Epidural Steroid shots for the back..anyone??

[mews]

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

[SueAnn]

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

[mews]

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

[irish]

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

[artsyamerican]

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.

[Doxie]

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.

[Jenny]

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!

[gold55]

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!

[mews]

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

[Doxie]

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!

[Doxie]

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!

[gold55]

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

[Doxie]

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!

[Joe S.]

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.

[gold55]

Joe, I'm interested in those pelvic tilts??  Can you guide me through it or is there a site with pictures.....?? thanks, jill