konagirl222
Newbie
Reged: 12/16/03
Posts: 34
Loc: Hawaii
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After several months of PT, massage therapy, neurontin, Celebrex, muscle relaxers, norco, I am scheduled for an epidural om Monday to try to control the pain from 3 herniated and buldging discs in my lower back. I have researched this and the VIP board and have not seen many "success" stories. Can any one offer any feedback on how soon after the procedure I may expect some relief? It's been over a year since I've had a day when I haven't had pain and wonder about the likliness of having "instant" relief?
Any comments, experiences, etc. would be appreciated!
Mahalo,
KG
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carrigaline
Journeyman
Reged: 01/22/03
Posts: 82
Loc: So Cal
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I did get some temporary relief which lasted for about 6 months. It was not "instant." I was told not to expect any results for a few days. Also, I had a series of 3 epidurals which were given over a period of several weeks. They got me through 6 months of PT 3x/wk.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
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sam001
Journeyman
Reged: 02/03/04
Posts: 73
Loc: Nordstroms
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Good luck with your steriod block. I've had a couple and did obtain significant relief for a few months. Not sure of all the statistics on this procedure, but I believe most obtain some relief. A few obtain total relief, and some are not better or even worse. Adverse reactions are uncommon, but do occur. For me, pain relief was not immediate - it took a few days. It was not total relief but did reduce the intensity of my back pain. It lasted a few months.
Again. Good luck.
Sam
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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My understanding is that your physiology is the most important factor as to whether or not you will obtain relief from the epidural injections.
In my case, where my pain is mostly from an old healed fracture and new fracture in the same vertebrae, as well as a disk which has bulged enough to allow T7 and T8 to grind against each other, there was absolutely NO relief from epidural steroid injections nor thoracic nerve root blocks. I would have been thrilled had either of these procedures been even somewhat effective as the mid-back pain can be excruciating at times.
I hope you obtain at least partial relief in your treatments and hopefully full relief! Best of luck!
--------------------
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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zoecece
Board Addict
Reged: 05/03/02
Posts: 392
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I would say I had success with my epidural procedure. I had it in a different area (the SI joint), but felt like it definitely took my pain down a significant level.
My DR was pleased with my results after one injection, but did say that protocol and experience indicates that a series of shots is what it typically takes.
After hanging around in CP circles for quite a while, I honestly feel that many people go into this procedure with a negative attitude based on others experiences, like what you read. So, I would suggest REALLY trying to have a positive attitude.
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konagirl222
Newbie
Reged: 12/16/03
Posts: 34
Loc: Hawaii
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A big Mahalo to all for your responses. My primary care MD is setting this up for me and admits it is not her area of "expertise". An anethesiologist will be performing the epi, but I won't be meeting her/him until Monday. The overnight stay in the hospital after the epi is a surprise. I just don't want to have unrealistic expectations only to be disapointed.
I'm thinking positive, and since I'm somewhat superstitious I'll have my rabbit's foot and 4 leaf clover with me for luck! 
KG
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daddyj
Board Addict
Reged: 02/06/03
Posts: 370
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Good Luck KonaGirl
--------------------
Misty morning, clouds in the sky
Without warning, the wizard walks by
Casting his shadow, weaving his spell
Funny clothes, tinkling bell
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