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Spinal Block/Epidural

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/27/2009 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Everyone,

Its been a long time since I last posted. I just got out of the hospital a little over a week ago. Had to have liquid steroids, antibiotics, and morphine for a week. Since Ive been home, my flare up is definitely on the way to recovering. The pain isn't nearly as bad as it was before.

On Thursday I saw a Pain specialist. She took me off the regular doses of Dilaudin/Oxycontin in exchange for Vicodin as needed. They suggested doing a "Spinal Block" and have scheduled it for this Friday. I guess it would be an epidural concoction of Lidocaine. Has anyone ever had this done? Is this a good idea. With my pain getting under wraps, I'm a little hesitant. However, if they could make the pain go away, poof, just like that, then it would be pretty awesome. It just sounds sketchy.

Any thoughts.
Posted 7/27/2009 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
I'm confused. What are they trying to accomplish with the spinal block? Do you have back issues as well?
Posted 7/27/2009 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
It was strictly for pain management. Thats why Im a little confused to and asking for answers. I guess it would be to essentially get rid of the pain from my UC. As far as it going in as an epidural, thats just the gateway (as the doctor explained it). The injection is suppose to "Block the pain" for 2-6 weeks.
Posted 7/27/2009 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Wow....what else is going on with you do you think that your UC would be causing you incredible uncontrollable pain? Not that we cannot be in that much pain at times..but continual seems unusual.

Let us know how it goes for you. Hope it helps.

q
Posted 7/27/2009 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I had gotten to point of severe severe pain. The pain was so great all I could do was vomit. I was getting Morphine injections every 3 hours at the hospital. Once I got home I was taking a 12 hour oxycontin twice daily, and a 4 hour dilaudin every 4 hours.

Now that the steroids have the inflammation way down, Im down to just taking Vicodin as needed for pain. Today Im taking about 30 mgs of of Hydrocodone every 5 hours or so to keep the pain under wraps.

Id love to get the pain under control. Ive been on pain meds for about 3 months now and Id love to get completely off them.
Posted 7/27/2009 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Want to bump this. Has anyone ever had this done for their pain?
Posted 7/27/2009 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Any pain I've had from UC has been swift (but blinding) just from spams while on the toilet during a flare.
Such ongoing pain as you describe seems very unusual.

I have had three epidural shots for my lower back pain, to get down inflamation from slightly bulging discs. Cortosteroid, I think.
They helped, but no miracles. Generally I believe you have to address what's causing the pain, not just mask it. I only got the shots because my regular doc convinced me that the pain was keeping the inflamation from subsiding (and nothing else that usually worked was working, I gave it months before giving in).
Posted 7/27/2009 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just astounded that you are in that much pain from just Uc alone. I have had very painful episodes where I had to take Darvocet (I'm allergic to all forms of codeine) but it was usually short lived as the flare got under control. Are you sure it is strictly Uc related? Do you have any strictures? Blockages? When was the last time you had a scope?
Posted 7/27/2009 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Well its two fold. I have as severe colitis as it gets. Secondly Ive built a huge huge tolerance to pain medicine. If I were to suddenly have no tolerance to pain meds, most likely I could just take 1 vicodin every 6 hours and be fine. Thats why I was referred to pain management.
Posted 7/27/2009 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Ugh. Well, it sounds like you ought to try the shots. Risks are pretty low. Although I know one person who they messed up on and it was very bad.
But, birthing moms have them all the time!
Posted 7/27/2009 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
I can relate to you and the pain your describing. I have the same kind of pain. To me it feels just like im in labor and it can go on for hours or even days and a few times weeks .I was in the hospital at the first of the year for a little more then week getting the morphine injections every three hours . and was sent home on the same meds you are on now. As my flare got better i did not need to take them long . i have never heard of the block your talking about not for uc anyways. sure hope you feel better soon
Posted 7/28/2009 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds like the epidural injections I get for pain relief from bulging discs. When I think of spinal blocks, I tend to think of the ones you get for either child birth or pelvic surgical procedures that paralyze you from the waist down. If it's the epidural injections then I agree that the risks are low. They use a combination of lidocaine and a cortesteroid.
Posted 7/28/2009 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
If I were you, I would really talk to the pain management doc before the shot. Everyone sounds right, spinal blocks are usually lidocane and a steriod. The only reason I would question getting one in the first place is this: I am trying VERY hard to remember what nerves lead to the colon, but I don't think that they are spinal nerves, thus a spinal block wouldn't help! Again, do your research!

Jen
Posted 7/28/2009 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
I would be interested to learn more about this if you talk to your doctor. The first I learned of Epidurals for pain relief was about two weeks ago a little girl that is just 3 years old had her colon removed and they used the epidural during surgery to use less anesthesia, but then also used it for 3 days post surgery for pain control and said it was really a great way to do things.

My only experience with epidurals is childbirth.

Let us know what you learn and how it goes if you do try it out. My husbands niece with UC said her pain was the worst pain you can possible imagine so I know some to have horrible pain.

So sorry you are suffering so much.
Posted 7/28/2009 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Im gonna call my primary care physician today to get his opinion on it. If the injection would allow me to compleltey get off the vicodin, then Id be pretty stoked.
Posted 7/29/2009 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Seems like there is a huge difference in pain levels that some people experience with UC.  When having a full blown flare, I am in horrible pain.  Cramps that literally keep me doubled over.  I have been hospitalized for pain control as well.  Fortunately, though my UC is not really under control, I have only had two "flares" that were this bad.  Keep us all posted on what you find out!

Posted 7/29/2009 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
My sister gets epidurals for a back injury. it's not like a childbirth epidural - this one allows you to walk just fine and lasts her for about 2 months. she is able to function completely, where she cannot function otherwise. it's been a lifesaver for her. i guess it just depends on where it's injected maybe?

as for the pain, i feel ya on that one. i was in severe pain w/ my last flare and had to take dilaudin while in the hospital and switched to vicodin when i got home. i still take vicodin sparingly as i taper the steroids for the joint pain and severe headaches.
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