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2 replies [Last post]
September 1, 2009 - 10:50pm
Anonymous
Leg and foot weak, numb and cold

I am 33 and have a herniated disk at L5/L6. Yes, I know, most people have L1-L5, but my scans revealed that I have an extra lumbar vertebra. I had my very first cortisone injection today. I was warned that for the next 3-4 hours my right leg would be weak and I should take it easy. It has now been 9 hours and my leg is still weak, my foot is almost completely numb, toe curling and flexing is very difficult and the right leg and foot are both significantly than the left. Is this normal following an epidural injection?

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September 1, 2009 - 11:11pm
#1
gwennie17
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Welcome to the board ~

Don't worry about it. People react differently and you might react differently when you have another ESI. It is really hard to predict.

You will get the most out of your injection if you can lie down and stay off your leg as much as possible for the next 48-72 hours. When you are up and about, it causes your heart to beat faster and makes the blood flow harder, which causes the medication to dissipate more quickly. If you stay quiet, the medication will pool in the area where it was injected, for a longer period, and it will provide the best chance of having it "work."

You may start to feel hot, or you may chill. You may get extremely hungry. Some people get weepy. There are all kinds of weird sensations that can result for steroids.

Put an ice pack on your lower back for pain for the first 24 hours. After that, if heat feels better, go ahead and use it instead of cold.

You may very well feel worse before you feel better, or at least, back to the way you felt prior to the ESI. Hopefully, you will feel better soon.

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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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September 2, 2009 - 1:13am
#2
backpainishell
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theaterchick

Hi Big Hug Welcome to Spine Health Big Hug , Its like gwennie says , "people react differently" Thinking . It does sound like your circulation Thinking , My leg went cold and lifeless after having epidural injections Worried , try and rub your leg to encourage your circulation to move Smile . keep me posted Big Hug

Angie Wave

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ANY ADVICE GIVEN IS BASED ON MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE'S

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