Epidural Steroid shots for the back..anyone??

[irish]

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