I am very torn on the issue of epidural injection into my back. I live in constant pain, due in part to one ruptured disk and one bulging disk, but to a greater extent due to Fibromyalgia. Could some of you share your success/failure stories? From all I have been told, it is likely that it may not even help, so why bother to put yourself through the pain of the procedure? Help, please!!!!

Hi Dennfore,
I am one shot into my cervical epidural series. Maybe 20% improvement so far. I get my next one on Friday. It doesn't work for many, but it works wonderfully for others. A friend of mine had lower back herniated discs and was in terrible pain...9 months of stooped over walking, sleeping on the tile floor, innumerable trips to chiro, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, on and on. So she goes and has the series of 3 shots. This was 8 years ago, yes 8, and she has been pain free since. Another friend of mine had the same scenario (lower back -- 1 ruptured and 2 herniated discs) and had the shots last summer is at about 80% now. Some get nothing out of it...but

If insurance isn't an issue for you, what is the harm in trying for some relief? A couple of suggestions:

- have a anesthesiologist perform the injections...he/she is specifically trained. other doctors may be "pain management" specialists and able to do it, but are not "trained" to do it.
- have it done under fluorsocopy -- live x-ray so that the doc knows exactly where the needle is and they aren't flying blind.
- ask for sedation -- I was given Versed, a "twilight" amnesia drug and it was a piece of cake. I mean it, because I am a big chicken!!

Here's the post I made the day after so you get the details of what it's like:
**********************
well, I had my first cervical steriodal epidural and facet joint injections on the right side of my neck yesterday. Here's what it was like:

Check in, check vital stats, into pre-op for IV insertion in hand and some kind of drip...they said Gatorade for the blood :-) . Gown on...open in back...socks and undies left on. (How's this for detail!) Wait in hall on gurney, OR asst. comes out, puts cap on my head. Wheel into OR, lay face down on table with head in donut, like a massage table kind of, oxygen doo-dads in nose. Wipe upper back with red stuff, lay surgical drapes around area. Start antibiotics...no problem...start Versed for twilight effect...gonzo. zzzzzzzzzz land. Wake up...groggy but not nauseous, given juice, couple more minutes...get dressed. Hubby drives me home...quick stop at Dunkin Donuts for some sugar! Eat donuts in bed and sleep for 3 hours. Wake up, feel pretty good...a little tentative, not up for a game of Twister or anything. Up for a while and back down in bed...up and down rest of day. As day wore on and anesthetic wore off, rt. side of neck was tender, but manageable, a little headache, but not bad. Only insertion point is a little needle stick about an inch or two below the big bump at base of neck. Bandaid just a little roundy-one. Looks like I was out for a mosquito bite! LOL. Feeling OK today, at work, won't overdo though, just seeing how it goes.

So, go with a good anesthesiologist, fluoroscopy and that Versed...my new best friend.

I'll let you know of relief factor in a few days to a week. So far feeling pretty good though.
**************
Best,
Del.

I am very torn on the issue of epidural injection into my back. I live in constant pain, due in part to one ruptured disk and one bulging disk, but to a greater extent due to Fibromyalgia. Could some of you share your success/failure stories? From all I have been told, it is likely that it may not even help, so why bother to put yourself through the pain of the procedure? Help, please!!!!

Hi Dennfore,

I got my first epidural today, and beforehand I was also torn about getting an injection. I have 2 herniated discs, and (as my doc told me today from my MRI report) DDD. What made the decision for me was that if these epidurals work (I am scheduled for a series of 3), I will be able to avoid surgery. The procedure does hurt (see my other thread), but so far it seems to have helped. Of course, the local anesthetic they used is still working, so I'm still kind of numb. I will let you know if it continues to work! If I can do anything to help, or you want to know anything else, let me know! Good luck!

Jessie :cool:

Hello,
I agree with much of what has already been said. I was torn since my Ortho. sais it works 50% of the time. (He also said, for the ones it works for...it really works well). I finally decided it would be worth it if it worked. Well, it worked great and I am goinig to finish the series of epidurals. I went to a pain management Dr. who used the fluorsocopy x ray. I also took a diazapine, which really calmed my nerves. There was some pain when the local was applied, but not nearly as much as I had worked myself up into believing. Also, it only lasted 2 or 3 sec. Once that was applied then I didn't feel anything. I recvd. it in 4 areas of my lumbar area. It did hurt like a bruise the next couple of days, once the local wore off...But I am almost pain free. I am hoping to go back to work after the rest of the epidurals. (I haven't been able to work for the past 3 mo.)

Good luck,

Lorie

I don't know anyone in real life these have worked on. I do not doubt the posters here have been helped, but my experience was they were a waste of time and money. I wound up getting surgery anyway. But if I were you, I'd try one and see how it goes! Good luck!

While I am still torn, you have given me food for thought. At this point, I am leaning towards at least trying the first one...what the heck, all I have to loose is the pain... :)

Hi Del! Thanks for sharing! Your story has given me some courage to reconsider. It was relieving that you were given Versed which enabled you to avoid pain and relax. Mostly though I especially want to implement the stop at the donut shop! My hubby will like that too! :D

What kind of medication was used for your epidurals?
I'm concerned as I've learned there is one that can cause a disorder called arachnoiditis.

I am so amazed that you went to work the next day! You're more than a trooper! Have you been able to continue working and how is your pain level?
Did you experience migraines from your cervical condition? If so, after the epidural treatment, did it stop the migraines?

I would appreciate your imput! Thanks! :)

I am very torn on the issue of epidural injection into my back. I live in constant pain, due in part to one ruptured disk and one bulging disk, but to a greater extent due to Fibromyalgia. Could some of you share your success/failure stories? From all I have been told, it is likely that it may not even help, so why bother to put yourself through the pain of the procedure? Help, please!!!!
hi there,, I had my 1st one lst fiday & have another one scheduled for next frid.[the 27]...
the day OF the injection went better than I tought it would...BUT when I woke up the next day I was in so much pain that I almost had my hubby take me to the ER...[mine was in the spine L5-S1 area]...
even though I have seen no difference in my pain they have told me I probably wouldn;t till the 2nd one...so I am crossing my fingers that next week will show some difference & I wonlt have that pain the next day likie I did the last time...
sorry if this sounds negative BUT like you said what do we have to lose ...maybe this WILL help ...
wolebearsnc :D

Hi CalSun,

Yes, the Versed was a lifesaver. It didn't make me feel sick like general anesthesia does just seriously sedated, I mean I didn't even know I was there. I don't know if I would have had the nerve otherwise because I really am a big baby and it's hard enough to be in pain daily, let alone sign up for more...the donuts were a real benny...I ate them in bed when I got home and fell fast asleep and awoke in a sprinkling of toasted cococut and powdered sugar! LOL

Anyway, let's see, the epidural contained cortisone, some type of anesthetic (sorry, I don't know what kind but it was just to keep the area numb for a few hours), and a type of saline solution...the doc's office called it a "hypertonic saline solution", but I do not know the purpose of the that part. I don't know what arachnoiditis is, but I guess I didn't get it because I feel OK now.

My condition is a little confusing to report on because I have arthritis in my neck and some bulging discs, but I also, unfortunately, have TMJ disorder. I've tried treating the TMJ w/splint therapy, and a number of other modalities (PT, chiro, drugs, etc.) but it persists. I am sure the TMJ makes my neck pain worse, but I am currently at a loss as to what to do about the TMJ, so I am trying to attack the neck issue in the hopes that it will squelch some of my pain and give me a chance to calm down TMJ wise too. It's so interconnected that hopefully if I can fix one, perhaps it will help the other. Yes, I have bad headaches (I think they're more tension than migraine, I also have face pain, jaw pain, tingling on my chin, and lots and lots of muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders and upper back).

The doc pinpointed the rt. side of my neck, and frankly that has felt better. It used to be tender to touch and feel like the vertebrae themselves on that side hurt, but not hardly at all anymore. The left side still hurts so I'm going for that tomorrow. I still have tightness and spasm in both my shoulders and jaw pain, but my pain overall is feeling about 20% better and I haven't had a tension headache since.

Please do not be disheartened by it being only 20%, CalSun, because I honestly believe the majority of my pain in from my TMJs and not my neck...I'm just treating what I can at this point. I think if it were more my neck my improvement level would be much, much higher.

I worked the next day about 6 hours or so. I felt a little out of sorts, but pain wise it was just a little sore, like I had worked out too hard...except I haven't worked out in a long time. :-(

The first 3 days after I had it done, I had virtually no pain, even in my jaw, so I was pickling in cortisone, but after my body flushed out some of it, some of my pain came back, with the exception of the 20% I mentioned above. And yes, I am still working, like a dog. LOL

I know I just rambled around a bit, but I hope I answered your questions. Just be sure you follow those points I mentioned in my first post above (anesthesiologist, fluorscopy, versed, etc.).

Best to you, let me know what happens. It's worth a shot, so to speak. Wish me luck tomorrow.

Del.

Hey Del that's great news! Thanks for all your input! Very helpful! I appreciate the encouragement! And, will remember the key points: Anesthesiologist, fluorscopy, and Versed! :)

For TMJ, you mentioned using the splint which failed. If I understand correctly, the mouthgard and the splint are two different kinds of objects. Am I correct? Would a mouthgard be helpful? Do you also experience clenching teeth too? Wal-Mart has a mouthgard for $25 that is easy to set up to fit in accordance with one's oral cavity and is remarkable keeping the jaw positioned comfortably at night, preventing bruxism too, which can cause the same symptoms you described: trigeminal pain, temple pain, facial pain and facial tingling. Again the relief is remarkable and if you haven't tried it already, might beneficial for you!

Hope you get relief! Best to you too! Hugs! CaSun :cool:

1 1/2 years after my L234 hemilamanectictamie,fussion with pedicle screws and rods,developed much pain in lower back.and was sent physical therpy (which was really stupid) and then for epidural injections by a pain maniagement dr. who weighed 400 lbs ,recommened by what I believe to be top surgens in the field upmc pittsburgh.First injection was in dr. office wille I looked out the window with my pants down,in goes the shot no pain fell little better for 2 wks .I asked why no floroscop and stuff like I've heard to do and doc said he's been doing this for 25 years and has it down pat and top nurosurgens would'nt recommende him if it was not so. Second shot had no effect,and my back got much worse so I almost could not get out of bed,pain was absolutely incridable.Mylogran die would not go in had much scaring blocked spinal passage,teathered spinal cord.6 mounths later exploration surgery remove metal rods,scar tissue,fluid etc.,its been a week post opp and doing better MY oppinion of epidural is its a waste of time that could be used for a better purpose,It's like novacane for a broken leg .

1 1/2 years after my L234 hemilamanectictamie,fussion with pedicle screws and rods,developed much pain in lower back.and was sent physical therpy (which was really stupid) and then for epidural injections by a pain maniagement dr. who weighed 400 lbs ,recommened by what I believe to be top surgens in the field upmc pittsburgh.First injection was in dr. office wille I looked out the window with my pants down,in goes the shot no pain fell little better for 2 wks .I asked why no floroscop and stuff like I've heard to do and doc said he's been doing this for 25 years and has it down pat and top nurosurgens would'nt recommende him if it was not so. Second shot had no effect,and my back got much worse so I almost could not get out of bed,pain was absolutely incridable.Mylogran die would not go in had much scaring blocked spinal passage,teathered spinal cord.6 mounths later exploration surgery remove metal rods,scar tissue,fluid etc.,its been a week post opp and doing better MY oppinion of epidural is its a waste of time that could be used for a better purpose,It's like novacane for a broken leg .

Dear FreshwaterJim...

There is no doubt that epidurals are not for everyone. In many cases, the damage to the discs is too severe for them to be of any help. I've read somewhere recently that they are more successful with cases that are not as advanced, i.e., bulging, herniation...but not major damage/fusion, etc.

All the best. I hope your recovery continues to go well.

Warm Regards, Del.

Hi CaSun...

Thank you for your kind and informed suggestions. TMJ is a real bugger. I have tried the WMT variety, which as you mentioned is a mouthguard. That was my first step. Then I tried a repositioning splint, which unfortunately was administered by a dentist that didn't really know what the he!! he was doing...I then went the P.T./chiro/accupuncture/drug route. Drugs work the best, along with massage, which gets very expensive. My next step in jaw treatment is another mouthguard (not repositioning), but custom made so I can wear it during the day and actually talk...it will cost about $300 clams, which beats the exhaustive (financially, emotionally, etc.) 2nd round of repositioning splint, which would include braces, etc., which is more like 5,000 clams! All not covered by insurance.

Boo hoo.

OK, that's no way to start the week. :-)

The epidural on Friday went well, again no major pain, just tenderness, but I have NOT taken one single pill except for a nighttime relaxant since Friday. I cannot tell you what a different that is from my usual routine. I hope it continues.

You have a great day, I'll keep you posted. You should come to Florida and see my doc for your epidurals. He's awesome!! The donuts here are pretty good too. LOL

:-)

Hey Del! :wave: Such good news about the lessening of medication after the epidural! That is significant! We could use some Florida sunshine and donuts! :D

Gosh! So sorry about the TMJ. Bummer that insurance excludes the services you need for the treatment. Wish that the Plans would give special considerations for when the usual, customary services do not satisfy the patient's needs. The upswing is that hopefully all that the doctor does for you will help! :)

It is a great day today! Sky is sunny and blue, and the air is warm! Take care of yourself and I hope the trend of less meds continues! Keep in touch! Hugs! CASun :cool:

I have had numerous injections since l983 and every one of them offered some relief; sometimes more than other times, but always helped to some degree.
Carol

bumping up.

They didn't help for me at all, and actually made me worse. I tried them, hoping they would work and I could avoid surgery. I do think it's worth giving it a try though. You never know until you try. You might be a lucky one that they work for.

My wife has had epidurals. As someone else who has replied stated - make sure they use x-ray. The most skilled doctor will still miss 40% of the time by just bending you over. Additionall, her pain med. spec. told us that sometimes the nerve inflam. is not in the same area where your disc is located. It could inflam. lower.

The 2nd one I had on Feb. 20 seemed to be even more helpful than the first on Feb. 2. See doc Tues. to determine if anymore or not. Currently am getting by with 1 Vioxx/day and a mild muscle relaxant at bedtime. Not bad for me. I was taking those before and more and still not feeling very well. I've even (slowly) started a swimming regimen again. It has even seemed to help to some degree w/my TMJD. Don't know how long it will last.

Hopeful...

Del.

Derktara--that's interesting what you mentioned about the inflam being lower than where the problem disk is....is that why muscle spasms and spinal pain are felt down the thoracic when it is a neck problem? could that be? Do you know?

Del--do you have pain down the spine? If so, has the epidural helped that too?

Hugs to all,

CalSun :cool:

Mak--I have to agree with you.

Also, if anyone has researched arachnoiditis, then one wonders if they were better off before.

so I too am torn. Del's story has encouraged me to investigate it further.

Mak--I have to agree with you.

Also, if anyone has researched arachnoiditis, then one wonders if they were better off before.

so I too am torn. Del's story has encouraged me to investigate it further.

Hi CaSun,

I am almost 3 weeks since my 2nd epidural. My pain has decreased tremendously. I still take a Vioxx in the am and a muscle relaxant at night, but I am telling you I am feeling a big difference this time. I do not know how long it will last, maybe 6 weeks, or 6 months or 6 years. But I'm enjoying the heck out of it for now. I can wrap my hair in a towel after a shower (never could have done that before with my neck and jaw pain). My jaw pain is even decreased. I even went swimming like in the "old days." I can't say what the long-term outcome will be, but I am grateful for today.

I saw my PM doc and he suggested we stay on our current course and not do anymore unless my conditions worsens.

Hugs to you,
Del.

Hey Del! :wave:

Good to hear from you and that you are doing so well! I do understand about the towel wrapping so that is significant. Your story is very encouraging and I especially like the methods that your doctor used.

Are the muscle spasms gone too?

Your pal,

CalSun :cool:

Mak--I have to agree with you.

Also, if anyone has researched arachnoiditis, then one wonders if they were better off before.

so I too am torn. Del's story has encouraged me to investigate it further.

I had never seen that word before so out of curiosity looked it up on several sites. Sounds bad. No cure, no progression, just pain management. Ouch.

Is this something that can been seen on an MRI?

I can't imagine living with it.

As for the epidurals, are they with steroids?

Hi CalSun, yes the spasms have decreased significantly as well. I feel like a new gal. I am cautious about how long this will last, but am grateful for each day I wake up without pain. I will hope for the best and plan to communicate closely with my PM doc, whom I trust so much and just adore, with any changes.

Hugs, my best, and grateful for today,
Del.

[QUOTE=dennfore]I am very torn on the issue of epidural injection into my back. I live in constant pain, due in part to one ruptured disk and one bulging disk, but to a greater extent due to Fibromyalgia. Could some of you share your success/failure stories? From all I have been told, it is likely that it may not even help, so why bother to put yourself through the pain of the procedure? Help, please!!!![/QUO

Hi Dennfore

I wanted to know how you did after your epidural injections. I had a very bad experience with my third block. Severe pain, and now I have nerve root clumping. That pain was #10 pain, I was given 2 5 mgs of percocet and was in severe pain afterwards, stars, dizzy- hyperventilating really bad. The anethes. dr. went into my lower spine, instead of above my scar from previous spinal surgery 1979. this was in 2000, the epidural. Thanks Kns

[QUOTE=dennfore]I am very torn on the issue of epidural injection into my back. I live in constant pain, due in part to one ruptured disk and one bulging disk, but to a greater extent due to Fibromyalgia. Could some of you share your success/failure stories? From all I have been told, it is likely that it may not even help, so why bother to put yourself through the pain of the procedure? Help, please!!!![/QUO

Hi Dennfore

I wanted to know how you did after your epidural injections. I had a very bad experience with my third block. Severe pain, and now I have nerve root clumping. That pain was #10 pain, I was given 2 5 mgs of percocet and was in severe pain afterwards, stars, dizzy- hyperventilating really bad. The anethes. dr. went into my lower spine, instead of above my scar from previous spinal surgery 1979. this was in 2000, the epidural. Thanks Kns

I went ahead with the first one, and had no releif. I stressed so bad, and got no releif that I will never do it again.

thanks for all the responses, folks..........Dennfore

Epidurals, if they contain steroids, destory tissue.

I had two and I wouldn't do it again if they offered me a million $.

They are only temp relief at best. Better to find out what is really wrong and go another route.

Hello!

I am a fibro sufferer also, and am having surgery soon for my herniated disk. I have been through a few epidural inj. series, and they can give you really good relief, unfortunatelly for me, they just don't last long enough. It cannot hurt to try and they don't take long to get. It hurts for a few moments, but I am sure you can handle it, especially if you can have even a few days or a couple weeks of relief. Good Luck!

Karmon

I don't know anyone in real life these have worked on. I do not doubt the posters here have been helped, but my experience was they were a waste of time and money. I wound up getting surgery anyway. But if I were you, I'd try one and see how it goes! Good luck!
I second that. My epidurals were a total bust. :p

[QUOTE=moonlight]I had never seen that word before so out of curiosity looked it up on several sites. Sounds bad. No cure, no progression, just pain management. Ouch.

Is this something that can been seen on an MRI?

I can't imagine living with it.

Arachnoiditis is also something that I've wondered about. I'm wondering if it can be seen on a cat scan. I'm recovering from a lumbar fusion done on Dec. 30, and that recovery is coming along nicely. However, about one month ago I began having extreme leg pain, especially sharp pain to the knee and deep, aching pain below the knee with tingling and numbness at times (weakness also). Since its onset, it has progressively gotten worse. My NS suspected a ruptured disc, as did I, but the cat scan didn't show that. I haven't seen the NS since the scan, but have just talked to the nurse. I have an appointment to see him next week. Currently, after being on my feet for about 15 minutes, the pain is almost unbearable, even with taking 10mg hydrocodone.

I am very torn on the issue of epidural injection into my back. I live in constant pain, due in part to one ruptured disk and one bulging disk, but to a greater extent due to Fibromyalgia. Could some of you share your success/failure stories? From all I have been told, it is likely that it may not even help, so why bother to put yourself through the pain of the procedure? Help, please!!!!

Hi Dennfore! I am wandering the same thing. I'm sorry I can't be of help to answer your question, just want you to know you are not alone. I also have fibromyalgia and back problems. It may make fibro worse from the shot. My dr. wants me to have an epidural before having a fusion but I don't know whether it is worth it or not. I had the shots 10 years ago and they did nothing to help. I do know they help some people.

My question to others as well, is, if epidural shots give only temporary relief, what is the sense in having one and risking the possible side effects when I was already told I need a fusion. The dr. even admitted it probably won't help. I guess they want you to try everything.

Take care!
Gail :wave:

Hi Dennfore.
I posted a week or so ago but haven't been able to get back on since.
I go back to Specialist on 2nd April and it is decision day for me too!
The last thing left to try is Facet/Steroid injections.
He said when I couldn't stand it anymore then we would have to try them or a Discogram (NO WAY TO THAT - sounds like Medival Torture!)
THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT SCARES ME MORE ----NOTHING!!!!
I am already having sleepless nights worrying about it.
I am so scared as I had an Steriod Epidural injection 7 yrs ago and it made me so much worse - but then, it was no with no X-rays etc.
My mum has been for the new kind and she said she would give me £100 if I found it terrible - she promises it wont be.
BUT...........I'm still so scared.
I will not sleep for weeks if I know I am having it done and I will work myself into such a state they will end up chasing me as I run out / or tying me down.
Can't explain how scared I am.
It sound great if it works.......BUT.....if it doesn't , and I get worse than now, my life will be totally pointless to me.
I really dont know what to do either......I so feel for you.
I am in the UK.........where are you??????


Signed :Papillonisback

Hello!

I am a fibro sufferer also, and am having surgery soon for my herniated disk. I have been through a few epidural inj. series, and they can give you really good relief, unfortunatelly for me, they just don't last long enough. It cannot hurt to try and they don't take long to get. It hurts for a few moments, but I am sure you can handle it, especially if you can have even a few days or a couple weeks of relief. Good Luck!

Karmon

but they do hurt you, they cause tissue damage and they hurt when you get them and they hurt your pocket book :bouncing:

I'm curious about the tissue damage. I friend of mine had herniated disks in her lower back -- can't remember which ones at the moment, and went through one series of 3 epidurals...this was 8 years ago and she hasn't had a problem since.

Does it have something to do with how severe the injury is or how much epidural space there is?

I'm considering one more and would like some more info on the tissue damage and how that occurs.

Thanks very much,
Del.

Hi dennfore, was wondering if you could share some of your expierience with fibromyalgia, If you dont mind me prying? My mother had it and I say had it cause she suffered for years then all of a sudden it was gone. Also my aunt her sister has it as well and still does. I am still on the road of discovering what is wrong with me but would like to know if this possibly is my problem as well. (Chest pain, arm weakness, muscle tenderness, headaches, shoulder burning, general fatigue,) Do you feel this way too? Thanks for your time, Angel

Hi all and Delilah! I haven't been able to post lately and catching up!

This is really an excellent discussion. Delilah's treatment appears to me to be the least painful. Appears because of the the method with anesthesia, fluoroscopy and Versed that she did well. It seems this procedure provides accuracy and patient comfort. Of course, I haven't had same but her story is encouraging. :)

I think based on the individual depends on whether a patient gets an option of trying the epidural first before having an invasive, serious surgery. It is my understanding a herniated disk can only be corrected by surgery.

I was told that I would have to have surgery soon to correct my problem but epidural was probably the best option beforehand. Because it has been delayed for other health reasons, I've come across the reading about arachnoiditis and one of its causes is repeat back surgery, myelograms and epidurals, particularly caused by the substance of Depo Medrol.

It is my understanding based on what I reviewed that arachnoiditis is hard to diagnose but can be determined by imaging with contrast.

If epidurals do cause nerve damage, more information with regards to that is appreciated by all!

Hugs to all! Cal Sun :cool:

In my case, I have most likely had Fibromyalgia for several years now, even though it was just recently "legitimized" by my PCP. I have some good days, and some really bad days with this malady, but in general my symptoms are as follows: Tired most of the time, achey, tenderpoints, over-sensitive to smells and or sounds on occasion, depression, panic/anxiety attacks, and just generally don't feel "up to snuff". If I overdo, I tend to pay for it for two or three days, so much pain that darvocet just dims it a bit. Occasionally, I will get a "flare" (increase in pain/symptoms) for no good reason at all. A very frustrating "syndrom", to be sure. I am still in the learning process concerning my fibro....hope this helps.

There is a report out called, The Burton Report, written by a Neurologist. Surf the net and you will find it. It talks about the epidurals/steroids and what it does. Very informative report.

Last night I surfed the net in regards to tissue damage in regards to epidurals and found out that the pill form of steroids for inflammation is actually worse than the shot, and the shot is something that should not be used at all, if absolutey neccessary to stop inflammation at the moment so that there is no nerve damage, then you should only have a max of three in your whole entire lifetime, and that yes, they are short term at best, cause tissue damage, and they only take down the inflammation, not cure the cause.

I also read that back pain is sympton, not an ailment in itself.

Hi Dennfore.
I posted a week or so ago but haven't been able to get back on since.
I go back to Specialist on 2nd April and it is decision day for me too!
The last thing left to try is Facet/Steroid injections.
He said when I couldn't stand it anymore then we would have to try them or a Discogram (NO WAY TO THAT - sounds like Medival Torture!)
THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT SCARES ME MORE ----NOTHING!!!!
I am already having sleepless nights worrying about it.
I am so scared as I had an Steriod Epidural injection 7 yrs ago and it made me so much worse - but then, it was no with no X-rays etc.
My mum has been for the new kind and she said she would give me £100 if I found it terrible - she promises it wont be.
BUT...........I'm still so scared.
I will not sleep for weeks if I know I am having it done and I will work myself into such a state they will end up chasing me as I run out / or tying me down.
Can't explain how scared I am.
It sound great if it works.......BUT.....if it doesn't , and I get worse than now, my life will be totally pointless to me.
I really dont know what to do either......I so feel for you.
I am in the UK.........where are you??????


Signed :Papillonisback

Today is the second, right? Did you get the shot? What was the outcome of your visit?

Did you read that report? The Burton report?

There is something else that you should read, about common pain. I am not sure how to point you in the right direction w/o posting the web site which I can't do.

You'll find it if you surf. It talks about pain and the receptors and how everything works and how we really have not come far enough in the world of medicine to do much more than address lessening the pain to a point that is barely tolerable.

comic sans2indigo

I have a herniated disc in my neck, some doctors have also said I could possible have fibromyalgia. I went to a pain managment doctor on Friday who wants me to have a cervical epidural steroid injection. I'm really scared to have this done...any advice? I'm in chronic pain, some days are worse than others. There are days where I feel really good, other than some minor pain, but unfortunately, there are more where I'm in severe pain. Then, there are days where I'm totally immobile. My medicine, Percocets, seem to work, but the doctors are giving me a hard time getting my prescriptions recently. I just want to know if anyone has ever had a bad reaction from the epidural injections, and if so, what were they? I guess I'm going to try it, hopefully it works. I would imagine it could work for herninated discs, but IF I do have fibromyalgia, could it work for that too? I have one doctor tell me they think I have fibro and then another will say no. How can I get someone to diagnose me? I need some advice! Thanks for anyone who can help me!

I am very torn on the issue of epidural injection into my back. I live in constant pain, due in part to one ruptured disk and one bulging disk, but to a greater extent due to Fibromyalgia. Could some of you share your success/failure stories? From all I have been told, it is likely that it may not even help, so why bother to put yourself through the pain of the procedure? Help, please!!!!

As some have said..... it depends on each individual if you get relief or not..... I am 2 into my 3 shots in my series... I go the 26th for my 3rd..... I got 100% relief for the first 2-3 days after my injections.. then the pain gradually started to come back....but I have some other stuff... that they suspect is contributing to my pain... my problems are at L5-S1..... as far as it being a painful procedure..... mine was pain free.... it was very pleasant... I did not have sedation... they give you a local in the area where they will put the injection... and I felt nothing at all... my pain management doc did mine... but that is all he does is ESI's, nerve blocks... etc.... he did use the fluoroscopy xray... to see where they are placing the needle... the whole procedure took at most 3 minutes... I was at my appointment from the time I arrived till the time I left maybe 1 hour.....so if you find a person that knows what they are doing.... the procedure should be basically pain free....possibly a slight bit of pressure when they inject the medication... but not anything unbearable.. or painful perse'.....but as someone else stated... if your insurance will cover it.... why not go ahead and give it a try... you wont know until you try if it is going to help...... Good luck... Hope things work out..... Take Care..... :angel:

The ESI is a diagnostic tool. If you get relief from it at the same time, then that is a bonus. They use the steroid to try to take down the inflammation. If it works then they know that they have isolated your problem. But, if you need more than one, then you in all probabilty have a mechanical problem that needs to be fixed.

You have the right to refuse the shot and the doctor has to move forward with your care. They can't refuse pain meds. It is at the urging of the insurance companies that they push the shots.

Get a second opinion. See an Osteopath.

good luck,

I just got back from the Pain Management Clinic today. Scheduled first injection. I have had several spinal taps and tried an Epidural for delivery which did not go so well. So I am also scared of the pain. But the BIG question I have is DOES IT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN? Extra weight makes my back pain worse and I have been told that it WILL cause weight gain. Please let me know if any of you have had any weight gain. I need to drop 25 lbs. already! Thanks!

I have never heard of a person gaining weight from one shot. Steroids cause weight gain when you are on an oral dosage.

Thank you moonlight.

I had two injections in my lower back. The first one helped with the leg pain for a month. I had the second one a month and a half later. I ended up with a spinal headache from it. I walked around for a week with this headache because the nurse said that it can't be from the injections, but it was probably from neck pain that I was having. I made an appointment and the doctor immediately knew it was from the injections. I had to go in for a blood patch. The pain never got any better with the second one. I will never get another injection again. I am now looking into getting surgery soon.

Hi - I realize that your message is over a year old, but I am wondering if you had the
epidural injections and if they were successful? I have spinal stenosis as well as radiculopathy - both are degenerative. I have had three injections. The first two worked but not for more than 4 weeks. I had my third injection on July 7, 2005, and so far have not had pain for 9 weeks. My ortho also said that there was a 50-50 chance of it's working. It's so encouraging to read that your friend has been without pain for 8 years!

Bump,Bump,Bump,Bump,Bump,Bump,

no text here

I am very torn on the issue of epidural injection into my back. I live in constant pain, due in part to one ruptured disk and one bulging disk, but to a greater extent due to Fibromyalgia. Could some of you share your success/failure stories? From all I have been told, it is likely that it may not even help, so why bother to put yourself through the pain of the procedure? Help, please!!!!
I have the same problem as you. I get epidural injections about every 6 weeks. They do help along with my pain meds. I wouldn't be able to walk without them. They're not that painfull, it's just a sharp pain that lasts for only a few seconds.

I had an ESI and it completly helped my leg pain for about 3 months so I could stall my surgery until after the holidays. It was not painful at all, I was sedated and never felt a thing, before I knew it I was in the recovery room. I still had back pain but being able to walk again was amazing. Melinda