It has been a week since my first PAINFUL epidural. The relief was short lived. Day one was rough but I used alot of ice and loritab to manage. I had five great days after no pain no burning no tingling or loss of feeling life was good. The night before my weekly follow-up appt. the burning and numbness returned from my back down to my toes. Driving there the next morning was disconcerting. I will be having another one in 2 weeks. I told them about the pain during the injection and was given two new options. I can take valium the night before and just before the injection to relax me. They can also put me in a twlight state so that I don't remember or feel antything I will be awake so I can communicate with the Dr if needed. I opted for the valium. He said there is no gaurentee the next shot will last longer or hurt less, all I can do is one day at a time and hope for the best. Insurance only pays for 3 shots per year with 30 pt sessions. After my next shot I'll start some pt. My Dr mentioned pain management as an alternative to surgery. What is pain management? I want to thank everybody for their replies and support after my first post. It made me feel great. I am a one finger typist so it takes along time to post. Thanks again furie4