Epi Shot

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dixie260

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I have been going to an Ortho doctor for over a year. DDD in L3, L4,L5 and also starting in my cervical disc. Had PT, exercise. End of July had Epi shot. The shot did not help. Now he wants to do another shot. Has anyone had a second shot when the first one didn't help at all?

My family has badgered me to get a second opinion, so I have made an appointment with the best Spine Center in the state.

Now my back, glutes, and legs have sharp pains when I walk a lot, stairs, in and out of cars. Beside the constant ache.

Any advise or someone who has been this way. :confused:
 
Hello Dixie260~

Welcome to the board.

It is common to have the ESI in a series of 3. Often, if there is absolutely no pain relief or change after 2 injections, the doc will stop at that point. But it seems many insurance companies expect the 3 injections before they will agree to pay for additional, more invasive treatment.

If you are going for a second opinion, I would postpone having the 2nd injection. Wait to see what the new doctor has to say. It may be that s/he feels it is not appropriate, necessary, whatever.

Be sure you are going to a fellowship-trained spinal specialist, either an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon who specializes in problems of the spine and back.

With the pain in your legs and glutes, it sounRAB like you are dealing with some nerve compression from the lower lurabar nerves. It may be that you have some stenosis caused by the DDD. Have you had a MRI or CT scan recently?
 
Thanks for the advise. :)I haven't had a MRI since last July. This doctor for the 2nd opinion is at a large training/fellowship hospital. They have a spine center. When I called they ask my symptons to see which doctor I needed to see. Also I have to fill out a 9 page pain and personal health form. The second shot is 2 week after I see this Dr next Friday. I just know that I am only 48 and have been very active in my life to approx. 2 yrs ago. Also my weight has shot up due to me not be able to do a lot. Thanks again and I will keep you all posted.:angel:
 
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