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epidural steroid injection....did it work for you?

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Posted 2/8/2018 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
I found out that I have arthritis in my lower back. My doctor wants to do the epidural steroid injection to see if it helps. If that does not work, then he will do that procedure where the numb the nerves. I'm pretty sure the injection will help, my back pain is not too terrible. I have tried physical therapy and it only worked for a short period of time. Maybe because I did not continue with the exercises, but my back pain seems to be on and off all the time. It just recently became worse, to where I can not stand more than 5 minutes without pain, and sitting more than 30 minutes hurts.

I'm worried because my first day of work is Monday, then I get Tuesday off for the injection. I always have a cortisone flare up, so it hurts for the next couple of days. Will I be able to work the next day? I will be doing reception at a veterinary clinic.

And has this worked for you? What should I expect? Is there anything I need to ask my doctor, or even tell my boss?
Posted 2/8/2018 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning PXB, first can you go back to your original post as you have some responses there to your thread there.

It is a toss up on whether the ESI will work. Some people have success & some do not. It can take up to 2 weeks for the injection to become totally effective. Do not expect immediate relief either, as most of us found it tends to aggravate things for a few days. Ice the area afterwards too. You mention another procedure about numbing the nerves, that is a procedure I know nothing about. I know they can ablate the nerve endings by radio frequency, is this what he is considering?

Have you tried a TENS unit or any of the OTC patches with lidacaine? Even with arthritis a person has to remain active as much as possible. And yes, its a shame you didn't keep up with the exercises because they are important. Most of us have a arsenal of things we try & do to get some relief.

I think it will depend on you & how you feel the following day. You may want to let your boss know you are having the procedure done. Take care.
Posted 2/10/2018 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I have had many many ESIs over the years. Most in my low back and a few in my neck. The ones in my neck neve. r worked. The ones in my low back helped my leg pain significantly! I have had them about 3 times a year since 2009.

I do know the doctor who does them and getting to the right spot is what matters and for the right condition. It is worth a try. My daughter had one and it basically kept her from surgery and has been fine since. Unfortunately my insurance doesn’t pay for them anymore. In addition my low back has worsened where I have no disc space left so their effectiveness is reduced.

When you get it you need to rest for 24 hours. Then take it easy for a day or two so that the medication stays where they put it. If you are too active right after it won’t work as well. Make sure your doctor is experienced and ask for light sedation.
Best wishes.
Posted 2/15/2018 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks! All went well, although my pain worsened the first day. I was able to take yesterday and today off work, and have just been resting. The pain from the injection is starting to go away. I am not sure if it has helped yet, but hopefully it will!
Posted 2/16/2018 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Good to hear. Yes, usually increases your pain because you have the extra fluid in the space from the injection. My doctor says it works two ways, first the injection of the steroid reduces the inflammation that is causing your pain, secondly the injection itself can flush out the area of the nerve irritants causing your pain (that comes out of your disks as they degenerate).

I always iced my back a lot after injections and still do because it is inflammation that causes my pain. I also eat a mostly anti inflammatory diet (avoid sugar, alcohol, processed foods, tomatoes, potatoes etc).

It can take up to two weeks to feel the difference. It is helpful to keep a pain diary when you meet again with your doctor. I also find it helps me really remember the details of my pain post injection.

Hope it works!
Posted 2/23/2018 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I have pretty many steroid injections for nerve pain and most of them have worked very well! They ask that you rest the day of the procedure but then back to normal the next day. For my injections at the clinic I goto I can get sedation when I get injections done. I had one done without and it was pretty uncomfortable! This was on my neck and thorasic areas of the spinal nerves. Aka facet joint injections. Some places dont believe in sedation but I say why dont they lay on the table and try it with nothing. I feel that I'm in enough pain all the time so why should I have to take more? If ur not sure if ur getting anything to calm you. You can always ask your dr for some meds to help you relax.hope this helps. Make sure u ask them ahead of time though.
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