sroman127
11-02-2003, 10:17 PM
I am going to have a Cervical epidural block at c4-5 & c5-6. I would like to hear from some of you have done this before. Like, does it hurt? Has anyone had good results from them, etc... Thank you!
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KeithEugeneW
11-04-2003, 01:06 PM
I had 2 of them at C7, but for me they didn't help, I think because my problem has been so long running, it wasn't from an injury, it's from severe disk degeneration. I understand that about 50% of those who have them get some relief, and that typically it is those who have had a recent injury or new symptoms due to a suddenly bulging disc. I wouldn't say it is painful at all, just a ***** from the needle for the numbing medication for a few seconds, and then pressure once they insert the epidural needle. I got queasy only because I started thinking about what they were doing and how deep the needle goes in, but not because of any pain or discomfort at all. I also knew that the experienced pain doc I was seeing was not the one doing it, it was a different resident each time, with little experience, so that made me pretty nervous that they might go too far. Make sure they use a fluoroscope (live x-ray) to guide the needle. If they don't, then find someone else, because they are just taking a literal stab in the dark around your spinal cord if they can't see it on x-ray. Those who don't use the fluoroscope have higher complication rates and lower success rates because they don't get the cortisone to where it needs to be, and because they may hit something they shouldn't. With the fluoroscope, they can see exactly all the time where they are and they inject a little die along the way to be absolutely certain they are in the right place. It's a piece of cake, so relax and don't worry about it, you'll be fine. I hope it helps you!
sroman127
11-04-2003, 10:56 PM
Thank you for replying! I am curious if everyone who has these blocks are sedated? I don't think I mind the needle as much as the sedation! I took my dad for the epidural yesterday and he said he never felt a thing. I have had epidurals when I was in labor, and I don't remember them being painful, but I wasn't sure since I was already in heavy pain. It does help to hear from other people who have been there and done that! Thank you again!
Tiddgys
11-05-2003, 04:36 AM
Hello Sroman..
I have had many blocks lower lumber and sorry to say none of them worked for me..
I was sedated each time for this but you can def still feel what is going on it just stops you jumping up off the table..
I wish you the best of luck i would have rather thses worked than having afusion like i ended up having..
Tiddgys x
I have had many blocks lower lumber and sorry to say none of them worked for me..
I was sedated each time for this but you can def still feel what is going on it just stops you jumping up off the table..
I wish you the best of luck i would have rather thses worked than having afusion like i ended up having..
Tiddgys x
LisaM
11-08-2003, 12:52 PM
I had a cervical block done Oct 27th. last week. The doctor thought would calm things down and let me heal. I had caught a cold and a stomach virus a couple of weeks after my surgery and things got irritated. Anyway, yes, I was sedated. They put 3 vials of pain meds in my IV to make me comfortable. I don't remember the 3rd vial going in. I barely remember the trip home. I will say this. You will need some pain meds for a couple of days afterward. I was really stiff. Anyway, I feel great and this week started a new job and haven't had anymore problems. For me, it worked. I feel like a new person with all the pain gone. Hope this helps.
harryconnick
03-27-2004, 06:04 PM
do you know anything about scheurmans disease?
Brad
harryconnick@yahoo.comI had 2 of them at C7, but for me they didn't help, I think because my problem has been so long running, it wasn't from an injury, it's from severe disk degeneration. I understand that about 50% of those who have them get some relief, and that typically it is those who have had a recent injury or new symptoms due to a suddenly bulging disc. I wouldn't say it is painful at all, just a ***** from the needle for the numbing medication for a few seconds, and then pressure once they insert the epidural needle. I got queasy only because I started thinking about what they were doing and how deep the needle goes in, but not because of any pain or discomfort at all. I also knew that the experienced pain doc I was seeing was not the one doing it, it was a different resident each time, with little experience, so that made me pretty nervous that they might go too far. Make sure they use a fluoroscope (live x-ray) to guide the needle. If they don't, then find someone else, because they are just taking a literal stab in the dark around your spinal cord if they can't see it on x-ray. Those who don't use the fluoroscope have higher complication rates and lower success rates because they don't get the cortisone to where it needs to be, and because they may hit something they shouldn't. With the fluoroscope, they can see exactly all the time where they are and they inject a little die along the way to be absolutely certain they are in the right place. It's a piece of cake, so relax and don't worry about it, you'll be fine. I hope it helps you!
Brad
harryconnick@yahoo.comI had 2 of them at C7, but for me they didn't help, I think because my problem has been so long running, it wasn't from an injury, it's from severe disk degeneration. I understand that about 50% of those who have them get some relief, and that typically it is those who have had a recent injury or new symptoms due to a suddenly bulging disc. I wouldn't say it is painful at all, just a ***** from the needle for the numbing medication for a few seconds, and then pressure once they insert the epidural needle. I got queasy only because I started thinking about what they were doing and how deep the needle goes in, but not because of any pain or discomfort at all. I also knew that the experienced pain doc I was seeing was not the one doing it, it was a different resident each time, with little experience, so that made me pretty nervous that they might go too far. Make sure they use a fluoroscope (live x-ray) to guide the needle. If they don't, then find someone else, because they are just taking a literal stab in the dark around your spinal cord if they can't see it on x-ray. Those who don't use the fluoroscope have higher complication rates and lower success rates because they don't get the cortisone to where it needs to be, and because they may hit something they shouldn't. With the fluoroscope, they can see exactly all the time where they are and they inject a little die along the way to be absolutely certain they are in the right place. It's a piece of cake, so relax and don't worry about it, you'll be fine. I hope it helps you!