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April 24, 2009 - 10:54am
Caudal epidural and L5-S1 Discectomy and decompression
Hi Guys and Girls,
Im now back out of hospital after having a Caudal epidural injection which made my sciatica and pins and needles in both legs worse. I have never known pain like it, it was like severe cramp down the whole leg and shooting pains down opposite legs when they were bent...i think i have drained the national health service of morphine.
I had a further MRI which showed the disc had covered the whole of the spinal cord, the specialist said it was a huge rupture which could of happended during the Caudal epidural. Within 8hrs of having the MRI i was in theatre having surgery due to the high risk of paralysis/nerve damage. They told me i was a high risk patient due to sleep appnea and could face death which cheered me up!!!!!
They opened me up last thursday and said the disc just popped out roughly about 3/4cm. I am recovering well and can finally stand up without screaming with pain.
I currently have a numb saddle, left buttock, leg and foot...hopefully it will settle down by 6 months!!!! or not?
Looking on the bright side im alive!!!
_____________
Cauda Equina Syndrome- multiple Lumbar DDD, L5-S1 Posterior left paracentral disc protrusion, 3 lumbar focal annular bulges. Hypermobility/EDS type3, 16/4/09 L5-S1 discectomy and decompression. "The nicest thing about pain is you know you are alive" - my quote.Meds:Morphine,Pregabalin, Diazapam
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WOW! That is quite a story. I'm glad I didn't read it before having a caudal injection last week!!
I'm happy they got you into surgery quickly and that you are feeling better.
Good luck in recovery. Remember to walk and rest, walk and rest. No bending, twisting or reaching, and take your recovery seriously and follow doctor's orders as you don't want to go through this again, right?
I have no medical training. Comments are based on personal experience and lots of research and reading.
PLIF @ L4-5 with Peek cage, rods and screws Jan 2008
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan 2009
Fusion L3-S1 coming up -- 1 June
Hiya,
Please dont be put off by my story we are all different and our bodies are unique...how did ur epidurial go??? did it work?
Im recovering well as expected very sore, my left leg has been heavily effected with numbess down the sciatic nerve. i can feel to much around the saddle area leg and foot!!!
Does anyone get problems when they extend there leg the sciatic nerve goes mad, like the hamstrings pulled?
this is all after falling up some stairs in my work....found out on friday over the phone that im going to be recommended for dissmissal even though they dont have Dr.s advice and assume my slow recovery. Fcuk em.
Wayne XX
Cauda Equina Syndrome- multiple Lumbar DDD, L5-S1 Posterior left paracentral disc protrusion, 3 lumbar focal annular bulges. Hypermobility/EDS type3, 16/4/09 L5-S1 discectomy and decompression. "The nicest thing about pain is you know you are alive" - my quote.Meds:Morphine,Pregabalin, Diazapam
That's rough what you went through I had no idea that a caudal can cause such a problem. I just had my 5th one 2 weeks ago. I have recently had severe hip spasm lately while sitting too long and stand up. I get hamstring spasms at times and have to straighten my leg and scream. I am weaning off the Lyrica and realize that layrica had stopped some of that pain I'm sure. I have used valium in the past as a muscle relaxant but no Dr wants to give me that so I still take flexeril 3 times a day. I hope the Cymbalta I'll be starting in a few weeks helps. Good luck with your recovery. Take care. Charry
Any answers I have is not medical advice only a Doctor can help you with that. Just sharing my personal experience as a fellow Spine Health member only. DDD of lumbar spine with sciatica to left hip,leg and foot. L4-L5 posterior disc bulge with prominent facets, L5-S1 prominent facets with a posterior osteocartilaginous bar. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing Neck-reverse Lordosis of c-spine C6-C7 with impingement, numb hand and sore outer elbow. Keep the faith.
Hiya,
Thanks for your reply.
Sounds like you have gone through it quite bad as well. Its great the epidural works for some people.
Do you find numbness with the caudial epidurial?????
Im still very numb in places.
I find when i stretch the hamstring the sciatic nerve goes made like yourself??
Hope your pain is settling down, gosh 5 epidurials..least they offer some pain relief.
speak soon and thank you for taking the time to write.
Wayne. X
Cauda Equina Syndrome- multiple Lumbar DDD, L5-S1 Posterior left paracentral disc protrusion, 3 lumbar focal annular bulges. Hypermobility/EDS type3, 16/4/09 L5-S1 discectomy and decompression. "The nicest thing about pain is you know you are alive" - my quote.Meds:Morphine,Pregabalin, Diazapam
I'm having my first caudal injections on Tuesday. I have to admit i'm a little nervous.
Evelyn
Hi all I'm new here,
I have bulging discs at L4/5 level and S1 flattening anterior theca with contact upon both descending l5 roots. Degeneration of l4/5 facet joints.
I had caudal epidural 9/12/11. Don't remember much of procedure as I was heavily sedated cos of nerves, just felt unbearable pressure.
I was stiff and sore for two weeks+ after and sciatica flared up more than I ever had before. I even got it in sole of my foot, whereas before it never reached that far. I had constant irritated restless nerve feelings in both legs and weakness.
I returned to my part time desk job for two weeks and soldiered on but then two weeks ago it flared up again and I could hardly stand because my muscles went into spasm in my gluts and thighs. I cant walk very far as my legs start to fail.
Went back to gp who tested my reflexes and i had none in my knees just one in my left ankle, not sure of that significance. She has referred me to neurologist, so that's a waiting game now.
After feeling desperately fed up with intermittent numbness, pins and needles and weakness in both legs, I searched the Internet to see if I can get the answers Im not getting from the drs.
Has anyone had this pattern or length of reaction to the epidural? Will it go away?! I was told the steroid would have worn off so it cant be that causing weakness etc.
A consultant arranged another MRI which showed " no significant change or obv cause" for the worsening symptoms, so how about some more pain killers. (arrrrrhhhhh!) First he said neurologist won't be able to help but when I said my Gp already wanted to refer me he said maybe that is the way to go...!??? I'm really depressed now I miss my life!! My work are very supportive but I feel so guilty for being off.
Any views appreciated
Thanks
Lena