed by the worlds negativity. Those of us who are alone have nobody to bounce off, but I must reimagine my late wife to take inspiration and think good positive thoughts. Thanks Martyn for the comparison.
Sorry again for previous rants and moans, not so bad this time!
Always here if you need to talk.no need to apologise devonolderguy
Hi all. Mixed day today, highs and lows. I visited health centre - for me the only way to make contact - and have my medication revised. After pleading for stronger pain relief (again) I am being put on Amatrypaline, but have to stop the gabapentin I am on as they clash. Also have to stop paracetamol as apparently I have damaged my liver. I am in for a very painful few days until the amatrypaline arrives, I shall probably be reaching for the Samaritans number.
As I can’t drive - its too painful - my mobility scooter is proving to be one of the best major investments i’ve made. Once I’ve hobbled out the door and got seated, things are tolerable enough to run errands and get me to local coffee mornings etc. I get distraction therapy from town centre people watching in nice weather. I will experiment with actually going into shops where I’ve seen others, to reduce my dependance on my lovely shopper neighbour.
I am trying to balance dependance on short term (I hope!) aids and equipment against longer term hope of recovery.
Hi guys. Another despair item, I’m afraid. I sent away for a new foil and blades head for my Braun electric shaver. I did not go for the cheapest, It was a branded item in branded packaging, but alas no improvement in shaver performance. I assume I’ve been sold a fake. In former times Boots the chemist would stock shavers and spares, but my local store no longer does, in spite of being a fairly large shop. We are being forced to shop on line with all its trickery and fraud. Trying to return items is hopeless for a dinosaur like me, I do not know who I actually bought from. Likewise I bought a pair of arm protectors for my riser chair, they are simply not as described and of terrible flimsy quality. The death of the high street and local shops is a tragedy.
I can relate to you devonolderguy.ordered something off eBay and I had a right job trying to return it