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
http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-management/pain-management-te...
I found this link here. I have had trigger pint injections(nerve blocks) to my back. That isn't a great experience like the ESI. I have the 3rd ESI next week. There's medications also used in pain management. Take care and hope you find more relief. Your typing is just fine! Take care. Charry
My 2nd MRI showed no herniated disc and no stenosis. Mild loss of signal intensity in intervertebral discs L1-S1 and mild loss of height from L1-L4. Mild DDD throughout the lumber spine. Still have back pain and some leg tingling, numbness though. 3rd opinion Neurosurgeon Oct. 6, 2009.
1st report last year Feb. 2008.
L5-S1 herniated disc with annular tear with disc material in contact with L5 exiting nerve, arthropy facet joints L4-L5. 5 Epidurals. Facet joint injections and 64 trigger point injections. Off work 21 months due to back and leg pain. Not a surgical candidate x 2 Ortho opinions. (history C5-7 osteoarthritis and DDD)
Infrared Platinum heating pad 4x/day and while sitting.
MS Contin 120mg, Cymbalta 60mg, lasix 20mg, Diovan for B/P . oxazepam 30mg for sleep. Excercise ball, recumbent stationary bicycle 30 mins. day, posture-pump for lower back. Tried PT, accupuncture, traction. Pool therapy Oct. 27/2009
http://www.livestrong.com/article/14700-self-affirmations/
Charry