Epidural

[rosied117]

I am scheduled to have a epidural for pain mgmt for my lower back, why is it necessary to have a driver and no eating or drinking 6hrs prior, what exactly is going to be done they really weren't all that clear.

[troubleinohio]

i made the mistake of NOT having a driver when i had one of my epidurals done and I ended up having to sit in their recovery room forever because my feet went numb from the shot! It took awhile for the feeling to come back and of course I couldnt drive without being able to feel my feet/have good leg control.  So its always a possibility you can have these side effects from the shot.  Do your research about the epidural. I assume its the LESI (lumbar epidural steroid injection)? If you arm yourself with knowledge about the procedure beforehand you will likely be less worried of the "unknown". Good luck and I hope you get some relief from the shot.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Rosied,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am sorry to hear that you have back issues.

Yes, by all means plan to have a driver when you have the ESI done. If you have no one than at least schedule a taxi.

Please let us know how it goes and feel free to become an active member of our community. We would welcome you.

Good luck,
Tuck

[Mage1970]

I don't know if you'll get this in time - The reason for the driver are 1. Localised numbness , 2. Possible headaches after , 3. You just really shouldn't drive after any anaestic , local or general . Different DRS different countries ETC , I'm having mine done on the 1st here in Australia and here they do them under a general , under Xray - so a whole day lost . Hope that helps .