A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Banter Hall Back Pain

I have been suffering for awhile with back problems had my first epidural shot I am hopping something helps. I love to garden and it is really hard to get around and do what needs to get done.

Has anyone had this procedure done? Did it help you?

The only epidural I have ever had was for labor and it was very temporary. And I loved it, by the way.
Is yours going to be something like cortisone?

I've had epidurals for delivery and for minor surgical procedures and I did well with them. For the last six months I've been seeing a back specialist who gives me shots which help me a great deal. Yet somehow I don't think either of those things are what you are referring to.

I have a friend who has really bad back problems, far worse than anything I've ever had, and she's gone in for special shots for her back which last a very long time. Is that what you mean? My shots wear off in about 10 days.

The long lasting shots my friend Angel gets really help her.


Merme

It is a spinal steriod shot that is suppose to reduce the inflammation caused by the disc that are bulging. I don't know I hate the word steriod but I have been in such pain and unable to move that I had to try something.

Cortisone is one of the steroids used for joint problems. There could be others. My husband has had the cortisone shots for torn rotator cuffs. They did help for a long time. The rest was a matter of not continuing to overuse the injured party.
I wish you much luck, Aud. When are you going to try this?

I worked at a hospital center for pain medicine for 3 years and we did them everyday all day long. Your injection was probably Depomedrol which is a steroid. An injection of depomedrol and long-acting local anaesthetic is done to pinpoint the source of pain and to achieve some pain relief. If the area injected is the source of pain, you should get some pain relief for one week to two months. We usually gave 3 injections a month apart. The local numbs it for a little while and the steriod decreases inflammation.

Cool info, Sheri. I am glad you are here to answer. What I don't know fills whole medical books.

Thats what they gave my hubby last yr when they finally figured out what was wrong with him- and a series of steriods in pill form after the relief from the shot wore off... he hasn't had a problem since so it did wonders for him... he is hopeing it worked well enough that he can play golf this summer in Az.
Nana

Tina, you're too funny. That was a fun job. I had never imagined there were so many options for pain management and that people experienced so many different types of pain.

Nana, I'm glad it's working for your husband. I'd guess it works for 90% of people. Some people never need another injection and some people came back 2 or 3 times a year for the series of 3 injections.

Sheri,thank you. I had the shot Friday. I feel some relief, the numbness in my foot is still there. I have fallen a couple of times because the leg just gives out and down I go was unable to stand for more than 10 minutes because of the pain. I have been in such pain I had to try the procedure.

My boyfriend had one of those shots and it helped him a lot. It took a few days to really kick in if I remember correctly. He never went back for another shot though because here they say you can one series of 3 shots per year so he's saving his shots for when he really needs them. I may be going to the doctor about my back soon and those shots would be my preferred treatment. Hope you're feeling better soon!

did you call them back about the numbness?

Wonder why his doctors rules are that way? I worked for a group of anesthesiologist who were also trained in pain medicine and they said people could have up to 3 series per year and if the pain came back in between we'd shoot them up with Marcain or Bupivicain just to numb up the area.

I was told that they can only give you three shots. If they had to do it again before one year I had to have an operation. I would imagine it depends on your doctor and your condition, age etc.

Sounds like your doctors are like ours, Cinta. Only 3 a year. Not sure why that is, he never asked, but if I end up getting it done I'm going to find out all about it. Are you feeling more relief now?

Is your doctor a surgeon too? Surgeons are bound to cut on you. I worked with anesthesia guys and they did their best not to have to send anyone to the OR. They researched and decided that the steriods didn't do anymore damage if you had 3 sets of 3 or 1 set of 3. Research it and talk to your doctor about it. But you never know, we had plenty of patients who only 1 injection worked for.

I have three doctors invovled. My PCP, Surgeon and Pain Management Physician. The Surgeon sent me to the Pain Management and they are the ones that said they only do 1 series of 3 for my condition combined with physical therepy. If that does not work back to the surgeon..

I sure hope it works for you.

Thank you Sheri and all for all the information, experienes and tips. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge. I will do all I can to avoid the knife. I have gone for second and third opinions No one will push me to do any surgery until I have done all non-surgical assistance.

Any updates, Aud? Are you feeling any better?

I was pain free for one day. It is no better. Will be returning in a week for followup. Maybe I am one that will need 3 shots.

I am sorry. I always have such high hopes. Maybe it will only take two shots to set you up right.

Phooey. Did they start you on anything like Celebrex?