Slight irritated nerve

[KIMMY]

Hi

I have been having shooting pains in my right leg since October 2010 and also pins and needles in right leg and sometimes in my right hand.

I cant lie on my right side of body as my hip feels pressure and is uncomfortable.

When i walk it feels fine and i am generally not in pain, only when i sit on my right buttock or stand on my right leg and put pressure on it for a while.

I went to get some advise from my GP who told me it was sciatica. I then went for a 2nd opinion to a neurologist who said it was an irritated nerve and that it will pass.

So this week I went for a 3rd opinion who gave me lots of physical tests which were all fine and also a EMG. He said that he found a SLIGHT NERVE IRRITATION in my L5.

I am due for an MRI scan in 2 weeks and i am so so scared incase its a tumor. I cant sleep, eat and feel sick when i think about going for my results.

Has anyone else had a slight irritated nerve and what will happen or what can i do?

I hope someone can help!

[Justin]

Hi Kimmy,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm sorry to read that you are dealing with nerve irritation.

I am due for an MRI scan in 2 weeks and i am so so scared incase its a tumor. I cant sleep, eat and feel sick when i think about going for my results.

Has anyone else had a slight irritated nerve and what will happen or what can i do?

I hope someone can help!

Why do you think an irritated nerve is due to a tumor? There are many reasons for nerve irritation, cancer being a very rare one. MRIs are commonly performed and they should help paint the picture of what is going on with your spine. Keep us posted on the results from your MRI.

[Cindylou]

Welcome Kimmy, I am sorry you are experiencing nerve irritation in your leg. I know this can be quite painful. Your upcoming MRI should be most revealing of the cause of your pain, and as difficult as it may be, please try and put the tumor fear to bed, as it is highly unlikely that is the cause of your pain, as Justin also stated. In fact, I would go as far as saying I'm about 99% certain it is NOT a tumor. Now get some much needed rest and let us know when you get the results. Hang in there, Cindylou

[KIMMY]

Thank you both for your support. This helps me greatly.

I think i would be ok but my symptoms are so mild compared to many others but also mine have not been improved for some months now.

I want to be able to lay on my right side and also for the pins and needles in my foot and hand to stop. This really freaks me out and panics me even more.

The pain seems to be coming from deep in my right buttock, sitting for long periods gets uncomfertable. Also then sensitive on my right hip.My thigh feels quite tight sometimes too.

It does not hurt when i cough or sneeze. Feel very normal.

I just dread getting the results so much...its making me ill!