Selective Nerve Root Injections???
- Thread starter Steve K
- Start date
W
woogie1077
Guest
Good morning everyone. I was wondering if anyone had ever had or knows anything about Selective Nerve Root Injections. I am getting one next week in lieu of the Epidural Steroid Injections. My PM doc said this is more appropriate for me than the ESI being that I have chronic damage, but I have never heard of any other injections but the ESI. I have chronic nerve damage in my S-1 root from a severe herneiated disc at L5 I had surgery on this past Septeraber. I am in more pain now than I was before my surgery. All I know about the selective injections are they won't knock me out or sedate me like they would for the ESI, he said I need to be awake so I can tell him when and where I feel the medicine i nmy back and leg after he injects it. I am very nervous about this shot, and would love any feedback, good news or bad please! Thank you!
-Chrissy
-Chrissy
W
woogie1077
Guest
Thanks for the replies guys 
I knoew I could count on someone here to give me some answers.
STEVE K: Yes I am on 1200mg's of Neurontin a day...I started of at 300mg's and I am now up to 1200 but I am not sure how much it is helping cause I am still in so much pain. How many MG's are you on? I too had a Laminectomy Disectomy Ls-S1 9/02. Do u have nerve damage?
BAXTER: Please do not even worry about sharing your bad experience, you did not scare me, your stoary was very insightful! I really appreciate any feedback like I said. I am sorry it didn't work for you, but like you said I am only getting it on 1 level so maybe it won't be that bad. Yeah our doctors sound the same with the no sedation thing...but now I learned from your reply that you can get a mild sedative of some sort, I will be sure to inquire more strongly about getting something to realx me a bit, so see I REALLY am happy that you told me that...I am so scared...they are doing it in a same day surgery place as well. Well thank you so much for replying you truly are a savior to me and so many other people on this board, always replying and giving people some support and hope! Thank you for praying for me, Lord knows I need it! If you'd like I will reply after I get it done to tell u how it went!
L5S1: I am sorry that this procedure did not work fo ryou, but I really appreciate your reply. I have a bad feeling about this too, that it is just going to cause me more pain, but I guess I have to give it a shot(literally LOLso we shall see.
Thanks alot! Hope everyone has a good day
-Chrissy
I knoew I could count on someone here to give me some answers.STEVE K: Yes I am on 1200mg's of Neurontin a day...I started of at 300mg's and I am now up to 1200 but I am not sure how much it is helping cause I am still in so much pain. How many MG's are you on? I too had a Laminectomy Disectomy Ls-S1 9/02. Do u have nerve damage?
BAXTER: Please do not even worry about sharing your bad experience, you did not scare me, your stoary was very insightful! I really appreciate any feedback like I said. I am sorry it didn't work for you, but like you said I am only getting it on 1 level so maybe it won't be that bad. Yeah our doctors sound the same with the no sedation thing...but now I learned from your reply that you can get a mild sedative of some sort, I will be sure to inquire more strongly about getting something to realx me a bit, so see I REALLY am happy that you told me that...I am so scared...they are doing it in a same day surgery place as well. Well thank you so much for replying you truly are a savior to me and so many other people on this board, always replying and giving people some support and hope! Thank you for praying for me, Lord knows I need it! If you'd like I will reply after I get it done to tell u how it went!
L5S1: I am sorry that this procedure did not work fo ryou, but I really appreciate your reply. I have a bad feeling about this too, that it is just going to cause me more pain, but I guess I have to give it a shot(literally LOL
so we shall see. Thanks alot! Hope everyone has a good day
-Chrissy
Hi Chrissy, :wave:
O.K. you asked, whether good or bad, mine was painful as hell (sorry, but I'll explain a little)
I had selective nerve blocks done on four different lurabar levels on the same day, and I was not sedated one stinking bit
as I had been in the past for less invasive blocks.
It was done at an out patient surgery center using fluoroscopy, but it was the most painful thing I have ever been through in my life. Maybe because you are having one level done, you will tolerate it better, I will be praying for that :angel:
The opinion of two doctors that I had seen after that episode was that the selective nerve blocks should never be done without some type of very light sedation. Yes, you need to be awake and fully aware, but a little versed would have helped me endure the procedure much better, as it will help you as well if you can get the doctor to agree with you. I think if I was a little more relaxed and not so tense, that it would have been a better experience for me.
My old doctor was a complete As* to begin with, but to this day, he still refuses to use sedation for his patients for this type of block, and it sounRAB as though your doctor prefers it that way as well. (I no longer use him, but I know alot of people that do)
I can tolerate pain quite well, but I wish I knew then to demand that little bit of sedation.
I don't mean to scare you in any way, and I'm sorry if I did, but I speak the truth, I'm just one person sharing my experience with others in hopes they can avoid the same mistakes I made in the past.
I will be praying that you tolerate the procedure with no problems :angel: and I hope that you can come back and tell me that it was a piece of cake, because that is what I want for you, a better outcome than I had.
Please keep us informed as to how you make out.
Take Care,
Baxter
------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, roRAB & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 06-18-2003).]
O.K. you asked, whether good or bad, mine was painful as hell (sorry, but I'll explain a little)
I had selective nerve blocks done on four different lurabar levels on the same day, and I was not sedated one stinking bit
as I had been in the past for less invasive blocks.It was done at an out patient surgery center using fluoroscopy, but it was the most painful thing I have ever been through in my life. Maybe because you are having one level done, you will tolerate it better, I will be praying for that :angel:
The opinion of two doctors that I had seen after that episode was that the selective nerve blocks should never be done without some type of very light sedation. Yes, you need to be awake and fully aware, but a little versed would have helped me endure the procedure much better, as it will help you as well if you can get the doctor to agree with you. I think if I was a little more relaxed and not so tense, that it would have been a better experience for me.
My old doctor was a complete As* to begin with, but to this day, he still refuses to use sedation for his patients for this type of block, and it sounRAB as though your doctor prefers it that way as well. (I no longer use him, but I know alot of people that do)
I can tolerate pain quite well, but I wish I knew then to demand that little bit of sedation.
I don't mean to scare you in any way, and I'm sorry if I did, but I speak the truth, I'm just one person sharing my experience with others in hopes they can avoid the same mistakes I made in the past.
I will be praying that you tolerate the procedure with no problems :angel: and I hope that you can come back and tell me that it was a piece of cake, because that is what I want for you, a better outcome than I had.
Please keep us informed as to how you make out.
Take Care,
Baxter
------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, roRAB & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 06-18-2003).]
L
L5S1
Guest
Hi Chrissy :wave:
I recommend trying all options before electing surgery. I knew on the second injection that it probably would not work and the doctor who performed the nerve root block even tried to talk me out of the procedure. The doctor even suggested I should have the fusion but I had to give it another chance.
I pray the nerve root block will work for you so you will not have to have surgery.
I recommend trying all options before electing surgery. I knew on the second injection that it probably would not work and the doctor who performed the nerve root block even tried to talk me out of the procedure. The doctor even suggested I should have the fusion but I had to give it another chance.
I pray the nerve root block will work for you so you will not have to have surgery.
W
woogie1077
Guest
L5-S1:
Thanks again for another great reply. Although I already had surgery in 9/02, I had a lameniectomy discetomy, which did relieve the hereniated disc somewhat, but because the disc was so bulged and pushing on my spine for so long I now have chronic nerve damage as a result. So the surgery was "necessary", "appropriate" as all 3 opinoions I got from different doctors. But thanks again and as you said by the 2nd injection I should know if it is going to work or not. If it doeesn't work than IO have NO idea what I am going to do, cause I don't have any other options I don't think. Do u know, or anyone reading this post, if there is any other options for nerve damage, surgery or something? MY PM doc said if the shots don't work than he is out of options. Well thanks again!!
-Chrissy
Thanks again for another great reply. Although I already had surgery in 9/02, I had a lameniectomy discetomy, which did relieve the hereniated disc somewhat, but because the disc was so bulged and pushing on my spine for so long I now have chronic nerve damage as a result. So the surgery was "necessary", "appropriate" as all 3 opinoions I got from different doctors. But thanks again and as you said by the 2nd injection I should know if it is going to work or not. If it doeesn't work than IO have NO idea what I am going to do, cause I don't have any other options I don't think. Do u know, or anyone reading this post, if there is any other options for nerve damage, surgery or something? MY PM doc said if the shots don't work than he is out of options. Well thanks again!!
-Chrissy
L
L5S1
Guest
Hi Chrissy :wave:
I had two nerve root blocks and my doctor also did not use any sedation (Baxter: It is amazing all the similarities we have!!!). The first nerve root block, the doctor hit the nerve
and had total nurabness in my left leg for two hours. The nerve root block gave me relief for about two weeks. The second nerve root block, I did not have as much discomfort but the relief only lasted 5 days. The doctor said he would not recommend more than 2 nerve root blocks and if they did not work, surgery was my only option.
I hope you have good luck with your injection
---------------------
Spondylolisthesis - level 2 L5/S1
Pars Defect
End Plate Separation
2 Nerve Root Blocks (no effect)
L5/S1 Posterior Fusion with hardware (no BAK cages due to lack of disk space) 08/02
Right side hardware removed due to loose screw and rod rubbing against facet joint - 03/03
Can now say I am better than prior to the fusion!!!!
I had two nerve root blocks and my doctor also did not use any sedation (Baxter: It is amazing all the similarities we have!!!). The first nerve root block, the doctor hit the nerve
and had total nurabness in my left leg for two hours. The nerve root block gave me relief for about two weeks. The second nerve root block, I did not have as much discomfort but the relief only lasted 5 days. The doctor said he would not recommend more than 2 nerve root blocks and if they did not work, surgery was my only option.I hope you have good luck with your injection
---------------------
Spondylolisthesis - level 2 L5/S1
Pars Defect
End Plate Separation
2 Nerve Root Blocks (no effect)
L5/S1 Posterior Fusion with hardware (no BAK cages due to lack of disk space) 08/02
Right side hardware removed due to loose screw and rod rubbing against facet joint - 03/03
Can now say I am better than prior to the fusion!!!!
Hi L5S1, :wave:
I was waiting to see you pop back in
How was your weekend trip ? I hope it was very relaxing and pain free
I was wondering if you have seen my posting on the thread to W Baker regarding me settling my auto claim ? I know you asked me to keep you informed, but I wanted to wait until I ran into you again.
No money yet, but things will be better for me in a few weeks, especially if the LTD is approved.
Yes, we do have so many things in common. I don't know about you, but I wanted to rip off my doctor's head after the selective nerve blocks
That didn't even seem humane to me !!
Plus, they didn't help me one bit !! Grrr !!
We opened the pool on Sunday, but the water was too cold to hop in, now it's cooling down again, with more rain in the forecast. By the time we open the pool, it will be time to close it. I will let you know how the swimming goes as soon as I can try it out, which I hope is this weekend.
I hope that you are doing better with the muscular pain :angel: This recovery is getting very tiring.
Well, I will talk to you soon, I'm going to try to hit the hay early tonight
Have a peaceful evening.
Be Well,
Baxter
------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, roRAB & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 06-18-2003).]
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 06-18-2003).]
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 06-18-2003).]
I was waiting to see you pop back in
How was your weekend trip ? I hope it was very relaxing and pain free
I was wondering if you have seen my posting on the thread to W Baker regarding me settling my auto claim ? I know you asked me to keep you informed, but I wanted to wait until I ran into you again.
No money yet, but things will be better for me in a few weeks, especially if the LTD is approved.
Yes, we do have so many things in common. I don't know about you, but I wanted to rip off my doctor's head after the selective nerve blocks
Plus, they didn't help me one bit !! Grrr !!
We opened the pool on Sunday, but the water was too cold to hop in, now it's cooling down again, with more rain in the forecast. By the time we open the pool, it will be time to close it. I will let you know how the swimming goes as soon as I can try it out, which I hope is this weekend.
I hope that you are doing better with the muscular pain :angel: This recovery is getting very tiring.
Well, I will talk to you soon, I'm going to try to hit the hay early tonight
Have a peaceful evening.
Be Well,
Baxter
------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, roRAB & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 06-18-2003).]
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 06-18-2003).]
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 06-18-2003).]
L
L5S1
Guest
Hi Chrissy :wave:
My L5/S1 nerve was completely compressed and my ortho said it might take a long time for the nerve to recover. He also said I might have permanent nerve damage because my nerve had been compressed for such a long time. Note: I went to a neuro 3 years ago and he did not mention I had a compressed nerve and said "do not return until I could not walk". I put up with the pain thinking I was over exaggerating my condition until I could not take anymore and went to my ortho. My ortho looked at my MRI from 3 years ago and could not believe the neuro did not treat me
I still have nurabness and alternating pins and needles (especially when laying down or sitting) and expect I will have to live with this condition. At least I do not have the sciatic pain!!!
I will be interested if there are any alternatives to regenerate nerves.
---------------------
Spondylolisthesis - level 2 L5/S1
Pars Defect
End Plate Separation
2 Nerve Root Blocks (no effect)
L5/S1 Posterior Fusion with hardware (no BAK cages due to lack of disk space) 08/02
Right side hardware removed due to loose screw and rod rubbing against facet joint - 03/03
Can now say I am better than prior to the fusion!!!!
My L5/S1 nerve was completely compressed and my ortho said it might take a long time for the nerve to recover. He also said I might have permanent nerve damage because my nerve had been compressed for such a long time. Note: I went to a neuro 3 years ago and he did not mention I had a compressed nerve and said "do not return until I could not walk". I put up with the pain thinking I was over exaggerating my condition until I could not take anymore and went to my ortho. My ortho looked at my MRI from 3 years ago and could not believe the neuro did not treat me
I still have nurabness and alternating pins and needles (especially when laying down or sitting) and expect I will have to live with this condition. At least I do not have the sciatic pain!!!
I will be interested if there are any alternatives to regenerate nerves.
---------------------
Spondylolisthesis - level 2 L5/S1
Pars Defect
End Plate Separation
2 Nerve Root Blocks (no effect)
L5/S1 Posterior Fusion with hardware (no BAK cages due to lack of disk space) 08/02
Right side hardware removed due to loose screw and rod rubbing against facet joint - 03/03
Can now say I am better than prior to the fusion!!!!
L
L5S1
Guest
Hi Baxter :wave:
The trip was great and caught a few trout. Mainly, the peace and relaxation is what I needed the most. My muscles have not been doing very well lately. I notice whenever I do any bending or twisting, my muscles go into a rage. It is strange because the muscle on my right side tightens but the pain is in my right hip almost where the bone was removed during the fusion. I have been tempted to send my ortho an email and ask him a few questions but I know the answer will be to give it more time!!! This seems to be the standard answer to all our questions.
I read your posts on the insurance settlement and I am glad for you. I guess our prayers are doing some good!!! :angel:
Next week I have to go to Mexico for a couple days on business and this will be my first trip since my surgery. The plane ride will be bad enough but will have to take a two hour bus ride to Puebla, Mexico. You can imagine the roaRAB We stay at the best hotels, but for some reason, they believe the beRAB should be hard as concrete. Before my fusion, I had to sleep on the couch so I hate to imagine how I will do after the fusion.
I hope your pool warms up for you soon. It will be good exercise for you but will be interested if it has any adverse affects on your back similiar to my symptoms.
I hope you have a good evening
The trip was great and caught a few trout. Mainly, the peace and relaxation is what I needed the most. My muscles have not been doing very well lately. I notice whenever I do any bending or twisting, my muscles go into a rage. It is strange because the muscle on my right side tightens but the pain is in my right hip almost where the bone was removed during the fusion. I have been tempted to send my ortho an email and ask him a few questions but I know the answer will be to give it more time!!! This seems to be the standard answer to all our questions.
I read your posts on the insurance settlement and I am glad for you. I guess our prayers are doing some good!!! :angel:
Next week I have to go to Mexico for a couple days on business and this will be my first trip since my surgery. The plane ride will be bad enough but will have to take a two hour bus ride to Puebla, Mexico. You can imagine the roaRAB
We stay at the best hotels, but for some reason, they believe the beRAB should be hard as concrete. Before my fusion, I had to sleep on the couch so I hate to imagine how I will do after the fusion. I hope your pool warms up for you soon. It will be good exercise for you but will be interested if it has any adverse affects on your back similiar to my symptoms.
I hope you have a good evening
K
keli449
Guest
Hi there I am a new meraber and just so happened to have a cervical selective root nerve block on friday the 18th, Sorry to say it was painful even with 4/4 of demeral and versed but did not last long at all, its like when you have a nerve hit at the dentist office the shock is just unbearable, i wasnt worried as in feb i had a stellate ganglion block done and i dont even remeraber a thing but somehow i was completly awake with this but you can do it! dont let this scare you as everyone is different i believe the benefits outweigh the risks and the pain you are allready enduring.. good luck best wishes for you and i hope it works.
pain free hug to you
keli
pain free hug to you
keli