Hi, I've got DDD, sciatic, etc. and have had the epidural several times.  Luckily the last time was a few years ago, haven't had a bad sciatic flare since then.  The shot really isn't that bad, just make sure the dr/anesthesiologist knows what they're doing.  Also I have found that if the dr gives the injection too quickly, it makes me pass out.  They always have me on a bed, but I have to tell them that I might pass out so they can help me lay down.  I only go out for just a few seconds and after it passes the feeling of being pain free is just so wonderful.  The first time I got an epidural I had been in pain for months, used to go off by myself at work and cry, couldn't rest....well, you all know.....but after the first shot and I could not feel the pain anymore, I cried for joy.  Hope all goes well with you.

8 months out and was diagnosed with shingles last week. Blisters on back and right side of head. (makes wearing a helmet uncomfortable). Pain is located in right shoulder and arm down to my right hand. ( wearing shirt and tie not much fun) Any one else get to enjoy this slice of heaven? Dr. put me on Valtrax and steroids.

I am having a product giveaway on my website.  Is it a shameless ploy to get visitors?  

HECK YEAH!  But who cares!  It's a chance for FREEBIES! 

Three lucky winners are surely going to hit it big!!  I am talking, wonderful protein jackpot! 

Before I hit the rules, here is what three lucky winners will receive:

A case of Labrada On The Go Ready to Drinks, AND a case of Rock'N Roll bars!  OH MY GARSH!  I am so jealous!   All products will be sent directly to the winners from the Labrada company.

"Did she say a CASE of BOTH?"  Yes, she did!

Here is all you have to do:

from Sunday, April 5th at 12:01 am UNTIL Sunday, April 12th, 12:01 pm, every person who makes a comment on my website to any post, or sends me an email will be entered for the drawing.  You don't have to go into elaborate details of your surgery or life if you wish not to... (for you shy folks) but on Monday, April 13th, I will hold the drawing for 3 lucky winners.  Yes, 3 LUCKY WINNERS!  http://recoveringfatty.com

Good luck.  Gosh I love giveaways.

I have sever osetoarthritis in my knees and went to orthpediest to see about tkr. He said that he wanted to be conservative and wanted me to do the gastric bypass first.  He even gave me a letter of medical neseccity  stating it would be best and he felt that if I had the surgery that I could delay the tkr for 1o yrs plus.  Now I have United Health Care choice Plus and wls is an exclusion on my policy however it is worded that any treatment for obesity is excluded and I am considered morbidly obese with additional co morbidities  and a bmi greater than40.  This coninsides with the NIH recomendations for wls.  If I am denied i will follow the appeals process and file a complaint with the California Insurance  Commission and ask then for an independant Medical Review.  I have also researched my past medical records to justify 5 yr history of obesity.  I am willing ot fight on all fronts neccesary to get what I need.  I have no quality of life, i can't stand, walk, very long, have difficulty in social and professional situations and get very anxious when i have to set on the sidelines while others enjoy the simple things in life, such as going for a walk, riding on a motorcycle and going horseback riding.  Or in professional situations when my boyfriend has to attend business dinners and outings and i can't be by his side.   I hope all the research that I am doing will pay off.

Good luck and hope you get some relief soon

Thanks for the advice, Gloria!!  I'll ask my PCP about the Norco.... or maybe my surgeon, I see him today.  I am leaning more and more towards the injection.... not that I want to have it, just that like you, I'm bone on bone in the knees, and almost incapacitated after laying or sitting for any length of time.  That's got to stop.!  However, I DID have a Non-Scale-Victory today!!!  For the first time in years, I was able to apply lotion to my own legs by pulling them up to my chest one at a time.... using both hands to smooth it in.... haven't been able to do that for longer than I can remember!  Yay!!