having 1st epidural on dec.8-I need support!!

O

Oddie

New member
Having my 1st. one on the 8th.I'm taling lorcet,nabentome&they put me on neurotin(which has worked great for the nerve pain in my leg).
Had my mri,which showed moderate degeneration of L3-L4,L4-L5&L5-S1 discs,L3-L4 showed a focal centreal disc protrustion(what's that mean?)&mild disc bulging eccentric to the left neural foramen.
I'm really concernec about my job.I'm a horticulrist @ a zoo,which includes repetivtive bending up&down,using a backpack blower&clirabing up in rock pockets, about 30' in the air.Worried I'm going to have to go on disablility.
I love my job,but that's probably why I'm where i'm at.
Any support I will appreciate!!
oddie:confused::confused::(:)
 
~ hi ~ I wanted to send positive thoughts your way. I hope the Epidural on the 8th gives you relief from the pain your experiencing and is a complete success. I will keep you in my thoughts, regarding your work and that get the relief from the pain you need to function at your job. I know from personal experience how challenging that can be.

Please keep us posted on how your epidural goes!

You're in my thoughts. :angel:

~ Fiona Jo ~ :wave:
 
Thank you hugg724,
I'm so thankful for this site.
I usually go to the dr.&don't understand what there saying,But
I always come back to this board for help.
Your info. really helped me to understand a little better.will
keep you informed.
Oddie
 
Focal center disc protrusion is when the disc is in the spinal canal. Good luck on your epidural. For years it worked well for me.
 
Thank you,
Bad news!!!Dr. office called yesterday&had to reschedule injection.
Don't even have a date.Dr. had to go out of town,hopefully
nomore than a couple of weeks.
It's really getting on my nerves,I've been waiting since septeraber.
Thanks for your reply,it helps to have people to talk to that knows what's going on.
Oddie
 
My two epidurals helped with a lot with my large L 5 S 1 disc rupture. That corabined with prednisone, plus some excellent exercises, and it looks like the surgery which I was told that I needed two weeks ago ... now, I believe that I am going to be able to avoid. But I have to do exercises twice a day, about 15 minutes each time. The prednisone was tremendous, but I only took it for a week - it does put you in overdrive. The pred. and the shots reduce the inflammation which gives the ruptued disc at least a chance to heal (dry up).
 
I am so sorry they had to reschedule! There is nothing worse than building up ourselves mentally for a procedure relating to our spine to have it all changed.

I know alot of people who had relief from the epidural injections and I hope you will fall into that category. Don't be alarmed if when you do have yours that you wonder why you did it for a few days after. It can take up to a week to start seeing any results. I was given the option of being put in a "twilight sleep" for mine or just having a local anesthetic. I was a sissy and had the twilight sleep. I am glad I did because I didn't do that with my cervical epidural injection and it was pure hell.

Here is some info on the disc protrusion that might help:

Protrusions may be "focal" or "broad-based." The distinction between focal and broad-based is arbitrarily set at 25% of the circumference of the disc. Protrusions with a base less than 25% (90 degrees) of the circumference of the disc are "focal." If disc material is herniated so that the protrusion encompasses 25% to 50% of the circumference of the disc, it is considered "broad-based protrusion."

Your L3/L4 disc is bulging to the left side. There isn't mention of any bulging of other discs which is great! The injection might help reduce the inflammation to the nerves that disc is pressing on causing the pain.

Good luck if they ever keep it scheduled!
 
I'm sorry you're Doctor canceled the appointment. I hope you get a new appointment day and time soon. Keep us posted. :angel:

~ Fiona Jo ~ :wave:
 
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