Any relief out there???

[carla_jean]

I have just undergone 4 epidural steroid injection, 1 facet injection and a discogram (exTREMELY painful!) for several torn discs in my lower back.  All of this done over the last 6 months or so.  I am noticing a very disturbing patern.  Last injection was 3 days ago and even though my back is feeling better, I am having the typical hot flashes, flu like symptoms, etc... that normally accompany steroids.  But most disturbing is the severe panic attacks and feeling of just wanting to climb the walls.  i am having a very difficult time not overmedicating myself (i did this a couple of months ago and ended up collapsing and in the hospital for accidental overdose).  I feel so helpless right now like i am a slave to this pain and to all these darn meds I'm taking.  

I take Percocet several times a day as well as Zanaflex.  Been on this for about 6 months pretty much around the clock.  I can't take it anymore!

[Orba3woods]

i have had the steroids injections too it didn't help i have spinal stenosis, bone spurs in my back and herniated disc fro c4 to t1, i take 60mg of morphine time release capsule once a day, oxycodone 5mg capsules up to 3 a day, zanaflex 8mg up to twice a day, i have taken gabapentine 300mg 4 times a day now i only take them 2 times a day, i also take 7.5mg of prednisone once a day along with effexor for depression sometimes all the meds help and then there are days when no matter how much i take the pain is so severe all i can do is lay in bed and cry like a baby

anyone reading this if you can offer me any help please feel free to leave me a message

[carla_jean]

i have been greatly concerned abou the amount of steroid and even asked at the last injection if this was ok.  and the doc (of course) told me that the dosage was so small that there would be no effects.  i have a hard time trusting that just knowing so many others who have had issues after to many cortisone injections.  matter of fact, after 3 knee surgeries many years ago my ortho doc would only give me one injection cause he says icauses arthritis.  

i might try the gabapentin.  i used it years ago for depression (which didn't work) maybe it would work for the pain.  thanks for the help.  i so greatly appreciate it!

[Andrew418]

I also have to take an opiate for my pain but seeing you are taking so many Percs maybe you should think about asking your doctor for Oxycodin(the 20mg time released) and you might only have to take 2 per day; and they have less acetominophen so they are much better for your liver.

Also, I have much of the same pains as you but what has changed things for the better is that 2 weeks ago I was prescribed a nerve blocking drug call gabapentin. This has changed my life and I no longer wake up in pain (well, I do but not as much and I can work around it if I take it easy).

I still have a lot of pain in my bones which the opiate filters but the incredible burning going up my spine is gone! Believe me, you have to give this drug a try for the only side effects is diarhreah(sp?) which, with a back injury, actually helps as I am sure you know.

It is also my understanding that too many facet joint injections (steroids) will give you osteoporosis at a later date so be careful with how many you allow your doctors to prescribe. I could be wrong though...

Good luck!