epidural injections this week

I had an epidural injection in my L4 both sides this week along with trigger points in my lower back and neck. I have had numerous injections through the last 7 years but, this one when I got home really hurt. My theory is there was not enough numbing medicine in with the steriod. Now it did not hurt when they injected me and I was awake despite their sedation efforts throughout the procedure. So I was not in any real discomfort other than feeling the needle ***** a little. For the last several days I find myself more anxious and hyper...I have a feeling it is all the steriods. My main question is with anyone that has had epidural injections before is this the normal process? Now keep in mind after I took a pain pill I eventually went off to sleep..but, I tell you it smarted pretty good for awhile and that is a little different that other facet injections I have had in the past it usually takes a few hours before the pain starts from the steroid. My pain level over the last several days has been better so I feel I have gotten some benefit from the injections. My biggest concern is how many steriods can they just keep pumping into us over time?  I have had them off and on for seven years now. I know the long term side effects cannot be good but, what are we to do when the pain is so bad??? I guess we all wonder that everyday. Any thoughts?

Hope your pain will get better. I had the epidural injection in February but had the side effect of a spinal fluid leak. I cant have anymore due to that. Laid here looking at the ceiling before my neuro demanded that they do the blood patch to fix it the day he saw me. I have received 2 SI joint injections over last few months. THey worked for a while too but are wearing off. Alot to do with the cooler weather I think. Hope they figure something else out before it gets very cold. January and Feb last year were awful. Many days i just could not move at all. The next route for me is discogram. I read that it was diagnostic. I also have an extruded disk on top of fibro. The trigger points only last me a few months so dr say I dont need anymore if they dont work. I enjoyed just having those few months that the pain was better, Fix my back for a little while and let my neck and shoulders suffer. Makes no sense to me. I have a fear of taking pain pills all the time but dont know what else to do. I worry about all the steroids injected into me too. I have the hyper side effect too and absolutely cannot take the pills. Last time I did I didnt sleep for a few days and almost had a mental breakdown. You are not alone. I feel one day I will improve and lead a more functional life. Just trying to keep the faith.  Shannon

Hello.

IVe had numerous epidural injections. Has your Dr ever offered a rhizotomy? That is where they gone in and burn the nerves that are causing the pain. It can last for several months. I see a great pain Dr here in Texas and he finally put a morphine pump into my spine which has literally saved my life.  I had a ruptured SI with lumbar radiculopathy.I still take other meds but the pump has given me my life back. Hope this helps.

Take care, sherri,

 

How are you doing since your injection. Pray it provided some relief for you! Shannon