Which Steriod

[Mage1970]

I'm having a 2nd Steroid Epidural next week and was wondering if anybody knew exactly which Steriod it is that they put in ( Yes I forgot to ask - Trusting ain't I ) Also any feedback on personal experience of this proceedure would be appreciated .

[Red931]

I had a series of three injections done within two years and didn't respond well to them at all. I broke out in hives all over my body and the reaction lasted for two weeks with the hives moving to different parts of my body every few hours. I was obviously allergic to something in the corticosteroid mixture.

I only got the second series of injections because the surgeon insisted that I could not be having the reaction from the injection because your body makes cortisone. Wrong!

Anyway, I know I was injected with Versed and Fentanyl before the surgeon injected the steroid into my herniated discs. I don't know which steroid was used either but the Allergist said that they all have the same types of additives in them so that they can be converted into the injection solution and that I was having the reaction to one of them.

Never again, I rather take a pill.

[Ghilly]

Obviously the choice to have epidural steroid injections is ultimately yours, however knowing what I now know, I just want to make you aware of something called adhesive arachnoiditis, which is a chronic, incurable inflammation of the arachnoid (the covering of the spinal column).  Epidural steroid injections have been implicated as a cause of this, and as someone who suffers from it, I urge you to Google "adhesive arachnoiditis" and read, read, read before you decide to go ahead with any more of these injections.

My adhesive arachnoiditis was caused by myelographic dye, however epidural steroids have, in recent years, been discovered to be a major cause of this beast of a disease.  Please at least read a lot about it before you decide to go through with them.

Ghilly

[Tuckamore]

Eighteen months ago I had two steroid injections (ESI) in my Sacroiliac Joint. I had to drive over 2 hours from my home to locate someone who would even do the procedure. They were primarily for diagnostic but it was hopeful that they would also provide some pain relief. The first injection went well. The also gave me some slight sedation. The "caine" solution completed numbed the joint and for several hours I was as close to pain free as I have been in many years. I was giddy and danced as I dressed to go home. However as the caine slowly wore off the pain returned with a vengeance and but again within 36 hours I was experiencing somewhat less pain. The improvement lasted for about 4-5 days.

The injection was repeated 2 1/2 weeks later. Same physician, same facility, even same staff and the second procedure did not go near as well. It was as though they did not use the numbing agent. They told me I cried and moaned through the procedure. I have to admit the the severity of my chronic pain was not as intense for several weeks but that was the extent of relief. I vowed to not have the third.

My forty year old brother had such severe back pain caused from a bulging disc in his lumbar region that he had to crawl instead of walk. Even narcotics did not releive his pain to any great degree. He had 3 ESI's about three years ago. His severe back pain has not returned. He has to be cautious but works 50-60 hours a week and only has a "dull ache" about 50% of the time for which Advil controls. He would have the procedures again without hesitation.

Dee said it well, every one's story/results are different. I wish you the very best. Please let us know how you are doing and the results of the procedure.

Take Care,
Tuck

[deebelle3]

I have had them twice..three shots over a period of years. The first three never worked at all, and the second three worked a little. I was able to feel my legs better. I have a friend that they helped a great deal!

Good luck...everyone is different..I hope you have super results!!
Dee

[Mollyrae]

Hello Mage and welcome to the Pain Forum.

My personal experiences with the injections were not pleasant. They only added fuel to the fire, so to speak. This is only my experience as I have heard og others who have had great success from them.

I guess you will form your own opinion as this will be your second injection. I truley hope they work for you.
Please take care,
Mollyrae

[Tuckamore]

Hi Mage,

Not every practitioner uses the same steroid. Triamcinolone acetonide, Dexamethasone, and Methylprednisolone acetate are commonly used steroids. Much will depend on your condition and the practitioners preference.

Hope this helps and good luck to you.

Take Care,
Tuck