Disc
10-18-2005, 09:01 AM
Morning ,
I am going for my first Epidural Injection for L5S1 Herniated Disc tommorrow ,so a bit tense.Last time i went for my Nerve Root Block,though it was over in 10 mts i never felt the things that were being told to me by nurse and doctor ie after nerve root block my leg will feel funny ,heavy i will need someone to drive for me etc but nothing of that sorts happened nor did i see any improvment in my leg pain.Spoke about this to my ortho specilaist who asked me to undergo this Epidural shot
What can i expect of this now ,what happens when it happens and after how long it happens ie relief to my leg pain etc..? :confused:
I am going for my first Epidural Injection for L5S1 Herniated Disc tommorrow ,so a bit tense.Last time i went for my Nerve Root Block,though it was over in 10 mts i never felt the things that were being told to me by nurse and doctor ie after nerve root block my leg will feel funny ,heavy i will need someone to drive for me etc but nothing of that sorts happened nor did i see any improvment in my leg pain.Spoke about this to my ortho specilaist who asked me to undergo this Epidural shot
What can i expect of this now ,what happens when it happens and after how long it happens ie relief to my leg pain etc..? :confused:
Sponsor
Tugs
10-18-2005, 09:48 AM
Disc, I have had 2 epidural steroid shots. The first one was on 9-14. I felt some mild relief for a couple of days. The second one was on 10-5. This time the relief lasted for almost 5 days. As of now I am having more pain and discomfort then before, but I do not blame this on the shots. I have a large herniated disc at L5-S1 and a slightly herniated disc at L3-L4. My therapist seem to think the L3-L4 might have gotten larger. I go back to my NeuroSurgeon tomorrow.
As to discomfort during and after the shot. The most painful part was when the numbing agent was injected, this was more from the needle than the actual shot. The next day I was only a little stiff. You will want to take it easy for a day after the shot.
I have have talk to several people that have had these shots. Some have felt better and some only had a little temporary relief (like me).
Just follow all of your DR's orders and keep your fingers crossed.
I hope it work s for you.
All the best, Tugs
As to discomfort during and after the shot. The most painful part was when the numbing agent was injected, this was more from the needle than the actual shot. The next day I was only a little stiff. You will want to take it easy for a day after the shot.
I have have talk to several people that have had these shots. Some have felt better and some only had a little temporary relief (like me).
Just follow all of your DR's orders and keep your fingers crossed.
I hope it work s for you.
All the best, Tugs
Katina128
10-18-2005, 11:26 AM
I had two before my surgery and neither did much for me, but my herniation was HUGE and nothing was going to help it but surgery. I was told they kick in within a few days, so I'd say you'll feel relief within about 4-5 days max. Best of luck to you!!
halo1
10-18-2005, 03:41 PM
disc, don't worry. as an earlier poster said, the most uncomfortable part is the injection with the numbing agent, and really, that's not bad. i had 2 epidural's years ago. after the injection you feel great, a little like being tipsy (from alcohol). unfortunately they relieved my pain only for a few days. however, i've heard success stories with epidurals. good luck to you and no need to be nervous. :angel:
xinerevelle
10-18-2005, 06:31 PM
I've had 4 epidural steroid injections since February... all providing decreased pain for only a few weeks or so. Since I'm a work comp case, by pain mgmt doctor would do "blue plate special" (as he called it) since he didn't know if I was going to be approved to come back or not. He would do a LESI, a T-Fin (transforaminal), and a facet joint injection on each side of my spine (L4/L5 to the right and L5/S1 to the left).
The first one I had I took the mild sedation and had arranged for my husband to drive me home. They did some basic blood pressure checks, temperature, etc., and then the doc came in to talk to me. He explained the procedure, answered any questions I had, and then the nurses wheeled me into the pain management room. It was like a mini-operating room. I scooched over to the exam table, propped my lower back up in a pillow, pulled my pants down to half way down my butt, and let the nurses hook me up. They put a blood pressure cuff on me, draped my pants (I had on a gown on top), and put a pulse-ox devise on my finger. I was totally alert and talkative. The doctor came in and they turned onthe fluoroscope and I could see my spine on the TV screen. They cleaned the area (felt like they were drawing a big target on my back!) and then the doc injected some local numbing agent. I felt a ***** and some warmth as it went it, but other wise ok. He then did 4 injections on me in different places of my lower back. Each time I could watch (if I wanted) on the monitor as he placed the needle (a tiny amount of pain) and then injected the Depo-Medrol (a little more painful, but bearable). It was over in about 10 minutes. They wheeled me back to my curtain area, monitored me for about 30 minutes and then called my husband in. All and all I was there about an hour. The recovery nurse kept making this big deal that I was going to be woozy and lightheaded, but I wasn't at all. She even predicted that I was going to fall when I got out of the wheelchair at the car, to which I just laughed. I didn't feel ANY effects of the sedation.
The next time I went, I decided to skip the sedation. I talked to the doctor about it and he said it was my choice (though he just kept shaking his head and saying "I couldn't handle it myself, but more power to you.") I told him that I was totally alert the whole time, and he started asking me questions about the procedure. When he realized that I really was alert the whole time (instead of just a little sleepy) he was surprised.
Anyway, the difference was only a little more pain (and I mean a little) during each injection. He still numbed the area completely (it felt like my hip and but were just hunks of meat hanging on my body). It was similar to getting a flu shot. Except that this time I was able to drive myself home and not inconvenience my husband (who would've had to take a half day off of work). I usually just went home and slept anyway.
The area around the injection site was a little sore for a few days. But really the worst part was taking the bandaids off. Those little buggers have some strong adhesive! I had redmarks for days after!
After the 4th injection my orthopedist called me an "epidural failure" and sent me to a neurosurgeon. I'm now awaiting a myelogram to be authorized and scheduled (hopefully this week) and then maybe a laminotomy. Anything to get rid of this pain! I've got sciatica on the right side today for the first time since my injury in January. Not good.
Good luck with your LESI. :)
The first one I had I took the mild sedation and had arranged for my husband to drive me home. They did some basic blood pressure checks, temperature, etc., and then the doc came in to talk to me. He explained the procedure, answered any questions I had, and then the nurses wheeled me into the pain management room. It was like a mini-operating room. I scooched over to the exam table, propped my lower back up in a pillow, pulled my pants down to half way down my butt, and let the nurses hook me up. They put a blood pressure cuff on me, draped my pants (I had on a gown on top), and put a pulse-ox devise on my finger. I was totally alert and talkative. The doctor came in and they turned onthe fluoroscope and I could see my spine on the TV screen. They cleaned the area (felt like they were drawing a big target on my back!) and then the doc injected some local numbing agent. I felt a ***** and some warmth as it went it, but other wise ok. He then did 4 injections on me in different places of my lower back. Each time I could watch (if I wanted) on the monitor as he placed the needle (a tiny amount of pain) and then injected the Depo-Medrol (a little more painful, but bearable). It was over in about 10 minutes. They wheeled me back to my curtain area, monitored me for about 30 minutes and then called my husband in. All and all I was there about an hour. The recovery nurse kept making this big deal that I was going to be woozy and lightheaded, but I wasn't at all. She even predicted that I was going to fall when I got out of the wheelchair at the car, to which I just laughed. I didn't feel ANY effects of the sedation.
The next time I went, I decided to skip the sedation. I talked to the doctor about it and he said it was my choice (though he just kept shaking his head and saying "I couldn't handle it myself, but more power to you.") I told him that I was totally alert the whole time, and he started asking me questions about the procedure. When he realized that I really was alert the whole time (instead of just a little sleepy) he was surprised.
Anyway, the difference was only a little more pain (and I mean a little) during each injection. He still numbed the area completely (it felt like my hip and but were just hunks of meat hanging on my body). It was similar to getting a flu shot. Except that this time I was able to drive myself home and not inconvenience my husband (who would've had to take a half day off of work). I usually just went home and slept anyway.
The area around the injection site was a little sore for a few days. But really the worst part was taking the bandaids off. Those little buggers have some strong adhesive! I had redmarks for days after!
After the 4th injection my orthopedist called me an "epidural failure" and sent me to a neurosurgeon. I'm now awaiting a myelogram to be authorized and scheduled (hopefully this week) and then maybe a laminotomy. Anything to get rid of this pain! I've got sciatica on the right side today for the first time since my injury in January. Not good.
Good luck with your LESI. :)
Disc
10-19-2005, 08:48 AM
Thanks to all for responding ,xinerevelle are u from canada?
JeanineJ
10-19-2005, 09:41 AM
I just had my first ESI yesterday. I'm having a few side effects. I'm extremely warm and sweaty. My throat is sore and I had some weird dreams.
The shot itself didn't hurt, but when the injected the steroid, it felt like a shock wave went to my foot. that really hurt. Let me know how you make out. I'm interested to know how others do. Good luck
The shot itself didn't hurt, but when the injected the steroid, it felt like a shock wave went to my foot. that really hurt. Let me know how you make out. I'm interested to know how others do. Good luck
Disc
10-24-2005, 10:03 AM
Thanks to all for their inputs ,I got my first Epidural after 4 pricks finally he injected it in ,But i dont see any changes how long will it take to kickin ,will it do anything nerve freezing on a earlier occasion was nothing but waste,one more thing after this epidural i have got one new problem on my right foot thumb i feel so much pain ,want to drill ahole in thumb so that pressure from there goes out is it normal after this injection. :confused:
xinerevelle
10-25-2005, 10:37 AM
No, I'm not from Canada -- originally from Michigan, but now live in Florida (Hurricane Central and new home of Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel!).
Disc
10-26-2005, 11:07 AM
Come on Post Epidural people advice no effects as yet it has been 4 days since i got first epidural which has created more numbness and tingling in foot though has lessened in last two days but i dont see any changes in my pre epidural condition ,any suggestions pls.I am really thinking why i got myself injected with a streiod when it is of no use :confused:
mabent
10-26-2005, 11:35 AM
If you have had any improvement on the first 4 days, that is encouraging! It takes up to 2 weeks to get the full effects of the shot. I had only minimal relief from my first shot but my scitica was manageable with neurontin (after the shot). Then, my second shot worked really well for about a month; then the pain returned full force.
But so far after the third shot I have had no sciatica. It has now been 4 months, and I am still pain-free. I do still have some burning sensation in my left leg (where the sciatica was), but I was told that that sensation will always be there, and I will have to live with it; unless, of course, I want to try surgery, which I don't.
I realize this does not mean that my sciatica will return some day, but at least it is gone for now, and if it can stay away at least for a year I will be able to have more epidural injections. My neurosurgeon advised against an operation and said not to have surgery until/unless the pain got unbearable. So, don't give up hope - be patient. :)
But so far after the third shot I have had no sciatica. It has now been 4 months, and I am still pain-free. I do still have some burning sensation in my left leg (where the sciatica was), but I was told that that sensation will always be there, and I will have to live with it; unless, of course, I want to try surgery, which I don't.
I realize this does not mean that my sciatica will return some day, but at least it is gone for now, and if it can stay away at least for a year I will be able to have more epidural injections. My neurosurgeon advised against an operation and said not to have surgery until/unless the pain got unbearable. So, don't give up hope - be patient. :)
Disc
10-31-2005, 04:56 PM
i think it is the time to call off ,my pain is back again with fury even more then before, it has been 10 days now that i took this injection ,is there any need to even think of a second one..? :o
JS8568
10-31-2005, 10:24 PM
Probably a naive question, so forgive me, but why do so many of you endure things like "epidural shots"...what is the purpose? Is it to attain some temporary relief from extreme pain. Are you hoping to avoid surgery? Or is it to get some peace while waiting for your scheduled surgery? Is it simply a "bandaid"?
I am trying to learn as much as possible from those of you on this board...I too have a large disc protrusion at the L5 & S1 & was told by one NS that surgery is the only cure...I am getting a 2nd opinion soon.
And again forgive my ignorance, but are these epidural shots the same that I would have received during the birth of my 3 children? I can't imagine driving anywhere after?
Thanks & I wish you all pain free days.
I am trying to learn as much as possible from those of you on this board...I too have a large disc protrusion at the L5 & S1 & was told by one NS that surgery is the only cure...I am getting a 2nd opinion soon.
And again forgive my ignorance, but are these epidural shots the same that I would have received during the birth of my 3 children? I can't imagine driving anywhere after?
Thanks & I wish you all pain free days.
Tugs
11-01-2005, 04:35 AM
Everyone that I have talked with says the same thing. For whatever reason the DR's seem to try a series of 3 shots with PT before trying anything else. I only when through 2 shots before stopping. I am a Diabetic and could not see getting any more steroids then I already had when I could not see any change. I guess it was worth trying, but when I saw the bill, my jaw hit the floor. So next stop for me is surgery I suppose.
All the best to everybody,
Tugs
All the best to everybody,
Tugs
xinerevelle
11-01-2005, 01:06 PM
Yep -- the "conservative" treatments almost always seem to include epidural shots. Doctors (understandably) don't want to rush to surgery unless absolutely necessary. I guess some people somewhere must get some more permanent relief from ESIs (I'd like to know where they are!) so doctors continue to order them
catsblueeyes1
11-02-2005, 01:43 PM
Hi,
I am new to this site but I can tell you having several Epidural injections I responded differently to them, some helped for a few weeks others did not even help at all.
I had a serious fall 8 years ago with herniations both cerical and lumbar. My doctor
decided to do PT and these injection before finally doing the surgery. I did well for a number of years which I am gratful but I developed DDD really badly along with severe
RA. Doctors should take a course in compassion to patients experiencing pain everyone
responds to pain differently and should be treated individually. Unfortunuatly for some Docs they cut and sew and thats it. I would suggest to anyone that has beed told to have surgery to get a second opinion, know their options and be aware that it may not help all the pain to go away. This is a wonderful site to help each other, people that have never experienced back pain just can't understand how much of a toll it can take out of you. If I can be of any help to anyone that is getting ready for surgery or just needs a shoulder than I am here!
Debbie
cervical fusion c-5/6 3/4
lumbar fusion L5-S1
RA
DDD
I am new to this site but I can tell you having several Epidural injections I responded differently to them, some helped for a few weeks others did not even help at all.
I had a serious fall 8 years ago with herniations both cerical and lumbar. My doctor
decided to do PT and these injection before finally doing the surgery. I did well for a number of years which I am gratful but I developed DDD really badly along with severe
RA. Doctors should take a course in compassion to patients experiencing pain everyone
responds to pain differently and should be treated individually. Unfortunuatly for some Docs they cut and sew and thats it. I would suggest to anyone that has beed told to have surgery to get a second opinion, know their options and be aware that it may not help all the pain to go away. This is a wonderful site to help each other, people that have never experienced back pain just can't understand how much of a toll it can take out of you. If I can be of any help to anyone that is getting ready for surgery or just needs a shoulder than I am here!
Debbie
cervical fusion c-5/6 3/4
lumbar fusion L5-S1
RA
DDD
msmona
11-21-2005, 02:34 PM
I also had many of these epidural shots, just to say it did not really help with the pain at all, it made my legs numb thats all and then evently I had to have surgery. Please please remember this is not the case for everyone. Everyone is different what may work for me may not work for you. I try anything first before the surgery. To me alot of it is masking the problem like all the pills they give you yes it takes away the pain but it does not fix the problem. Good Luck
injured betty
11-21-2005, 06:37 PM
Everyone that I have talked with says the same thing. For whatever reason the DR's seem to try a series of 3 shots with PT before trying anything else. I only when through 2 shots before stopping. I am a Diabetic and could not see getting any more steroids then I already had when I could not see any change. I guess it was worth trying, but when I saw the bill, my jaw hit the floor. So next stop for me is surgery I suppose.
All the best to everybody,
Tugs
It is insurance protocol. They try everything that they can before surgery, which is a good thing, as some may benefit, but most don't or they are not here on these boards.
All the best to everybody,
Tugs
It is insurance protocol. They try everything that they can before surgery, which is a good thing, as some may benefit, but most don't or they are not here on these boards.
shokatsu
11-21-2005, 09:06 PM
FYI - I had 3 Epiduarals - All of them were done by a spine specialist using Live Xray and Die. the first one was great and lasted a month. I did everything wrong as far as taking care of myself and after 2 more and a failed percataniose discectomy had to have a regular Micro Discectomy which am 17 days post op on and trying to recover from. Best of luck.
betdan
11-26-2005, 12:56 AM
I have a huge herniation at L4 L5, severe spinal stenosis, degenerative discs. For years I have been going for epidurals they normally do wonders, and I normally only need one and I have huge results..... Not this time. I have had three with no results at all, pain is not in back but down my whole left from buttocks to ankle which is normally the case just much worse this time while I am lying down and when I get up from lying down. I am 33 yrs old and have tried to avoid surgury for years. I think my time is up, I don't think I have much choice. Epidural just doesn't work anymore. I had a nerve block shot on Tuesday as a last resort, I would be estatic if it works but I really doubt it will. This is going on way too long!! Good Luck with your epidural, I hope you have the success I have had with them for years.
Disc
11-27-2005, 09:10 AM
No sucess atall have been booked for surgery now ,want to know from L5S1 herniated suffererrs what are there typical pain cycles and how do they overcome them what position gives u maximum relief i have right leg and back which is a hell i use to get some relief by lying on left side with pillows in legs but that has become noneffective any suggestions..? :o
injured betty
11-27-2005, 04:34 PM
I have found that the side position always causes me pain. I lay on my back on a heat pack, one of those large gel packs that you can buy at a superstore. I heat it up and then when the heat dissipates, it is still good because it is just mushy enough. This has been my solution for months now.
I had gone so far as to buy the special pillow that fits between the knees and then strapped it there, but laying on the side aggravates my condition.
I had gone so far as to buy the special pillow that fits between the knees and then strapped it there, but laying on the side aggravates my condition.