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Injections in the SI joint???

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Posted 2/5/2009 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
My pain management doctor suggested that I get "injections in my sacroilliac joint" for this excruciating pain that I feel in the morning before I get up out of bed.  What kind of injections?? I didn't ask. I just said no.  For the moment I got scared.  I think I had them a long time ago; years and years ago, but I can't remember.  Can any of you enlighten me?  Have you had this?? Does it hurt? How is it done?  I know these are all questions I should have asked my doctor and now I regret that I didn't, but I just froze up and my next appointment isn't for six weeks.  Trying to talk to her before then is next to impossible.  Any body help!!

Thanks,

Lindaloo

Posted 2/5/2009 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Lindaloo,
You're talking to the queen of injections here, although I think I've got lots of competition on this forum! LOL Yes, I've had SI joint injedtions, and they're about the same as epidurals, facet joint injections, etc., except they're in the SI joint. They are actually the one injection that did help my pain - at least the pain in my buttock. My PT is also always putting my SI join back in place, and I do exercises to tighten the ligaments and wear an SI joint belt, but that darn SI joint won't stay in place.

I think it's worth a try. Have you had any other injections? Then you'd have a pretty good idea. You do want to get a doctor who does a lot of these, uses flouroscopic guidance, and most (at least mine) give you a slight local injection before they insert the needle deeper with the steroid. Now I've heard there are some newer kind of experimental treatments where something (it might be ketamine, but I'm not sure) into the SI join to create inflammation, which hopefully creates scar tissue, and holds the joint in place. I'm not going to go for that one - at least not unless it's proven over time. But I would consider going back for a regular steriod (I think that's what was used) SI joint injection. I really don't find the injections painful; at best a little uncomfortable, if you've got a good doc doing them. Then the spot is sore for a couple of days but I just put ice on it.

Don't know if this helps. If you've got more questions just ask!

PaLady
Posted 2/5/2009 8:54 AM (GMT 0)
Did you injure your SI joint, Linda?
I really hurt mine when giving birth 35 years ago!
After the doctor figured out what was wrong,
he prescribed Percodan for six weeks I believe.
I always sit on the side of my little pink cheek.
I just don't know what I'm going to do about ANYTHING
Pamela
Posted 2/5/2009 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know what I did, Pamela. I know I had surgery some twenty five years ago and have had problems since, but now I can hardly stand for any length of time and now can't get out of bed in the morning due to pain in the area.

Thanks for responding.

Lindaloo
Posted 2/5/2009 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Good advice the others gave you! I've had them and well, just didn't help much...
I wanted to add that you need to have someone to drive you home as you won't
be allowed to drive, you'll need to use ice packs for 24 hours afters and you'll not
be allowed to eat the morning of the injections, so you'll be hungry afters too,
but eat light meals and drink plenty of water, These injections are usually steroids,
so be forewarned in cause you have roid rages...
Hope this info helps..
You'll need a day or two off from work for these as you will be very sore afters as well..
Soft hugz and I hope the injections can help you...
Also read old posts on this as there are many...
Posted 2/5/2009 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Char. I guess it's a crap shoot huh?? Well I'm thinking I might give em a try. I will wait a little longer though before I make up my mind...Thanks for responding honey.

Lindaloo
Posted 2/5/2009 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Linda,
Char gave some good advice, but I think some of it only applies is you get sedation. If you're not going to be sedated, they should let you eat. You also can drive home (though sometimes it does sting quite a bit so if you have someone available to drive that could help). Ice packs help me a lot too. :)

I usually go back to work the same day for a few hours, but that's just me. Rest is good too. If you're sedated obviously going back to work isn't that great of an idea.

Also, check to see whether your doc does them under flouro or not. Mine does them both ways. As long as he can find & count your vertebrae (I'm underweight so that's not a prob) he will agree to do it in the office. It's a tiny bit more hit or miss, but I like doing it in the office a lot better since the OR tends to stress me out & I get all tense there which just increases my pain so it's a net loss. :(

good luck,
frances
Posted 2/8/2009 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
I have had the SI joint injections. The procedure involves placing a needle using a flouroscope to inject either a short term pain reliever (like novocaine only stronger) or a nerve burning agent such as phenol. The initial placement of the needle is the worst part but once the local goes in you don't feel anything except some pressure.

It has been very effective for me.

Good Luck!
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