voyager Posted January 20 Share Posted January 20 Yes, no? Panacea or grave mistake? Experiences? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve R. Posted January 20 Share Posted January 20 I’m a little confused. Is this for the sciatica that you’ve mentioned? I’m assuming that you know that these injections to numb the nerve are ongoing. From what I gather, they’re neither a panacea nor a grave mistake, but seem to be a valid option when other, less intrusive pain killing is ineffective. Are you already on meds to stop the nerve from firing (or at least lessen it)? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
joethefoodie Posted January 20 Share Posted January 20 Nothing is a panacea nor a grave mistake. I've had a couple of epidurals in various regions; one ended up being basically diagnostic, as it did nothing to alleviate the pain, and more intrusive work was needed (i.e. surgical intervention). I last had an epidural in my lumbar spine 3 or 4 years ago - it was like a miracle in terms of fixing the issue, and has lasted since then - fingers crossed. These were done in hospital outpatient settings, xray guided, etc. They're not a ton of fun, but man if you feel great right after... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
voyager Posted January 20 Author Share Posted January 20 1 hour ago, Steve R. said: I’m a little confused. Is this for the sciatica that you’ve mentioned? I’m assuming that you know that these injections to numb the nerve are ongoing. From what I gather, they’re neither a panacea nor a grave mistake, but seem to be a valid option when other, less intrusive pain killing is ineffective. Are you already on meds to stop the nerve from firing (or at least lessen it)? On 500ml Tylenol. a muscle relaxant and an ice pack. Just got home from an MRI. Am finally able to sleep. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
joethefoodie Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Muscle relaxants are good sleep inducers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve R. Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 If you have a Physician who is recommending spinal injections specifically for nerve pain reduction, you might want to first ask him/her about trying meds. first to see if that can help. As you know, I still play tennis and have to take Aleve beforehand, but I also take 300mg of gabapentin before bed every night. Its not a large dose and can be stopped/reduced as desired (unlike megadoses given for more extreme issues). Gabapentin, as I understand it (I am most definitely not a Physician), does not cure any of my disc/nerve issues (3 in my lower back, stenosis and 2 in my left shoulder/neck & sciatica that happens periodically), but is used to stop the nerve from firing. My lower back pain is now minimal, my sciatica hardly flares up (&, when it does, its not bad and only lasts a couple of days) & the “tuning fork” sensation in my left arm is gone. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
small h Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 4 minutes ago, Steve R. said: Gabapentin Always useful if you are a queasy or anxious cat. In case that's ever an issue. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
voyager Posted January 21 Author Share Posted January 21 Would love to be able to take NSAIDs but they are off the menu as I overused them pre-hip replacement. Current MD is also loath to use oral steroids for same kidney stress issues. The last time this visited me, I was in Paris and the French md put me on heavy duty ibuprofen, valium, and opiates. Those and ice finally got me through it, but it took its own sweet time going away. The Paris attack was really brutal compared to this one. I am at least ambulatory and comfortable within my med window. I will see on Monday if there is more at stake than previous back condition. i.e., is this a random event or the new normal. FWIW, I was delighted with current MRI technology. Light, roomy, fresh air flow. No more the "turkey in the oven" experience. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
small h Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 37 minutes ago, voyager said: I was delighted with current MRI technology. Dunno about delighted, but at least this time I picked an album to listen to that was long enough to get me through the entire procedure. Last time I chose Hank Williams Greatest Hits, which is really short. After it ran out, I was stuck with Dan Fogelberg. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
voyager Posted January 21 Author Share Posted January 21 No music options here, in fact no music But I always consider the assorted peeps and clunks as percussion and impose either musical or rap-like syllables on top of it. Sounds weird but works extremely well. This half hour + went by in an instant. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sneakeater Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 The last time I got an MRI, it occurred to me that the electronic peeps and clunks sound like a lot of the music I listen to. I rushed home and was about to write a pitch for an essay about it -- until I found out some composer had already had the same idea and written a (musical) piece using the MRI sounds. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
voyager Posted January 21 Author Share Posted January 21 38 minutes ago, Sneakeater said: The last time I got an MRI, it occurred to me that the electronic peeps and clunks sound like a lot of the music I listen to. I rushed home and was about to write a pitch for an essay about it -- until I found out some composer had already had the same idea and written a (musical) piece using the MRI sounds. Exactly! Totally understand this, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wilfrid Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 It’s some years ago but I had spinal injections for sciatica. Two attempts. The first time they couldn’t get the needle in because I kept tensing up. I went back with some Valium and it happened. Good results and I had some exercises to do afterwards. Never came back. Just me. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
StephanieL Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 I had a spinal injection for herniated disk pain years ago. Didn't do much of anything for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
voyager Posted February 3 Author Share Posted February 3 Short version: Scheduled for injection this upcoming Monday. However, changed sleeping position from 100% on right side to back and left side only. Pain GONE since Sunday. MD recommended cancelling the injection at this time. in the meantime, I slipped and took a hell of a fall on Tuesday am. Landed on head, compressing neck and shoulders, not helping parts south. No loss of consciousness, vision issues or mental confusion. Three days back rest on recliner and bed => am feeling human. You'd think by now I'd have learned that I DON'T BOUNCE! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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