Scared about my first epedural tomorrow! - Pain Management Message Board

Agia Apostle · 01-03-2006, 10:45 AM

I was hit and injured last Feburary 20 in a car accident. I have a bulge in C5-C6, bone spur, and absolutely unbearable pain right now. Been down the road with P.T. , 4 Drs. and now find myself at a pain clinic. I am set to have my first epurdal tomorrow, but I am so frightened! I take Perc. for pain, but it does very little to nothing to relieve my pain. The oddness of the injury is the pain will be at a level 10 for 3 weeks, go away, and come back where I cannot even move. I never know what little movement will cause the pain to return. It has been four days now not being able to move due to the pain, so I hope someone will give a glimmer of hope the shot may help or reccomend other courses of treatment. NOBODY in my family or friends understand what I am experiencing, so I am relieved to have finally found this source of information and support.

catsblueeyes1 · 01-03-2006, 01:10 PM

Hi,

I have had these injections in the cervical area, make sure that they are doing this under flouroscopy, this is important because they can see and guide the needle to to the proper area. I always get some sedation because
I have a fear of this procedure also. You are not completely out but you are relaxed. Just call and tell them you want some sedation, most Doctors will
be receptive. I will tell you from experience that some injections will work and sometimes they don't. It is over quickly and it really isn't bad, I hope that the
injection really helps your pain and you have a wonderful New Year!
Deb

ccoopah · 01-03-2006, 01:30 PM

I had a bulging disc that had ruptured and spewed gel onto a nerve root.I did precocet and anti-inflammatories, then steroid pack and then a ortho surgeon told me I would need an operation to remove the problem.I had been on my back(literally for 10 days). I decided to try pain management and it was greatest thing I ever did. I had a great "shooter". He shot me right where the problem was and it helped 'wash" the gel off the root and shrink the disc back into place. After the 1st shot, the next day I could walk. After the second shot, within 4 days, I was back running.
I should never have wasted my time with all the other fixes.
They put me under'concious sedation" you go to sleep - and did the epidural. I believe that I got a steroid (to fix the problem-wash gel off root and shrink disc back) and a pain medication.
My edidural did not hurt at all! Good luck to you and I hope that you also have a great outcome!!!

Agia Apostle · 01-03-2006, 05:52 PM

Thanks for the encouragement! I will put a post as soon as I am up and around. Looking forward to being pain free and hopeful for a brighter New Year too. Happy New Year too.
Betsy

trauma_girl · 01-03-2006, 06:07 PM

I had my first ESI today, the md gave me a versed, fentenal coctail, and I was awake durning the whole procedure, it did hurt and burn but it was over quick, I am still waiting for it to kick in, I am still in pain, good luck tomarrow