epidural steroid injections - Pain Management Message Board

eyecnn · 01-02-2006, 02:06 PM

Hi, my name is Candy! I posted under another catagory but I guess it was the wrong one for this question so I thought I would ask under "pain management".

I was diagnosed with Cervical degenerative disc disease in C-2,3,4,5,6 and 7, arthritis with a bone spur and a herniated disc two years ago and my doctor refered me to a pain management physician for a series of "epidural steroid injections" which I had the first of. After that first shot though the inside of my arm has been numb and I haven't felt any relief in my neck. With the neck exersises that I learned in therapy, I have felt pretty ok and have been able to control the pain with migraine meds. but two weeks ago I must have turned my head wrong or something and now I'm in terrible pain again.

To be quite honest I believe that the doc. who gave me the injection was probably a quack to begin with, he hardly said a word to me in his office and like a dumby I went ahead with the prosedure. Even after he was done he never talked to my husband who was sitting in the waiting room. I wasn't able to walk on my own either for a few hours, my legs were numb and my husband had to carry me in the house but I was not even adviced that that might happen. I never went back to him for the other shots, I just didn't feel comfortable with him. And wouldn't you know it, he's not even here in my town anymore. He left a few months after I had the injection. Well not that I would go back to him anyway!

I'm really cautious and nervous about getting those shots again but I know that's what my MD will be subscribing. I do realize that it's much less invasive than surgery and I would prefer injections over anything major but I would like to know if anyone has had these injections that could maybe reasure me or give me your opinion on the matter.

Are these these injections supposed to numb the affected area? And if yes, then how long does it last (weeks, years, forever)? Where he inserted the needle, it's still very tender and it's been two years now.

Could someone please give me some input and maybe let me know how this procedure is supposed to go???

Thank you for any help that you can give!!!
eyecnn

catsblueeyes1 · 01-02-2006, 03:50 PM

Hi,

I also get these injections, you really need to have these done by someone who knows what they are doing, I think you mentioned that you received the injection in the cervial area. If so, you should have it done under flouroscopy
this is very important because they can see exactly what they are doing while guiding the needle. I will tell you from experience that sometimes they work and others don't do a thing or can make it worse. My first one was several months ago and I got relief for about a month, then I had one 2 weeks ago with no success and I actually feel worse at the injection site.
They are a bandaid to your problem. Do you have a spine specialist or a neuro-surgeon? you might want to consider seeing one. Being on the right medication is also key along with good PT. I hope you feel better soon,
This board is wonderful with very caring people, maybe someone else can give you some advice too.
Happy New Year,
Deb

eyecnn · 01-02-2006, 04:02 PM

Thank you Deb and Happy New Year to you too! Actually the site of the injection was not in the cervical area but much lower, more like directly between my shoulder blades.
I was refered to a neurosurgeon to begin with and he referred me to the "pain management" physician since it was the first time I was seen for all of this.
I only have one suggestion on my "take to the doctor list" so far and that is also yours which is "flouroscopy". I think this time I will baracade the door to my MD's office and not let her out until she answers my questions and gives me more info. this time. I'm so afraid that fusion will be in my future but if I can avoid it then I'll do what I can.

Anyway thanks for the support Deb!!!
Candy

catsblueeyes1 · 01-02-2006, 04:05 PM

That sounds great, they can even give you alittle something to relax you just ask the Doctor. You are not completely sedated but you are relaxed. Good luck and keep me posted.

dootag · 01-03-2006, 08:26 PM

hi eyecnn,

Your post somewhat disturbs me. Everything was fine until you got to the part about numb legs and husband having to carry you. That is typical of a missed injection where the "sac" or sheath surrounding the spinal cord is perforated and some of the analgesic goes in and effects your system. In a descent pain clinic you would go to a "Post Procedure" area where your vitals were monitored and you were checked for numbness in feet/legs for a period of time. If that was not the case, and it was what it sounds like, I'd file a complaint with your state's physician regulatory agency.

The flouroscopy Deb was talking about is real low level x-ray (like when you were a kid and put your foot into the machine at the shoe store and saw your bones - did I just date myself?) You would have heard the doctor working with the x-ray tech to get just the right picture he wants to assure needle placement. He likely would have at least once asked for the unit to me moved for a 90 degree change in view to he could get an extra dimension.

I get epidurals at least four and sometimes six or eight times a year. Some have steroids mostly it is just analgesic. The doctor uses flouroscopy each and every time and each and every time we go through the same routine. The only difference is that the doctor lets me drive home because I'm used to them. The epidurals are just one avenue to give you relief. There are a number of others and a good pain doc will carefully work through various techniques until he finds the right combo for you. It could take a while. Don't dispair, things will get better.

Keep up hope,
dootag