Connect
Lumbar epidural 2morrow 1st one advice?
I have had back pain since childhood. Doctors have tried to get me in the pain clinic since my thirties but now the pain is unbearable and my rheumatologist says she can't do much more.
My mother RIP did not do week with injections in her spine and she ended up with 3 surgeries.
I am just wondering what i am in for. They are going to give me light sedation.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
I have had 7 spinal injections of steroid and lidocaine and you need to relax and breathe through the injections. There is some pressure and some pain/discomfort but worth it. Most of my injections helped for 2-6 months at a time but the last 3 did not help much so I had surgery last year.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI've had several knee and 1 spinal injection. I learned from experience to use a 5% lidocaine patch hours before the injection. I didn't have any sedation and barely felt anything.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@ladydiva25 Welcome to Connect. Hopefully everything goes well for you with your injection. There are some risks to them, so make sure they explain that to you. There are some discussions here on Connect about Adhesive Arachnoiditis that can be related to having too many spine injections. Personally, I won't do them. I had one in my neck and had an adverse reaction to it that caused stabbing pains for awhile. That was a diagnostic injection, and I had cervical spine surgery that corrected the issue, so it's in my past.
Spine Health - "Any Adhesive Arachnoiditis members here?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-adhesive-arachnoiditis-members-here/
I have had one round of epidural injectons (3 over 3 months) and plan to continue as the surgeon dictates. It did not hurt at all and eased the pain almost entirely.
I hope it works for you. Had 1 that worked for 2 weeks was wonderful. Was sent to pain clinic and received 4 different times and it is a waste of time told pain clinic such. Ball is in their court is my last try with them. Have cirrhosis and one kidney eat really healthy have a nutritionists. Eating better has really helped but not enough some days can hardly move. Wish you the best.
That was me! I've had two major surgeries on my back. Its much better. Of course there will be pain always if doing things you shouldn't. Weight or sitting wrong to long. Lots of metal and dead people bones to hold it all together
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionRe epidural injection therapy. It is very important to limit certain activities like twisting and bending to protect your injured back. If you do not you defeat the process all together
I have had several epidurals over the years. The procedure isn't painful. After a lidocaine type injection the rest of the procedure is easy. Depending on the nature of why you are having the epidural may effect the success. That being said, relief isn't instant...it takes at least 2-4 weeks for the epidural to take effect.