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Major Owwies - looking for some tips and tricks

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 3/11/2009 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
I had a cervical spine epidural yesterday and my neck is KILLING me today. As long as I don't move my head I am fine but if I try to look anywhere but straight it feels like there are knives where they injected me.

I have tried ice and my pain meds but thats just not cutting it so I am reaching out to all the wonderful people here to see if anyone has some tricks they have used/use to make the next few days tolerable. I really don't want to be out of commission on my birthday (friday)

Thanks everyone and big ((((hugs)))) to all of you. I don't always get time to post but I do read all your threads and my heart goes out to you every day.

Your broken friend,

Sarrah

Posted 3/12/2009 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Sarrah,
If it still feels like that tomorrow, I'd call your doctor's office. I've never had a cervical epidural, just lumbar spine. I've generally only needed a little ice, but then my epidurals never helped. Maybe someone else here has ideas.

PaLady
p.s. Hugs to you,, too. ((((((((((Sarrah)))))))))))
Posted 3/12/2009 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe try laying down.
Posted 3/12/2009 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarrah,
I have a triple Cervical fusion so I get injections and treatments quite frequently....the best thing you can do is ICE till tomorrow then switch to heat. REST, REST, REST!!! You should feel a little better tomorrow but normally takes 3-5 days before the soreness leaves!
Hang in there!
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Sarah))))))))))))))))))))))))
XXOO
Patti
Posted 3/12/2009 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Sarah, wish I had some great words of wisdom for you. Just try and relax and give yourself a break. Look for small victories. I will pray for you.
Posted 3/12/2009 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarrah,

I've never had an epidural, however, I have had several stellate ganglion nerve blocks. They involve blocking a nerve cluster in the front of the neck that sits just next to the spine. Not so much fun. I was pretty stiff & sore afterward, especially at the base of my skull & in the back of my neck, which made no sense, since the injection was done in the front of my neck, though they did have to position me in an odd & uncomfortable way while doing the injection, in order to expose certain landmarks. Like you, I hurt when I tilted my head back or turned my head. Heat worked the best for me. Fortunately it only lasted about three days.

What about something like IcyHot, or some kind of pain relief/anti-inflammatory gel? Maybe that on top of heat/ice would help take some of the edge off. Hang in there! Take it easy! I hope you feel better soon & find something that helps!

Skeye
Posted 3/12/2009 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Sarrah, Hope your feeling better today, as tomorrow is your Birthday and
well I wanted to wish you a very very Happy Birthday!!! Hope your Birthday
is very special..........
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGZ}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Posted 3/12/2009 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Lay flat. That's good, but boring. Recline and have no pressure on your spine
at all. When you're up, hold your tummy in and move with perfect posture.
I LOVE the hot water bottle, but hospital says use ice (or cold) I really liked
Ben Gay, but over the years I used so much I injured my skin with it. (I mean I
used a whale of a lot) A little won't hurt you. Have a massage. Anything to get
ALL the muscles relaxed is good. Watch TV. (Not the news) Stay off the phonel.
Accept your limits for the next few days. Pamper you.

I have never had an Epidural. Let us know how it turned outl Good, Good luck.

Pamela
Posted 3/12/2009 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your kind replies, after two days of laying down and using a lot of ice, I feel a lot better. I still cannot look down but that is fine by me! I must say the shot is working pretty well, the pain that usually stays at the base of my skull is minimal right now so I am hoping this is a long term band-aid for the problem.

Take care everyone!

Sarrah
Posted 3/12/2009 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
That's great, Sarrah! Keep taking it easy, though. And Happy Birthday!!

PaLady
Posted 3/13/2009 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Sarrah,

I'm so glad to hear you are starting to feel better from the epidural & that it seems to be helping the pain too!!
Happy birthday tomorrow!

Skeye
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