Anyone have adverse reaction to epidural injections?

[giveitback]

Hello All,

I am doing a bit of investigative work and was wondering if anyone experiencing adverse effects from an epidural injection would please list their reactions here. No drama queens, please. I know of the intense pain and weakness that can happen afterwards, etc. Just list your reactions so I can gather some information for my paper. I will be happy to list mine first.
SLEEPLESSNESS
RESTLESSNESS
FATIGUE
LOSS OF APPETITE
WEIGHT LOSS

Thanks!

[joesimons]

I have had 21  epidurals to date. Some have helped greatly while others seem to cause more pain than I could imagine. I have three level fusion in my lumbar and prepare for my last two lubar disc to be removed in a few days. I would suggest seeing an orthopedic dotor asap and prepare for sugery

[Tiffany C]

I  have had 3 cervical epidurals. I had reactions each time.
-elevated pain in neck and shoulders
-severe headaches
-Loss of movement in my neck
Those were a couple that were very bothersome. From my personal experience I ended up under the knife. My mother had one in her lumbar area and had almost imediate relief. I feel if the first doesnt work more than likely they wont help.
Hopefully I was helpful

[lauraj267]

neck pain, which goes down the arms, lower back pain, blured vision

[kansasmom62]

I have had two epidural shots for five bulging discs and pinched nerves in my spine. After the second shot, I started getting hives all over both arms and both thighs. It has been over two weeks since the last shot and I am afraid to take the third scheduled. The only other thing I had been taking is an anti-inflammatory drug that I quit taking a week ago. I still have hives and wonder at this point how long they will go on! They have not spread anywhere but my arms and legs so far.

[BillBenson]

I had one in sacral spine to try to anesthetize a nerve and get relief of pain in genital area. Not only did it not work, but the evening I got the injection it numbed my anal sphincter, and I could not defacate because although I had pressure to do so, the shincter would not open. Scared the ... well, actually it did not, that was the point. All was fine by the next morning.

I heard many people's testimonials in the waiting room, however, including some people saying the could not live without them. So I take from the situation that I was just not the right candidate.

HTH.

[missywv]

I've had two caudal epidurals and two L5 nerve blocks injections.  I had the usual elevated pain afterwards, and horrible hot flashes lasting about 5 hours each time - sweating through clothes.  I did get a little pain relief during the next 2 weeks after each injection (they were aiming to get pain relief in my leg, but it helped the opposite hip, weird).  Other side effects include:  water retetention, increase appetite, dry skin, and some more hot flashes for about 2 days each.