Epidural Steroid Injection A++++

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Hi all! I just registered to let people know about my ESI. I read a lot of bad things and wanted to share a GOOD story

I have had back pain for 3 years, and as is the case it has gotten worse and worse. Unfortunately it took about a year and a half till I found out about narcotic pain relief. Until that time I had so many bad days, some days where I couldnt even walk straight. then once I got the pain killers it got a lot better. I had steady pain but it was managable...usually. I of course still had those days where nothing helped, they of course came on the more active days, like family trips to amusement parks, trips to florida, and the worst was the cruise where I couldnt get out of bed a few nights.

Then my doctor got nervous giving me pain meRAB after a year and said Id have to go to pain management for a refill.... So I did. So at first he gave me a refill (and a good one at that) and then suggested the injection. I hate needles, but I hate pain more so I was eager to give it a shot. Plus the idea of being free from the pills was very exciting.
So I sheduled the shot and had it without sedation... It was pretty uncomfortable, though not painfull. It felt kind of gross. The next day my buttocks was sore, and I noticed no relief. In fact the other side of my back was actually hurting more. Even a week and then 2 later it was not helping, In fact I was in Vegas and had a couple of days that were very bad, I took 90mg of oxycodone when I almost never take more than 40mg and that didnt even provide relief.
I then went back to the Dr. and he said we should try one more. So I said OK and we did it the next day.... that was about 20 days ago. since then my pain is about 70% gone!! I havent had ANY sharp pain since the second shot, just minor discomfort during the day, and some real pain as it gets later...but still soooo much better!
I am looking forward to the 3rd shot which I hope t get on Thursday. I hope to come back and post my results next week
 
Howdy and glad to hear about the result. I too have had spectacular results with these injections...but what you are describing could not be the epidural but more likely the SI injections. The epidurals are scheduled with major IV relief as the needle is ginormous and goes into your spinal cavity...using X-ray for guidance. I get two injections spaced three months apart and the solution is a nurabing agent, steroiRAB and toradol....I'm down to 10mg Percocet a day which is great for me along with a daily celebrex....anything I can do to avoid surgery is fabulous!
 
I went to see the pain management Dr. today. It is indeed an ESI that I received. It is available with or without IV sedation. i did without both times. Uncomfortable, but not painful
 
I had 3 ESIs without sedation. I believe this is most common, actually.

I'm glad they are working for you. It is all so individual. I had 3 and they made no difference. Just be careful that you don't allow them to do more than 3 within what is considered a safe time frame. Some docs just keep pushing them, and if you get some relief, it is tempting to keep asking for them. But too much can be dangerous to your future health.

Also, not every doc does these under fluoroscopy. People need to ask and be sure their doc plans on using fluoroscopy to guide the placement of the needle.
 
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