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Sciatica, Leg Pain, Radiculopathy
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2 replies [Last post]
November 12, 2009 - 8:59pm
Anonymous
Just received my 1st epidural today...

Any advice on how to make it more effective or last longer?

A lot of the pain is gone but they didn't numb me enough during the process and I had extreme cramps during the injection and my leg is really sore from that. Other than that it has only been about 4 hours since I had it done so we'll see. They say that epidurals are more effective to sciatic pain... Fingers crossed!!

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November 12, 2009 - 9:09pm
#1
Ming
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best of luck

I hope this helps. I have appt with my pain mgmt doc tomorrow to discuss epidural. It's the only injection I haven't had. It'd be interesting to see the different advice you get on this topic. Keep me posted on how you feel and if it helped or not after a couple of days.

_____________

I am in no way a medical professional and my posts are based on my own personal experience and/or opinions.
*4/19/10 L4-S1 PLIF revision 2 rods, 6 more screws
*3/24/09 diagnosed w/ failed fusion & 2 broken screws
*7/1/08 L5/S1 ALIF w/ plate, cage, 4 screws


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November 12, 2009 - 9:24pm
#2
gwennie17
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Hi Mike ~

If you can limit all activities and minimize movement for at least 48 hours, and preferably 72 hours, you will get more out of the steroid than if you just go about your daily activities.

Many doctors will tell you to take it easy for the rest of the day and then go back to your regular routine...but this will make the medication dissipate more quickly through your system than if you are a couch potato for a couple days.

It can take several days for the medication to take effect...so don't be discouraged if you feel more/different pain for several days. Of course, in some people, the injection doesn't have much effect, so you need to be prepared for that eventuality, too.

Keep your fingers crossed that you're one of the lucky ones!

Gwennie

_____________

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

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