Epidural injections

[bronco54501]

I recently had another injection this time L5_S1. The last time it hurt for 2 days and then it really felt good for a few days, then back to normal (pain). This time it hurt for an hour then felt relief right away. Now it has been since Thurs and still feeling relief but continue to have Butt pain (LOL), also my leg has felt numb and foot feels asleep and feels tight when I flex my foot.

I know the side effects from injection may cause numb tingly feeling, but do you's think that should last 4 days. Any one else have this problem.?

I dont see the pm untill 7-16 can cortisone shots do damage if you continue to get shots.

[Manley2]

I've had the same shots and sorry but my relief was only about as long as the numbing stuff they used for it lasted. But I would think you could have some effects for up to a week, maybe more. I get RF now and that helps with the pain I have in my butt area, but they can take 6-8 weeks to really help

[capricorn]

Bronco..that butt pain and the pain you describe in your leg sounds like a bad case of sciatica. Very painful and very hard to settle down.I usually have to get a trigger point injection in my butt to settle it down. No epidural has ever helped that pain for me although if the epidural brings down the inflammation in your lumbar it might help. That pain that goes from your butt down is an inflammed muscle pressing on the sciatic nerve, at least that is the case with my lower end. Goes straight down to my foot , especially my big toe and the one next to it. I hope you find some relief.

[Lilly]

I do believe that doctor can only give you only so many cortisone shots in a certain time period. What that exact number is I don't know.

I do know that high doses of prednisone can cause major damage to joints. I have a dear friend only 55 that has had 4 major joint replacements ( both hips, both knees)because of this .....she was very ill 20 years ago, and that was the treatment. Now it's effected her joints.

Lilly

[capricorn]

You're right on target, Lilly. My husband had bags of prednisone through his cemotherapy and just had his first hip replacement because of it. Works great on pain, it's a shame it causes so many other problems.

[bronco54501]

Thanks for t he replies, And I did not know that prednisone does that. I have very bad asthma, had it all my life and at least 4-5 times a year doc puts me on them for a few weeks. Is this the same prednisone that is used for Asthma.?

[Bummer Knees]

Hi Bronco

I've had 4 injections in the spine. The 1st injection was 100% relief for a few days and then the pain returned and increased daily. I knew it was a temporary fix but I was willing to do anything at that point to get some sleep.

The 2nd & 3rd injection did not work as well.

The 4th injection in the facet joint worked the best, I had about 30 days relief.

The meds used for knee & hips are different from what is used in the spine according to the ortho.

Has 3 injections in the right knee, didn't help much and very painful.

The judge appointed IME doctor's treatment plan for the back includes epidural injections for the spine.

I oinly hope the ortho for the back will list another type of treatment.

[Cycler]

There is an association between steriods and Avascular necrosis of the hip that is well established and some evidence of other major joint involvement. No Free Lunch.

[bronco54501]

Cycler,Thanks. I think. You lost me right after Avascular necrosis. LOL.
And why not free lunch..........I'm lost and hungry...........Bronco

[capricorn]

Right on Cycler....That's exactly what my husband has is avascular necrosis. The Dr.s know that the Steroids and Chemo caused it because he had no signs in his first CT scan when he was dx but it showed up loud and clear in his 5th CT after having alot of Chemo, his lung removed, radiation and of course bags of steroids. First hip is done and recovering nicely, second will be done when he can't stand the pain and God willing that's it since both knees are starting to bother him.

Bronco..... It is the same but I think the dosages are so different that it doesn't necessarily mean you will have joint problem. I have had at least 18 injections with this currant injury and so far so good. That doesn't count my previous 4 injuries. We 're all different. Have you ever tried Singulair for your asthma??? It has worked wonders with mine.