Spinal Injections
February 4, 2012 - 11:10am
epidural injection
Hi my name is Brenda B and I am scheduled to have an epidural injection on next week. I sustained an injury t my left knee in 2006 and have never gotten a definitve diagnosis, I have been told I have sciatica but it has never been confirmed by x-ray, MRI or Nerve conduction tests. Over this span of time due to limping and the use of a cane(I think), I also now have lower back pain. I am so afraid of having an epidural injection but I need something done for this pain both in my back and my knee and leg. I have had cortisone(no relief at all) and steroid injections in my knee and in my lower back in my upper buttocks area with only minimum relief. The Dr. has me scheduled for epidural injections Feb.8 & 29th & March 17th. Has anyone had these injections and can tell me that there is nothing to fear? 
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brenda b brewngton
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I'm in the same boat as you, Brenda! I'm about to have my first EPI and am really nervous. I'm curios as to why they are going in to do these things on you WITHOUT seeing what's going on in there?!? Seems a bit silly to treat if you haven't identified the problem. Have they given a reason for not doing any testing?
I'll be watching for responses here, as I was just about to post something very similar i.e., my apprehensions for the procedure. Good luck!!!
Diagnosed with DDD January of 2012
MRI findings:
1.Disc bulges at the T12-L1 levels, impinging upon the thecal sac.
2.Disc herniations w/ associated annular tears at the L2-L3 and L3-L4 levels, impinging upon the thecal sac
3.Disc bulges with left foraminal protrusion at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, impinging upon the thecal sac and causing mild right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing
Currently taking Norco 10/325 4 x day and Flexiril 10 mg 2-3xday
I've had 2 epidural injections, in my lumbar spine. They put me under light anesthesia during the procedure, but it was really light, like I woke right up afterwards. I don't know if they'll do the same for a knee injection. For me, personally, they didn't work at all for me. But, I do read that they help some people out. There's no pain at the site afterwards, I can tell you that much. All in all, theres nothing to really fear about the injections. Its just a matter if it's going to work for you or not.
I had my first epidural this past Monday(Jan.30) and am scheudled for another one this coming Monday (Feb 6). I was horribly nervous. Turns out for nothing. I took an anti anxiety pill 1 hour prior to the procedure...I will not be taking anything this Monday. Procedure was basically painless...felt a little "bee sting" when the doctor put the loacal in. Took all of 5 minutes if that! Easy Breezy!
Now for my personal WARNING...I felt GREAT for the first 8-12 hours..then a little pain started to creep in...then BAM...like a ice-pick to my hip and leg..I was not warned that this was "normal" I stopped taking any meds and got behind the pain and had a very rough night. I highly suggest to have a plan when the local wears off..make sure you speak with your PM doc about meds etc, and what you should expect from the shot...I thoughtthe relief I felt immeaiately was IT! Got so excited and then very let down. I am hoping the next one works better...i think i have some relief, but really don't know....all I know is the shot itself is EASY...I worried for nothing...now I just worry it is not going to work for me....staying positive...I refuse to let the pain get the best of me!
Good Luck!