help! cortisone shot! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

arw23 · 11-02-2003, 05:54 PM

I am having a corisone shot given in my c5-c6 disc this week. Can anyone give me information on what to expect. Will the shot hurt? Will I need someone to drive me there? Any information is really appreciated!

CLJones64 · 11-02-2003, 06:33 PM

Hi arw,
Not to worry...it's not as bad as you probably are thinking it will be. At least it wasn't for me. I had one 2 weeks ago, so I'll share my experience with you. The doctor numbed me with novacaine first, so I never had pain to speak of...only pressure when he inserted the larger needle and again when he injected the steroid. He went in about my shoulder level, then up to my C5/C6 disc. Only had a bandaid afterwards, and I had to wait around for 15 minutes before I could leave, just to make sure I didn't have any reactions. The room was rather intimidating. Very sterile, with a large table, and 4 monitors hanging overhead for the x-ray...oh, and the table moves to position you correctly. I was told to take it easy the rest of the day..no lifting or anything strenuous, but was cleared to return to normal activities the following day. (although I haven't been up to normal activities since this problem began lol) Anyway, I did have someone drive me there and back, at their suggestion, so it's probably a good idea... just to be safe.

Good luck to you and may it relieve your pain!!

Carla

cardinal · 11-03-2003, 10:37 AM

Hi Arw, I had my 2nd esi 2 wks ago. The procedure wasn't bad, the 1st one was alittle painful. My problem is the side effects! I had facial flushing for several days. Now, especially in the last week have had severe depression. My moods have been terrible! I tele the PM and asked for some xanex and was told to come in for another followup, I sd No, I've had enough, just something to help out, they wouldn't do it, just want the money...My hair has been thinning too since the injections. I don't mean to scare you but I wish I had known this before I did the injections! The pain is better and the numbness too, but its only temporary. If I had it to do over again I'd not have done the esi's. I am so over Doctors and healthcare, this system is so messed up!!!! I've lost my job and medical ins due to my ltd denial. I am appealing it but in the meantime I have lost everything!!! Whatever you decide I pray it works for you!!

SORENECKMAN · 11-04-2003, 08:50 AM

I recieved the first of 3 scheduled cortisone shots and it was very uncomfortable to say the least.... The needle inserted into my neck was very painful and I swear when it was removed I heard a sucking/vacuum like sound... I refused to return for the additional shots.. This was worse than my surgery by far.... No relief at all from the shots

PsychLea · 11-04-2003, 07:33 PM

Soreneckman,

I'm sorry you had such a negative experience. I am on my 2nd course of epi's. The first time I had it with sedation and it was much better. This time, I am doing it without sedation, and yes, it is painful. I have my 2nd epi next Monday. For me, this is going to be the last procedure before we talk about doing blocks and burning the nerves off.

I would encourage you to talk to your PM about maybe using sedation next time, so it is not as uncomfortable

It will take at least 2 injections before you will know if you will have pain relief or not. I suspect in my case that it isn't going to help, but they wanted to try it again after the disc was removed.