steroid injections, anyone know of any sideeffects I should know about - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

JudyBrownEyes · 05-05-2004, 12:56 AM

Going tomorrow for first of a series of 3 injections for my neck, anyone know anything about them, and side effects I should know about, Im not a very needle freindly person and Im scared, any info would be appreciated. Does it have any affect on surgery sight......... thanks

ARANGER · 05-05-2004, 11:40 AM

Prior to my surgery about three months prior, they tried steriod injection. Basically its cortisone that is injected into the epidural space where the problem is happening. Mine was c4-5. Its done in the OR with an anesthesiologist. The procedure took about two minutes however I was at the hospital for three hours waiting. Prior to having the injection, they gave me versed. This barely worked and I remember the whole thing, but you could probably ask for more. The injection wasn't that painful until after. When they were finished they gave me a demerol injection and I was released with a driver. The first three days it hurt the worse, I felt alot of pressure in my spine. Overall, its not too bad, it just didn't work for me. However I hear that some people respond very well to the injections. Hope it works well for you.

pattymelt · 05-05-2004, 05:08 PM

Prior to my surgery in March I had three epidural steroid injections in my cervical spine, none of which offered much relief - hence the need for surgery. I had absolutely no pain or trouble at all with the injections. They were administered by an anesthesiologist and I had no meds before or after - just took it easy for the rest of the day. The injection did make me feel jittery and I had a hard time getting into a deep sleep that night but I had also taken oral steroids and had the same side effects of jitteriness but no pain or other discomfort. Good luck!

nero · 05-10-2004, 07:36 PM

Hey JudyBrownEyes:

I had cervical injections and after the first set I got a nasty bout of folliculitis which neither the administering Dr. nor another gp would make correlation. However, all you have to do is type side affects of steroid and sure enough on the net it comes up. .. no coincidence..not to say it will be your side affect but it was for me. It was nasty like acne all over my chest, neck and sides of my hair line and being in the summer it took six weeks of penicillin to clear up. Now when I go in the sun or tan I am very susceptible... I hate it for all the good that it did.

Then with my lower back I did the epidural injections and the first one went well with much relief, the second I got the noted side affect of dry heaves and perspired and had to wait to leave the hospital.. the third injection I passed right out on the table as it was being administered and woke up startled. The Dr. and nurse were laughing and she was glad she was standing in front of me on the bed... frankly so was I with a c5-6 herniation, spinal chord compression etc.

So my point is, its not a lot of fun but it did appease my pain somewhat; however, in the end I have had an ACDF with bone and plate (mine) and a microdiskectomy within six months of each other after waiting four years for help up here in Canada... so you stay strong and get the help you need and deserve.

Any side affects are noted if you toggle the question on the net..so give it a whirl.

Good luck my sweet.

Nero

papergoods · 05-10-2004, 11:52 PM

Is this the same thing as a nerve block?