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Very frustrated....again

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Posted 10/19/2011 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
I just had my 2nd lumbar epidural steroid injection on the 13th.  I can't tell any difference at all.  I understand that it takes time to feel any relief, but honestly, I never had relief after the first injection, which was a month ago.  The first injection was done at the L4-L5 and also L5-S1 discs.  I continued to have pain, so my PM suggested I go back for my L3.  I'm still having the same low back pain, as well as right leg pain and numbness.  I'm beginning to think this doctor is a quack.  I really hate to say that, because he was highly recommended to me by my brother.  But, as I have posted here before, he doesn't prescribe my pain meds...my primary doc does.  Yet, my PM drug tests me.  Anyway, that's not where I was going with this post.  I am just venting my frustration with not getting any relief whatsoever with these injections.  I am taking Lorcet 10/650 3xday...and I have been at this dose for close to a year now.  No relief.  I am sitting here with my leg feeling cold, numb and achy and the same old sharp pain in my lower back/sacrum area.  And now, since I have been less active, my neck pain has flared up.

I realize everyone here is in pain, so I feel guilty for complaining.  I guess I am just feeling increasingly frustrated.....like I am on a downward spiral.  I'm not sure where to go from here.

 

Posted 10/19/2011 9:00 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry you're still dealing with pain after your injections. I do hope you get some relief somehow.

I had a series of epidural injections into my L1-2 area earlier this year for a herniated disk, and I didn't find any relief from them either. However my doctor was very forward and open about the treatment, and told me straight up that not everyone has positive results from the injections--sometimes they help radically, and sometimes they do nothing at best. So my impression is that you don't really need to be a 'quack' to just simply be unsuccessful at relieving pain with injections. It could just be that the injections aren't helping you, even if he is getting at the exact place.

So I would get the rest of the injections done and return to your doctor about different options. If not different medication, then you need to ask him what your options are, because this simply isn't helping you.

Anyhow, I hope you get some help soon--and keep us updated. Don't feel bad about complaining or venting, because it is partly what these forums are for. We all need to let off steam sometimes and to exchange experiences and problems with each other, so I hope you continue to do so!
Posted 10/19/2011 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Patrick. I know you are absolutely correct in saying that sometimes the injections just don't work for everyone. I guess I should get the 3rd one soon, before the end of the calendar year and my insurance deductable starts over. And like you said, then see my doctor about looking into other options. I guess I'm just inpatient.

Thank you for making me feel better about venting. I'm glad I've found a place where I can do that and not feel judged.

I just read and re-read your quote by Joseph Campbell. I find that comforting. When I think life stinks because it isn't going the way I want it to, I need to stop and realize that there IS a life out there for me...and I should be thankful for the blessings I do have. Thank you so much, Patrick for reminding me of that. I hope you are having low pain days.
Posted 10/19/2011 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
The injections are done, per insurance proto call, certain procedures in a certain order...
and they are used as a diagnostic tool by the doctor to see if relief can be
found...I've never had any real relief from them....don't give up yet...
get them done and then see if they can help, as any other doctor would then start you off
all over again with injections...
From injection they do other procedures...
Hope this info helps, also read past postings here of injections, (but please don't respond to older posts)
Many well wishes to you...
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