Epi to block nerve...question please

[Mariyah2]

Hi,
Sorry I am off the subject a bit. I think my neurosurgeon is going to suggest an epi to block my nerve. I am the biggest baby in the world and am so frightened to have this done. Has anyone had this done for their back? If so, can you tell me a little bit about it. Will I need pain killers after. I want to get off of these and I am afraid if I have surgery I will be taking them for a long time. Can they put you to sleep or give you medication when they do this? Did it help the pain in your back? If I even think about it (epi) my heart starts to race. I want to put these pills down for good but I am afraid of pain, I just can't tolerate physical pain.
Thanks for any information you can share.
Bless,
M

[Marce4]

Hey girl...yes I had it done 4 times!  You can only have three per year....It didn't work for me at all....I felt a slight relief for a couple of days and then the same sciatic pain returned!  I just read in the newspaper a few weeks ago that steroid epidural injections are not as effective as once believed but again, this is only my experience!  I have two herniated discs....Refresh my memory...what's going on with your back?  By the way, how are you otherwise?

I will be off  for a little while...my girls are off school today (Inservice) and they have dentist appts. I'll check in later with you!  
Have a peaceful morning,
Marcie

[Mariyah2]

Thanks so much for your response. I have degenerative disc disease and also pain in my right hip. I had my MRI yesterday and will go to the neurosurgeon 4/5. I am also trying to quit the pain pills and only take when necessary. It is very hard for me not to take them when not in pain. I am addicted and have tried to taper. I think the only road for me is c/t. If I could just get rid of the pain I would stop all pills. I have tried motrin and other OC medications. I am just really frightened to have surgery and also afraid of the epi. I so appreciate your experience with the epi. I want to make sure I have all the info I need before seeing the doctor. I don't want a quick fix like the epi and then have to go out on disability again for my back. I have been out of work for 8 weeks and since that time I have upped my pain pill use. The main reason is that I was bored and they made me feel better. I know that they are only making me more dependent. I am between a rock and a hard place. Are the epi's painful and can they medicate you when they do it?

I hope you have a great day and much appreciate your input.

Bless,
M

[girlybuff]

Hi.  I found this on spine-health.com.

How is the epidural steroid injection performed?
Before the epidural steroid injection
An epidural steroid injection usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. The patient lies flat on an x-ray table on their abdomen. Prior to the epidural injection, the skin is numbed with lidocaine, which is similar to the novocaine that the dentist uses (a "local" anesthetic).

Many types of physicians can be qualified to perform an epidural steroid injection, including an anesthesiologist, radiologist, neurologist, physiatrist and surgeon. Using fluoroscopy (live x-ray) for guidance, the physician directs a needle toward the epidural space. Fluoroscopy is considered important in guiding the needle into the epidural space, as controlled studies have found that medication is misplaced in 13% to 34% of epidural steroid injections that are done without fluoroscopy.

During and after the epidural steroid injection
Once the needle is in the exact position, the epidural steroid solution is injected. Following the injection, the patient is usually monitored for 15 to 20 minutes before being discharged to go home.

Sedation is available for patient anxiety and comfort. However, sedatives are rarely necessary, as the epidural steroid injection procedure is usually not uncomfortable. If a sedative is used, the patient will need to be monitored for a longer period following the injection.

Patients are usually asked to rest on the day of the epidural steroid injection. Normal activities (those that were done the week prior to the epidural injection) may typically be resumed the following day.

[Mariyah2]

Thanks so much!!!

[LIZZIE LOU]

i've had two done...neither of which were bad at all...they both gave me great relief for months on end...try not to get yourself all worked up...there is nothing to it...who knows, maybe it will give you some much needed relief

[Marce4]

The procedure itself was nothing!!! They did offer sedation but I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible so I chose to do without. It really isn't bad in comparision to the pain you are feeling. It is only about 15 mins from start to finish and I drove home after the procedure. Maybe it will work for you if LIZZIELOU got relief....it is also not as invasive as backsurgery!  Give it a try....it might be worth it and may work for you!

Marcie

[Mariyah2]

Thank you and I appreciate your input. It really will help me in deciding what course to take.
Bless,
M

[beachtowel]

Yes I had three of them when I blew out L-5 S-1 disc in my lower back.

The first two I was awake and that really sucked..

[amythist2779]

I have also had 2 epis done. Neither one helped much. Actually it made my back and legs hurt worse. I did not have to lie down flat like someone above posted. I just sat on the edge of the table and sat hunched over like a cat arching its back. It didnt hurt all that bad, it was more pressure pain to me than anything. I mean I could feel the pressure of the needle and the meds being forced into my back. Its a no wonder I felt it though, they showed me the needle they used once they were done. If I were you I would not ask to see the needle, it might make you change your mind, I sure know if I would have seen it before the procedure i would have chickened out. Good Luck though. I seem to have a hard time finding anything that works for my pain.


Aurora