Cervical epidural experiences, anyone? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

goldyfm · 12-04-2007, 03:29 PM

I have been going to Pain Management doctor and Physical therapy the last 3 weeks for what I suspected was a herniated disc below my previous Cervical fusion and plating. The pain is identical to what I felt with my previous herniation, only on the opposite side. Well the MRI did not show a herniation but there was some stenosis. I was injected in the elbow today and scheduled for an epidural in my neck for later this week. Does anyone have any experience with a cervical epi? Would you care to share your story?

bluelakelady · 12-05-2007, 07:03 AM

morning goldy,
for my body alone i will not consider needles in my spine. i had 2 spinal taps in the early 70's. i am still in pain from them. the disk fused with my tailbone. in allowing needles into delicate spots like the spine or a joint one may also want to consider the fibro fall out of such procedures. i guess you have to ask yourself what you are willing to do to be out of pain. a question we all ask ourselves often.
for myself alone i am not willing to live with what it may cost me later to be pain free today. i know pain. we are old friends who have found a zone we can handle, mostly. there will always be days where we stand at the edge of the abyss and wonder how much more we can take. then we realize we can take alot. did you know if you laugh into the abyss there is a lovely echo?
i did do shots in my knees last year, 3 left and 5 right. not one of my wisest choices. fibro loves those spots now. i did get pain relief for a few months. i could go do it again, but i won't. it just was not worth the fibro response echo fallout.
how long is the shot supposed to relieve you pain? it is your body and your choice alone. weigh the pro and cons, add fibro and then choose. i wish you the best whatever you decide.
peace,
bluelakelady

1sunny1 · 12-05-2007, 09:27 AM

Hi Goldy, I would also like to know as I am scheduled for one on the 18th in the cervical neck. I would almost do anything to get rid of the pain and the headaches it is causing. Mine is from a bulging disc in the c-6 - c-7 area. I also have fibromyalgia, and you sometimes I get the two different pains mixed up, or maybe they have just blended together. I did the trigger point injections in the neck and my knee, it lasted for 3 1/2 weeks. Now my ankle hrts, mostly when I go up the stairs. Maybe Blue is right and these injections cause other pains from the fibro. Hope you are better soon and let me know how the epidural goes.

Take care,
Sunny

goldyfm · 12-06-2007, 02:05 AM

My previous fusion is at the c6,c7 level but I have a congenital fusion of c5,c6. I actually feel a little better today from the elbow injection, but as I have had burning across my shoulders and neck and horrible migraines from this malady that has been longstanding; I am going to try the epi and see what happens. I can't feel any worse.

I am not able to take meds normally tried for the fibro because of allergic reactions and side effects, so I will try a temporary fix and hope for the best. I have had epidural in the lower back twice and trigger point in the hips with some improvement and now PT has begun to give some relief. Gee I am going to miss those treatments as they run out next week. I am going to ask for a Tens unit on suggestion of my Physical Therapist. He also mentioned a new Laser Sauna that he is getting in the future that he hopes will be therapeutic for FMS patients. I am hoping to sell my Rheumatologist and Pain Medicine Doctor to allow me to be a guinea pig for that treatment option when it is available here.

goldyfm · 12-08-2007, 07:02 AM

I had the epidural yesterday and other than a little soreness from the insult of the injection, I am feeling better. As was my suspicion, the area of concern is between C7 and T1. I am glad it is not in the area of the previous fusion but below. I had been warned previously that this could happen.

I am just hopeful the injection in the spine and the elbow takes care of the pain for a while. I was pleased that the Pain Medicine doctor addressed the non-anesthetic experiences I had previously and used a combo that luckily worked this time and I don't remember a thing. Thank goodness.

He also complied with ordering a Tens unit for me to use at home. Maybe now I can have some relief for a while. I was worried as my PT order runs out this coming week and I do think it has helped even if it took the injections as well. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be longlasting and in that area I can be somewhat less pain ridden than before. Thanks for all your comments. I appreciate the input.