I saw a Neurosurgeon this week and he said I need surgery on my back but he wants to start with some Epidural Steroid shots first. I don't want them, I've heard they don't work and they cause more pain and problems then there worth. Any thoughts on this, please give me any feed back you might have.
Thanks and stay well Mary
I had epidural shots in my SI joint (3) and in my back. The worst part of the procedure was the ladicaine to numb it up, then it was nothing. I had to go home and be quiet the rest of the day. They worked for me and I have not had the pain come back in 1 1/2 years. My doctor said that they should last a couple of years depending on what was going on in your back. I have spinal stenosis and I had been in pain for almost a year so I am glad that it worked for me.
Good luck,
SueAnn
Thank you both for your quick reply and such wise answers. These's shots are only to last for about two hours each except for the second. The first reason he is using the Epidural shots in the S1 area is to see if the cysts their are causing the issues with my bladder and colon.
The second reason is to see if the 3 herniated discs in my back are causing what issues and he figured he would just throw the steroids in just to bring down the inflammation, this is all to find out which surgery they will be doing.
I don't want any of this at all, these cysts are sitting on my spine.. grrr...very scared!
Mary
My hubby had a bad back for years and waiting years before he went to the doc. Finally was seen and eventually had to have the steroid injections. He had them 3 different times. The first time it lasted 6 months and the second time not that long. The third time it lasted 3 days.
He ended up having back surgery. It is worth having it done though cause every day that you can go without surgery is always good. Also, many insurance companies with not pay for back surgery until you have exhausted the medical treatments first. Good luck. Irish ;D
I've had numerous depo-medrol shots - and always felt alot better. But like one poster said - the days you remain pain free seem to dwindle after each shot. The longest any of my shots lasted was about a month. But a month free of pain...is a month free of pain.
Mews, I've had several epidurals in my back. They usually help, and last for varying amounts of time. Most of the time they last between months to a year.
I'm so glad for the shots as I don't want surgery.
Is there anyway to reduce the cysts without surgery? It seems like I have a neighbor who had a cyst pressing on a nerve in her back, and she had a very simple procedure in the doctor's office. Maybe they took the fluid out? I'm not sure. Maybe a second opinion would help too . . .
Good luck in your decisions.
I've had a bunch of them, both in lumbar and now cervical. They almost always help, at least for a month or two. Make sure they're done under Floroscope (a type of Xray) Some doctors do them blind and it's not as successful. Definitely get another opinion or two before surgery. Good luck!
SueAnne,
that's so good to know!! I have severe spinal stenosis and I'm waiting to get my MRI approved so I can begin the process with a neurosurgeon. I've known since 2005 that I need back surgery so I figured the shots would be the treatment of choice this time around!! We're trying to figure out where my pain is coming from.....is it my back issues or my SJS?? thanks!
The first Dr I have asked so far for a second opinion said I should start with the shots. So I'm scared to death with the whole process really! Thank you all for your help with this because I really didn't know where to start!!!
Stay Well Mary
Jenny, I agree about fluoroscope. They use that with all my epidurals in the back.
I quizzed the doctor more about it last time I was in there getting it done. I was wondering how come the machine is always moving around. He told me that it allows him to have kind of like a 3 D picture of my back/spine. It also allows him to to see where the needle is compared to my spine, the depth, etc, and helps him determine if it's where he wants it to be.
Mary, don't be scared about it. It's pretty intimidating I know. I'm starting to look at it as routine. Theres been at least 10 different times I've had epidurals, and all of them have been ok except one. This was one of my thoracic back shots, and harder to do.
The doctor had a hard time getting in because it's the thoracic, and because I have so many bone spurs, and arthritis in the facets. He ended up giving up, and I ended up with epidural headaches (awful). However, after a couple of years, I was in so much pain in the thoracic, I went back to do one, (my doc orders them to be done at a clinic by some docs that specialize in doing the epidurals) and wouldn't you know, it was that same doctor doing the thoracic procedures that day. I was hesitant. I talked to him and said he was willing to try if I was, and that he'd do a few different things. It helped sooooooo much!
I don't know why I had to tell my soap opera story. Lumbar back and the neck are easier for them to do, and they usually are done without a hitch. Just be aware that they may have you sign something that says it could paralyze you, so that can be intimidating. But that's just their standard warnings. It can really relieve a lot of pain! So worth it!
Quote from: gold55 on March 02, 2012, 05:55:55 AM
I have severe spinal stenosis and I'm waiting to get my MRI approved so I can begin the process with a neurosurgeon. I've known since 2005 that I need back surgery so I figured the shots would be the treatment of choice this time around!! We're trying to figure out where my pain is coming from.....is it my back issues or my SJS?? thanks!
Jill,
Where is the pain coming from? Back or SJS? Does it really have to be only one of them?
I have theory about my back issues and SJS (I have a lot of stenosis, DDD, and severe facet joint arthritis in the lumbar, and thoracic)
Here's my theory based on my experience: I had a lot of back problems before my SJS hit really hard. But, after SJS hit full force, all of my joints started having aches and pains, etc. My rheumy couldn't really see much swelling but, I could feel it inside! My back started getting so much worse. I really believe that Sjogrens, being also a disease in the rheumatic category, has a lot of arthritis components.
So I think, at least in my case, that Sjogrens has out my back (and other joints) into high alert, and many times into battle. ;) Sometimes I never know which joint or joints are going to hit harder. My back is now disabling me, and I'd have never said that before I had Sjogrens. Of course SJS is doing other things to cause some disabling factors too.
So Jill, can't it be your back, which is bad, but also your back being aggravated by the Sjogrens? Maybe causing some inflammation inside that makes all the nerve pinching and more so much worse? What level or levels is your stenosis at? Good luck figuring it out!
Thanks Doxie! Yes, I think you are totally correct!! I have severe spinal stenosis and a herniated disc resting on the nerve roots of my legs. When I had pain in my feet and legs prior to the SJS diagnosis, I never ran into the doctor's office as I assumed it was pain from the problems in my back. I have bad bone spurs/arthritis in my spine. Of course, now that I have the SJS or Lupus or RA....they aren't sure which one and say "only time will tell" I got nervous when my back and legs acted up thinking it may be destruction from SJS but......it took a little time and it has somewhat resolved with tylenol, stretching exercise, keeping my "core" tight and sleeping in our big bed on my back (vs. falling asleep in the day bed next to the dogs where I have to sleep on either of my sides). It has become apparent that I get a better rest sleeping on my back with my legs, hips and feet straight ahead then when I fall asleep on either side. But, like a dufus, I am always with my dogs and we tend to fall asleep in the dogroom where I have a twin daybed!!!
Thanks for being interested in my pain issues, Doxie! I know you have a lot going on and I appreciate your attention to my concerns :) xxoo
Your welcome!
I need to follow your example in strengthening my core and stretching etc.
My dogs love to go for walks. I have a rough time doing that after work, but I'm off now and enjoying the short dog walks. It was a little rough today due to my back, but it was gorgeous outside.
I understand you wanting to sleep with your Goldens. I guess they are a little big to sleep on your bed . . . My little doxies snuggle up with me at night. Of course, I'd be better off not letting them dominate. When I get up at night to use the restroom, I come back to find they took over my pillow, blankets and warm spots. I'm sure your Goldens love you to pieces. They are the most warm loving and friendly dogs! Lots of doggie hugs to you!
I was told that surgery was not an option for me. I used reflexology and pelvic tilts. One pelvic tilt per day may be enough. When I first started doing them I started at 5 per day and was in so much pain I could not see straight. PT then said do One every other day as you start to feel better one every day. Very gradually work your way up to 3 and 5 may still be too much.
I had a friend that had a nerve block put in. He did not "feel" the pain but it was very visible in his body when he was in pain. Reflexology had a positive impact on how he held his body indicating the relief of his pain.
Joe, I'm interested in those pelvic tilts?? Can you guide me through it or is there a site with pictures.....?? thanks, jill
:) I thought all women were taught this by their gynecologist. :)
This site has a good example of it: http://yoga.about.com/od/yogaandbackpain/ss/pelvictilts.htm
Well I can't thank you all enough for all the responses. I also sleep with a pillow under my knees or between my legs if I lay on my side. It really takes the pressure off your back. I have to say I don't see the benefit of having these shots over and over again. Don't they in them self's cause problems. I mean he want's to give me these shots just to see which might be causing the neuropathy the cysts or the discs. He says they would be like 2 hour shots.
Meanwhile I don't even think this is totally what is going on with me. Neither do the other docs I have been seeing!
Stay Well Confused and Determined Mary
Mews, my appt. is to find out if a lot of my neuropathy is coming from my back issues or the SJS! Personally, I think it is my back and I'm sure this Dr. is going to recommend shots first and I've had this pain for so long I think I may try them.....after I master Joe's pelvic tilts ;)
mews,
I was also skeptical about shots in my cervical spine. The doctor I go to uses the fluoroscope x ray so he can see exactly where he is putting the shot. Although my pain was not back or neck, but entire arm and hand, I can say I have had 90% relief. I am supposed to have it done in 3 series. So far I have had 2. It's been awhile since the last injection, but I am still not having as my symptoms. The doctor gives me Versed before the procedure, so it's not really painful (or it is and I just don't remember it). Best wishes to you.
reanne
I had a cervical epidural two months ago, and as far as I am concerned it was a miracle. BUT, it doesn't last forever. In fact mine sort of disappeared totally as of yesterday, and now I'm in major pain with muscle spasms. Right where I left off in January...
Mews, I'm not sure of all the tissue and disk side affects of the epidurals, but they provide me great pain relief that lasts for months, For me, at least at this time, it beats surgery. I hear so many mixed reviews about back surgery, that it scares me. Of course, some people have no alternative.
Gold, when is your appointment with the neurosurgeon? You'll let us know what he says?
Last week Dr. Oz was showing everyone how to do pelvic tilts on his show, and actually demonstrated them!
Hi Doxie,
My appt is on the 26th....I've got to really take some notes! I will let you know what he says....overall my MRI showed much of the same from 2006 but with a couple new things. Don't know how bad they are but I was happy that most of all the problems were stable and I think one of the disks wasn't protruding as much....there was more protrusion on another disk and they weren't sure if it was a hematoma?? So, we'll see....for now I do my back exercises and sleep correctly to get by. Thanks for your thoughts!
I have to say none of this sounds good..call me weak what ever, but I can't see getting these shots over and over again! I also can't see getting the surgery either. I will just go on the way I am right now being a cripple..LOL.
I have to take a step back right now and make sure that what is wrong with me over all is not from the autonomic nervous system. I am seeing so many Dr's right now it's crazy, the testing I'm having done on my lungs alone is insane. Hopefully I will know where to turn soon, but I have been saying that for what seems like months!
Thank You for all the great posts! You all are the best!
Stay Well all Mary
mews, The doctors don't do these injections over and over again. I think that most surgeons like to see how much relief a patient gets from these injections. My husband ,and most of the people that we talked to, had the injections 3 different times.
I am totally sold on this and would do it myself if need be. The reason I think it is a good idea is that it does usually give people a certain degree of relief---which it totally wonderful!!! The other thing it gives is time. Stop and think of all the new medical discoveries and proceduries that can be developed in the cours of 1-2 years.
When a person gets the injections they are actually buying themself time that might bring a new procedure that will make their surgery safer and better. Nothing in medicine is written in stone. Most everything has a good and bad side and, yes, sometimes there can be bad side effects from a treatment, but it gets to the point that quality of life becomes the primary motivator.
Good luck in whatever you chose to do. Irish ;D
Thank you Irish and everyone else with all there input! You all have been wonderful as usual. I can see this is a problem with a lot of people, back issues are a big problem!
Stay well all Mary
hi-I was doing a search on here for info from folks who have had cervical spine epidurals for pain. I would be curious if there are any updates from folks who have had them since this thread was last posted. I have stenosis, bulging discs, ddd, djd, some hypermobility, osteopenia and SJS neurogenic pain....my neck doesn't hurt bad all the time but when it does it really does. I have also lost mobility with age and do PT less because it can irritate the stenosis etc if not cautious, I try to walk somewhat regularly, used to do it daily until recently but it is getting harder to go as long with age or something.
I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had cervical epidural for neck pain and how that worked for you. I have not had spine surgery altho the idea of laminectomy and fusion (like 4 levels) has been considered by some.
Here's my 2 cents - results may vary!
I and 2 people I'm close to have had them.
I had it once, and followed up with physical therapy. No improvement. My Neuro felt that it was more likely that I have nerve inflammation than impingement, so we didn't try again.
My dad - has nerve impingement and arthritis in the spine. Has had it once, followed by PT. He really hurt for several days after, but is experiencing improvement now. He's in his 80s.
Good friend - has a variety of lower spine issues. Has had it twice. First time did little for her. 2nd time, miraculously better, and has lasted about 9 months so far. No PT, just encourage to walk.
I had one in August. First there was an attempt to aspirate or burst a cyst that was causing the problem. Then the epidural was injected.
I had exactly 12 days of pain relief, and then the pain returned to the level it was before the injection.
I had surgery two months later, which corrected the problem by removing a synovial cyst between L3 and L4 and freeing the nerve at L4. There was no 'hardware' involved in the surgery and I was lucky to have the problem solved.
The epidural wasn't effective enough to do again, clearly.
Hugs, Elaine
If it was me I would be sure to go to one of the big clinic type outfits that do all these injections and have all the fancy equipment and adhere to strict protocol. This includes the fluoroscope.. The one in the twin cities that has a lot of centers is called CDI and they have a huge amount of health issues that they scope and treat. Irish
thanks you guys....it is hard to research these relatively high stake health things whereas I can look at consumer reports for material purchases......
Irish it would be at a place with fancy equipment, a university hospital, but I will try to vet it more.....I noticed the doctors didn't like me asking questions when we were almost going to do it earlier in the year.....the hurry everyone is in makes me a bit nervous
I am going to add that I have had back issues for at least 50 years. I saw the doctor first when I was 21 years old and was having sciatica pain from a shot in the butt that was not done properly. I have suffered with this and other back pain since. I do the sleeping with the pillow between knees and under knees, etc.
I am on oral prednisone for 10 years for myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune issues and I have not been able to have an injection in back or hip cause it would overload me with steroids. I use a lot of heat and resting, positioning, etc. Walking at times is bloody miserable but I just do what I have to do, which isn't much at my age. I am not a candidate for surgery and am leary of surgery anyway just because of having autoimmune issues. I am high risk for infection due to other health issues.
Just to let you know that if you can do the steroids the doctors will tell you how many shots you can have of this in a year. There are criteria for the use of steroids in order not to give too many. Also, if you are thinking back surgery of any kind do your research and visit different docs to see what the "cure" rate for the pain is following any particular procedure. There is a lot of info out there that needs to be investigated. If you choose to do it make sure to do an educated decision. Good luck. Irish