Had My First Injection

Good morning all,   I had my first epidural steroid injection yesterday.  We had to drive an hour in to Knoxville to get it, then were at the outpatient center for 3 hours, then back home.  The drive home was not as comfortale as the one going up. It seemed to take forever!   The doctor that did the procedure did say that in my case, this would not fix my disc, but it might postpone surgery. Not what I understood prior to seeing him. Anyway, the procedure itself was almost painless.  Actually, it may have been painful, but I didn't care.  They gave me just enough Versed to keep me able to talk but sedated.  I do remember the doctor saying that the catheter wanted to go to the right of the epidural space.  After the procedure, I had a major headache for several hours, but it wore off about 8pm last evening.  Right now, I have no pain at all on the right side, but my left side feels just as horrible as it has been.  I am in hopes that the steroid will kick in today or tomorrow and relieve some of that pressure.  I am scheduled for my next one on June 24.  I have pretty much decided that if I don't get relief on the left after the next one, I may start to really consider surgery. The surgery is a big one, so I won't be taking it lightly-anterior (front of throat) approach, and fused bones with a cadaver bone graft.  Not something to just jump into.  I ask you all to pray that these injections work and that I make the right decision about the surgery. I have been so hoping that my next surgery would be plastics! Marilyn

I sure hope these start to work for you. I hate that you are in so much pain. From what I hear from you and others, this is very painful. I wouldn't want to make a decission like that. You are a strong person and with your background, you kinda know what to expect. So with all of that and your supporting family and God you will make the right decission that is best for you. I will keeping praying for you. You hang in there. I know that I am  a few hours from you, but you can PM,call anytime, if there is anything that I can do. Hope you feel better real soon. Cheryl

It usually takes about 3 days for the injection to work fully, sometimes as long as a week. The injections helped me and I haven't had them in a little over a year. I pray that you get some relief. I'm going to have to go back to my ortho because my back has started back hurting since I've started my exercise routines. Take care and take it easy.

Sure hope the steroids kick in and give you some relief in the next couple of days, Marilyn.  My sister had the surgery you described about 4 years ago. It took care of her problem, but definitely isn't something to jump into or take lightly.