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Could y'all tell me your experiences with epidurals..

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Posted 8/17/2013 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
I guess that's what I had done Thursday.They put me under and gave me some type of shot in my lower back.I'm scheduled for 2 more,1 in 2 weeks and the 3rd 2 weeks after that.

The Pain Management that I go to doesn't seem to explain things unless you press them.I forgot to ask what the aim of these shots were,

I also thought the Doctor,who I haven't seen but for 3 minutes 3 months ago,would be giving the shot.But it was the same guy that did my knee injections.

I'm starting to wonder if the Doctor does anything there.

Your experiences good or bad would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick
Posted 8/17/2013 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
The aim of the shot is to inject steroids into your spine and reduce swelling possibly impinging nerves. Mine caused excruciating pain for a week and a half afterwards and no pain reduction afterwards. But my experience is not a typical result. I hope that these injections help you.
Posted 8/17/2013 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
I know quite a few people who swear by these & get great pain relief.

Hope that you do too.

Mine was in my neck, my BP spiked & I almost passed out..
(& was in danger of having a stroke due to the BP)

the doctor advised that I not have any more..
Ever..
that I was most likely sensitive to either the dye or whatever was injected.

Many chemicals / meds cause me lotsa of problems..
Posted 8/17/2013 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
I have C4-T4 scoliosis and referred pain through my upper back and down my left arm.

I tried an epidural about 3 years ago at the very top of the above range and don't think it helped.

However, I'm actually exploring having another, trying a different doctor and a different location -- this time, at C7/T1.

Whether or not one works depends upon many factors: cause of pain, type of spinal issues, location of injection, etc.. It may be that some will work on you, some won't. Sadly, it is just trial and error.
Posted 8/18/2013 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Have had six to date, lumbar region. One provided a miracle of total pain relief for several months. The other five, zilch, zip, nada. I will no longer agree to any more due to having developed a synovial cyst at L5/S1 and I believe I have had too many in too short a time period (6 within 14 months).

IMO, if you get no relief with one, there is little point in repeating the process. Your mileage may vary ;-)
Posted 8/18/2013 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
I've had several for thoracic nerve pain. The ones that worked the best for me were injected directly into the nerves o n my ribs.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/18/2013 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies.This is my 1st round of them.My GP doesn't seem to care too much for my Pain Management Doctor.Says he gives too many of these shots.I guess that's where he makes his money. I can definitely feel a little soreness where I was stuck.Other than that really nothing.I'll get the other 2 and see if it helps.
Hope everyone has a great day,
Rick
Posted 8/18/2013 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
It's interesting that they put you out.

First, I have NO experience, so I don't want to speak out of turn. I'm just surprised. My Sister in Law works at a PMC and, let's face it, pretty much the bulk of what they do revolves around injections. It seems the whole office is set up specifically FOR these procedures and not much else.

Before her surgery, she received a few, and they helped for a short while, but to the best of my knowledge, neither she, nor any of the patients at the clinic she works at, are ever put out. They may numb the area before the actual injection.

I can imagine they'd be quite painful.

I don't have room for injections, my DDD is too severe (well that, and I've just had five fusions, so the back pain and radiculopathies are gone).

Interested to follow up and see how you do.


Sookie
Posted 8/18/2013 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Sookie.Everytime I was there,which was quite a few the 1st month.An initial 3 hr visit then 3 separate visits for "Rooster-Comb Gel" injections below my kneecap.I kept hearing them calling out for patient's drivers.Much more than anything else.

I knew this Doctor had a reputation of giving too many injections.I don't exactly know how long I was out.But she knocked me out.Versese(sp) and Diprovan(sp).I think I got one sentence out.I'm sure it was something brilliant.

My back starting hurting really bad about an hour ago.A new level and type of pain.I just took another Nucynta 150.I had to.I may need ice on it.

But I'm posting so I guess it's not too bad.In fact my medicine just took affect.Relief for a while.


Hope everyone has a relaxing enjoyable day,
Rick

Post Edited (tidalmouse) : 8/21/2013 12:56:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/18/2013 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Ahh, so they're using "rooster comb gel" now? I think it's the Alpha Lipoic Acid, if I'm not mistaken. They initially got it from the sternums of baby chickens. Maybe that got too controversial or maybe they've come away with something new, but I remember years ago when these injections were "cutting edge" at helping to regrow cartilage in the knee. I've never heard of it being used elsewhere else on the body, on any other joints. So I'm not familiar with it in that regard,...but "back then," as I recall, it was quite promising.


Sookie
Posted 8/18/2013 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
I've had decent results with the many ESIs I have gotten over the years for both my neck and my back. I have never been put under for any of them or even given any medication prior...they just use a bit of lidocaine to numb beforehand.

We obviously only do a few a year to limit the amount of steroids as I also do a Medrol dose pack when needed.

To me, it's just like any of the other modalities we use, it gives me "some" pain relief for awhile. It's in addition to everything I else I do daily/weekly/monthly. So I've never expected it to take away all my pain. (Not saying that you are doing this....just making a comment in general).

I also have trigger point injections using local anesthetics as well when needed.

Keep in mind that on a chronic pain board...you are going to hear many more "negatives" to these experiences than positives as those who need and get these that do well are not hanging around a board like this:)
Posted 8/20/2013 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
I have had several of these shots in my low back and 3 in my neck. The shots provide me with enough pain relief (in addition to the medicinal cocktail) that I am able to continue working, at least for now. I just had one on Friday and limited relief so far, but hoping that it will kick in soon...like another poster mentioned, my pain does get a bit worse the first few days after the injection, but then it gets better for me, usually.
Posted 8/21/2013 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
"my pain does get a bit worse the first few days after the injection, "

So should I not be concerned that my lower back is causing much more problems 5 days after the injection? TIA

Hope everyone finds some peace today,
Rick

Post Edited (tidalmouse) : 8/21/2013 1:46:20 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/21/2013 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Since none of us are medical professionals and only give our own experiences, I would contact your Dr. and let them know of any pain and concerns you are having.

In the meantime, are you on any meds for actual inflammation? Sometimes many folks overlook that regular old Advil and ice can help when there are issues.

Keep us posted..
Posted 8/21/2013 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
Does Zanaflex count as an anti-inflammatory.You may be right.The heating pad saved me yesterday.I think I will try advil if it starts bothering me again.

Thanks,
Rick
Posted 8/21/2013 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
The only epidurals that have helped were the non-steroidal blocks. The others all didn't do a thing.
Posted 8/21/2013 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Zanaflex is considered more of a muscle relaxer to help with the spasms....but it could be helpful as well. The only difference with the heat/ice is that if it's inflammation....heat can aggravate that...but if it felt better to you then that is good.

I would still put a call into the Dr. just to let them know.
Posted 8/21/2013 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Rick!…and Welcome!

I have had several of the Epidurals, both cervical and lumbar,...and with mixed results. All were done with sedation, with the exception of one, and that will never happen again. nono

It can take two weeks or so before you may see the maximum results, so be patient. They are indeed a way to reduce inflammation as someone else suggested.

There are other meds that may help with this as well, one being "Mobic". Discuss this with your Dr and see what he thinks about it.

I have been on the "Mobic for a good month now, and have had decent results, with it added,... in addition to my other combination of meds.

Take care, and Enjoy the forum!

SE

(still having computer problems, and this took two tries to get it posted)
Posted 8/22/2013 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
I've had good results with lumbar epidurals. But I wonder if that's what you've gotten since I've never been put under for them & can't imagine why you would do that since my PM is always asking me for input during the procedure to make sure he's got the right place & hasn't accidentally hit a nerve. Also, every doctor - especially the neurologists & neurosurgeons -- I've seen has always told me you can't safely get repeat steroid injections at the same level back to back. It either works or it doesn't. Most wanted me to wait at least 6 months between injections. My current PM is very aggressive & even he usually waits 3-4 months minimum and then if I got good results but the pain moved, he'll hit another level.

Not saying for sure your doc is doing the wrong thing, just that he really should be the one to explain exactly what kind of injection he is giving you & why. He ought to be willing to take a minute or two to do that before putting you under or starting the procedure (whichever comes first).

Best wishes!
Posted 8/22/2013 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Screaming Eagle,Snowbunny,Tirzah and everyone.It really is helpful to me to see your experiences.Left alone with just my thoughts I would have probably gone crazy.

It's starting to feel better.I'm not very excited about the prospect of getting another shot in 7 days though. rolleyes

eta: I've been taking Mobic for a couple of years for Arthritis.I didn't realize it was doing anything until I stopped taking it for a while.

Post Edited (tidalmouse) : 8/22/2013 5:01:07 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/22/2013 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
I had several lumbar esi's without any anesthesia...but now I have a different doctor who requires twilight anesthesia for his procedures...and I will say that the twilight makes it feel like it goes by super fast where without it I would lay down and try and think happy thoughts while stressed out about the giant needle entering my spine...so I will say I definitely like the twilight way better...

And I am still feeling a bit of pain from the one I had Friday...but for the most part my arm and shoulder pain is gone so it seems to already be working.
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