Dyana,
I'm sure that you have had your injections by now, I hope they did work out for you and relieved some pain. I had attempted these injections twice with some relief (about 50%) which lasted for about 10 days. I had the second injection shortly after the first one and it helped for about 3 days. The first injection didn't really hurt that much but the second injection was a different story. I find it histerical now because all I can remember is the doctor saying "don't move" about three times. I think he inserted a flag pole in my back by mistake (lol). Oh and by the way without pain medications. I have since then had a microdisectomy and that is a hole new different story with another posting of "Pain after Microdiscectomy". Good luck, I hope your pain free.

I guess everyone has a different expierience. I had six bilateral injections. 3in the lumbar area and 3 in SI joints.I did get a light sedation, but the pain was nothing compared to the back pain I was experiencing. The SI injections were a little worse than the lumbar ones but they did help me tremendously with legs pain. I had the last two on June 15th and so far ( I am afraid to say it) I am doing OK. The pain is not gone completely and I have some other issues like the piriformis muscles trouble and light numbness in my right foot, but I am really glad I had the injections and was able to take my kids places this summer. If you have back and/or legs pain the pain from epidurals is nothing comparing to that. You may have some inreased pain for a few days but then you should feel some relief, and do not expect that one shot will help you. Usually you need a series of them. Good luck

Thanks theward. I have have the injections but they only worked for 2 months. Doesn't matter my insurance denied payment because they say it was pre-existing because I told the doctor I have had pain for years. I went to a chiro and he said he couldn't do anything because of a badly deformed rib hump in my rib cage and told me to go to a Spine Clinic so I did. They sent me to an MRI that insurance pre-approved. I have DDD, steosis, osteoarthritis,
spondysomething and scoliosis at a 35 degree curve. Doctors say they don't know how I can stand the pain and say I can probably work for 2-5 years. They want to try drugs next and I don't want that.I just deal with the pain and cry when I get off work. It is depressing cuz I can hardly do anything anymore. I am 51 and weigh 104 so not overweight. I feel I may have to file for SSD but hate that 2. I am in the process of fighting the insurance so I guess just wait. Paying premiums and 2 doctors and the hospital is incredible. Sorry to whine, just asking for opinions. Thanks for your concern, I really need it right now. Dyana

Dyana,
I didn't realize things were that serious for you. I hate to hear it when other people are in pain and are suffering. I do belive that everying in life happens for a reason, good and bad. Try to look at the positive things that have come from your issues. After my surgery I was in the dumps for about a week and then I just snapped myself out of it. I was very concerned about no being able to do my job as you are. I have accepted that if I can't do this job anymore I will be used somewhere else. I hope the doctors find the correct medication for you to ease your symptoms.

I had an epidural shot in June and it created more pain and more problems that I didn't have originally. Plus the staff at the establishment that adminstered the shots were extrememly rude and condescending.

I feel that I am on my own and that I haven't any more options.

It is heartening to know that these shots do work for some people. I have a friend who will be getting them in about a month.

Elle