I have been reading everyones posts on esi and now dont think i should go on dec 23 and start mine. Am big baby when it comes to shots so no reason to go thru something i hate for no reason. doc said only 50/50 chance it will help...should i or shouldnt i....what to do????

Hey MZROSE,

The injection isn't that bad to take. They even sedate us cowards if you so choose. As for myself, I had no relief from the injections for my herniated disks. Some get great results, some so-so. The pain afterwards I liken it to bug bite on the back you can't scratch. The injection site pain goes away after a day or two. You only have to be careful not to lift anything heavy for 3 days to a week. So, if I had hope of some relief for christmas I would probally have it done.

Good luck,

Oliver http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Rose:
Everyone responds differently to these things.
What is your diagnosis & expectations, besides the obvious outcome of pain releif?

I was told the injection site gives you pain for 1-2 days..my discomfort is more like a week. I was told this was due to my muscles being in constant spasm for the past 6 months...but who knows? I did not have sedation because my doc wanted to communicate with me about what I was feeling & was afraid the sedation would put me to sleep or disorient me too much. This was his personal opinion & made me feel more comfortable, but many other people have successfully gone through this procedure with sedation. I would imagine it makes the procedure more bearable.
I do think it was worth this discomfort, because the 1st I had helped me so much.
Unfortunately it's waring off & I may need another.
In my case, the injury is recent (less than 1 year) & these injections could decrease the inflammation of my herniated discs & impinged nerves.

There are risks & benefits with ESIs & it is important to make an informed decision beforehand.
It is more invasive & complicated than a shot, so you feel comfortable with yor decision.
Definately use fluroscopy to ensure accurate placement of the needle.
Maybe I seem like I'm overreacting. I know ESIs may not seem as big a deal to some people, but I had many concerns before having mine. I even canceled with one doc & found another I felt more comfortable with,
so I can realte to your uneasiness.
Please feel free to ask me any questions.
I hope our postings don't influence your decsion, but just make you more informed.

Hey MZRose,

This is sooooooo a personal decision! Just like the others have said - you need info to make an informed choice. ESI success rates may only be 50/50, but none of the interventions for back pain work all the time. The more you get informed, the more you'll see that success rates for all these things offered have pretty big ranges. (like the IDET I just got has a success rate of 40-80% - depending on which research you're looking at).

The ESI's are one of the least invasive treatments as you start to look toward more "surgical" interventions. They are a good start if you are have had chronic pain which is interfering in your life. By now your doc should have already tried medications, physical therapy, back exercises and some of the other "first line" treatment methods.

Like Juniper said, everyone is different when it comes to ESI's. I got my first with very very slight sedation (because this is how my anesthesiologist prefered). I hardly realized I was sedated. I got my second one without anything (including an IV), sitting up on the table (just like any pregnant woman in labor who is getting an epidural). Both were simple, easy, and it didn't make any difference to me about the sedation. To others, though, it may be a big help. If you think it will help you, (and if you want to try the ESI) I'd ask the doc for sedation. And, BTW, when you ask docs for stuff, don't say "Do you ever give sedation?" Rather, go in armed with your info..."I've found this info on spineonline.com, and this other info on spinehealth, and this other on spineuniverse. I know my body, and I know how I react to things...I know I will do much better if I get even some slight sedation before and during the test. I'd like you to do this." If he says no and you're really uncomfortable, tell him you appreciate his care and the information, but you need to be able to make these decisions for yourself and ask for a referral to someone who has his expertise, but is willing to use sedation. If he says sedation is not the norm, you can then tell him you know it is because the literature (hopefully you will have found some!) :-) and your online back board buddies have told you it is.

As for having an ESI on the 23rd. My first ESI caused me increased pain (in my hip - where all my pain lies) for 3 days. PERSONALLY, and if you celebrate Christmas, I'd do it after that holiday. If you don't celebrate Christmas, that's actually a GREAT time to do it - cause nothing's open anyway! You can REST. :-)

I had two ESI's and never had injection site pain, only increased pain in my lower pelvis and hips (more like lots of pressure). The second only bothered me for a day, though. And I got some nice relief at 10 days out (from the second one - none from the first). EVERYONE is DIFFERENT. Look at all the websites you can, and just get all the info.

Good luck. And let us know what happens.

KM