SI joint block injection today

soaplady · 05-12-2005, 07:35 PM

Hi, I posted a awhile back regarding my SI joint dysfunction, and my awful time trying to get an MRI, decent pm doc, etc.

At that time, I was just starting chiro treatment. He ended up being a very good, nice doctor, unlike the ortho and pm docs. I had 8 visits which did not resolve my pain enough, so chiro recommended I get the SI block injection a couple of weeks ago. He arranged for me to see a different pm doc who I met for the first time today...and got my shot!

I checked around before my app't, and everyone that knew this doc had alot of good things to say. He was much easier to talk with than the first guy. He is an anethesiologist/pain medication doctor. I was nervous, nonetheless.

This was the first time I ever had any injections in my back. He was very happy that the injection went into the joint ratherly nicely, normally it's hard to get the needle in just the right place. The bad part of the experience was he thought I was pretty numb when he started pushing in the needle, OUCH!! I needed more lidocaine. It did help since I have recently lost 8 pounds, that reduced the amount of fat and skin the needle had to travel through.

What I felt was some pressure, it was not a pain free procedure. I'm a big baby anyway when it comes to pain

I just had surgery a month ago for gyn issues, where I had to be put out for quite awhile, and needed a breathing tube. That was almost easier b/c I was asleep!!

Right now, my back is sore from the injection. He said it may take up to three days for the total effect of the steroid to work. I am scheduled for June 14 for a second shot.

I may not need one, hopefully.

soaplady · 05-13-2005, 05:24 PM

Has anyone had this injection? If so, what was your experience? Did it help after one shot, two? Or even three? If the shots didn't work, what did you do next?

I still have injection site pain, and some reduced joint pain today. Just can't sit too long in one place.

Any thoughts?

Quietcook · 05-13-2005, 07:21 PM

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soaplady · 05-15-2005, 02:14 AM

Hi Quietcook, I think we talked before. Thanks for responding! I think the shot has helped a bit, but I still have some joint pain. I was able to walk around alot today (shopping and an evening festival), and my back didn't ache quite as much. I do have an occasional burning sensation in the joint which I didn't have before, but it's tolerable.

I definitely think I'll need the second shot. I don't think one is going to be enough. The pm doc said he's almost 100% sure I developed arthritis in the si joint, the initial injury would have healed much sooner (I fell 8 months ago, and have had pain every single day since). I already have arthritis in the L4 and L5 facet joints which is somewhat painful and achy. If the shot helps the si joint, I may talk to the doc about doing one in the other joints.

I think you mentioned prolotherapy awhile back? What has worked for you if the shot didn't?

What surgery can be done for this problem? Anyone had that done for si joint dysfunction?

Thanks again!

injured betty · 05-15-2005, 09:46 PM

soaplady: I would have another MRI and CT scan before I would let a doctor tell me that I have arthritis in my SI joint. I have had SI dysfunction for over two years and have not found a cure. But, when I had the CT scan and MRI there was no arthritis in my joint. I did have arthritis in my L3 due to the excessive movement of the SI joint.

I had the Prolo and am going back for more treatments to try to tighten up my ligament. I stopped because they said that I was cured but I wasn't.

I would bypass the ESI's and find a good Prolo therapist. ESI's just mask the pain when and if they do work. If you have excess play in your SI joint the only remedy is surgery with screws or Prolo, I believe.