Re: Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

[Guest guest]

,

I recollect the same when I had mine about 4 weeks ago. The only thing that I am

not happy with is the fact that it hasn't really alleviated my pain all that

much.. Did you find that too??-

--- biddolf <biddolf@...> wrote:

> Barbara,

> I am not familiar with (or remember) any of your previous post so forgive me

> if I answer this is a basic way. If you have ever had other ESI, this one

> should be much easier to tolerate and little pain. There will be discomfort

> or pressure but it's really not that bad.

>

> The doctor will start out wiping the area down with betadine or equivalent

> to clean/disinfect the area before starting the procedure. Alcohol is used

> to remove most of the betadine before the shot is given. You either get a

> separate shot containing lidocaine or you will get stuck with a needle in

> the area and numb it. Once the lidocaine is in he will switch to steroids

> and inject that into the area once the location is verified using a

> fluoroscope (a live time x-ray). Most all pain doctors are using this

> instrument these days to both protect them and the patient. He will most

> likely take a " snap shot " of the injection and place it in your file.

>

> Over the last 2 years I have had 14 injections in various locations of my

> back. The most painful ESI in one given in the thoracic area, especially the

> higher up you go. I found T6-7 much more painful than T-9/10. Lumbar ESI

> are a walk in the part in comparison but don't get me wrong, they are

> uncomfortable. I can't speak for ESI given in the neck because thank

> goodness, it's the one area of my spine that isn't messed up yet. I have

> severe degenerative disc disease in my thoracic and lumbar discs along with

> several extruded thoracic discs starting at T6-7 to T-12. My worst

> compresses my spinal cord 6 mm with all the others touching the thecal sac

> around the cord. My lumbar disc actually is building and making contact with

> nerves along with severe arthritis near L5-S1.

>

> Good Luck,

>

>

>

> Transforaminal Epidural Steroid

> Injection

>

> I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> feedback on this procedure.

> Thanks,

> Barbara

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

barbara

It's not too painful, I remember my legs being weak afterwards for about three

days. It has not alleviated my pain much, but I see my spine specialist on

monday so we will see what my next move is..

Tonja

---- barbarac102 <barbarac102@...> wrote:

> I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> feedback on this procedure.

> Thanks,

> Barbara

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had three of them, recently. They are also called nerve blocks. Some Docs

knock you out, but I couldn't due to my sleep apena. I was greatful for the

Yoga Breathing Excercises, that I learned, before the accident.

The first wasn't that bad, but he was getting closer and closer to the nerves I

had the damage. The third one, hurt me so much, that I am still having

problems, but I am told, now, I should get the surgery, a Laminectomy and

Discectomy. They cancelled my first appointment, as my insurance, denied it, as

they don't feel I need them, even though, all the docs that see me say yes, the

IME's (Individual Medical Evaluations, from my PIP Car Insurance, as I hurt my

back, while walking in a crosswalk and was hit, on the left side, and was on top

of the SUV)

I do hear these work well, for most people, and insurance companies, only allow

3 every 6-12 months. According to the area (s) and insurance. I hate that I

have to deal with all this pain and it is all in the hands of these people that

have never met me, before and after the accident. I just hope the appeals from

the docs and my lawyer, wakes them up. Meanwhile, I have to wait and take more

drugs, that help a little, but I can't move around, as much, as I use to and

miss it a lot.

Hugs,

Dawn

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid

Injection

I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

feedback on this procedure.

Thanks,

Barbara

[Guest guest]

I wouldn't be happy with that either, I mean what's left to be happy about, if

what you went in for wasn't taken care of by the injection.

Barbara

todegaard0646@... wrote:

,

I recollect the same when I had mine about 4 weeks ago. The only thing that I am

not happy with is the fact that it hasn't really alleviated my pain all that

much.. Did you find that too??-

--- biddolf wrote:

> Barbara,

> I am not familiar with (or remember) any of your previous post so forgive me

> if I answer this is a basic way. If you have ever had other ESI, this one

> should be much easier to tolerate and little pain. There will be discomfort

> or pressure but it's really not that bad.

>

> The doctor will start out wiping the area down with betadine or equivalent

> to clean/disinfect the area before starting the procedure. Alcohol is used

> to remove most of the betadine before the shot is given. You either get a

> separate shot containing lidocaine or you will get stuck with a needle in

> the area and numb it. Once the lidocaine is in he will switch to steroids

> and inject that into the area once the location is verified using a

> fluoroscope (a live time x-ray). Most all pain doctors are using this

> instrument these days to both protect them and the patient. He will most

> likely take a " snap shot " of the injection and place it in your file.

>

> Over the last 2 years I have had 14 injections in various locations of my

> back. The most painful ESI in one given in the thoracic area, especially the

> higher up you go. I found T6-7 much more painful than T-9/10. Lumbar ESI

> are a walk in the part in comparison but don't get me wrong, they are

> uncomfortable. I can't speak for ESI given in the neck because thank

> goodness, it's the one area of my spine that isn't messed up yet. I have

> severe degenerative disc disease in my thoracic and lumbar discs along with

> several extruded thoracic discs starting at T6-7 to T-12. My worst

> compresses my spinal cord 6 mm with all the others touching the thecal sac

> around the cord. My lumbar disc actually is building and making contact with

> nerves along with severe arthritis near L5-S1.

>

> Good Luck,

>

>

>

> Transforaminal Epidural Steroid

> Injection

>

> I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> feedback on this procedure.

> Thanks,

> Barbara

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks for your response. I have never had an epidurals. I have had pain for

over a year now which was much worse but now have found some relief and sucess

with my chiropractor who I've been seeing for a few months now. He has said the

pain is from multi level bulging disks at the L1-2, L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1.

I still have pain in both legs, esp. knees and was hoping the epidural would

give me more relief.

The doctor that recommended the epidural is a pain management doctor who seems

very experienced.

I'm still nervous but understand it will also show him the nerves involved and

I am interested in knowing that, not just going on what my chiropractor has been

saying, although he does make sense.

Bottom line, it's taking too long to have my legs back to where they were.

Maybe they never will be, but I was hoping for more than this.

Thanks for listening.

Barbara

biddolf <biddolf@...> wrote:

Barbara,

I am not familiar with (or remember) any of your previous post so forgive me

if I answer this is a basic way. If you have ever had other ESI, this one

should be much easier to tolerate and little pain. There will be discomfort

or pressure but it's really not that bad.

The doctor will start out wiping the area down with betadine or equivalent

to clean/disinfect the area before starting the procedure. Alcohol is used

to remove most of the betadine before the shot is given. You either get a

separate shot containing lidocaine or you will get stuck with a needle in

the area and numb it. Once the lidocaine is in he will switch to steroids

and inject that into the area once the location is verified using a

fluoroscope (a live time x-ray). Most all pain doctors are using this

instrument these days to both protect them and the patient. He will most

likely take a " snap shot " of the injection and place it in your file.

Over the last 2 years I have had 14 injections in various locations of my

back. The most painful ESI in one given in the thoracic area, especially the

higher up you go. I found T6-7 much more painful than T-9/10. Lumbar ESI

are a walk in the part in comparison but don't get me wrong, they are

uncomfortable. I can't speak for ESI given in the neck because thank

goodness, it's the one area of my spine that isn't messed up yet. I have

severe degenerative disc disease in my thoracic and lumbar discs along with

several extruded thoracic discs starting at T6-7 to T-12. My worst

compresses my spinal cord 6 mm with all the others touching the thecal sac

around the cord. My lumbar disc actually is building and making contact with

nerves along with severe arthritis near L5-S1.

Good Luck,

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid

Injection

I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

feedback on this procedure.

Thanks,

Barbara

[Guest guest]

This is scaring me. I am sorry for your troubles and that you have had so much

pain.

Barbara

Mom2TMT@... wrote:

I had three of them, recently. They are also called nerve blocks. Some Docs

knock you out, but I couldn't due to my sleep apena. I was greatful for the Yoga

Breathing Excercises, that I learned, before the accident.

The first wasn't that bad, but he was getting closer and closer to the nerves I

had the damage. The third one, hurt me so much, that I am still having problems,

but I am told, now, I should get the surgery, a Laminectomy and Discectomy. They

cancelled my first appointment, as my insurance, denied it, as they don't feel I

need them, even though, all the docs that see me say yes, the IME's (Individual

Medical Evaluations, from my PIP Car Insurance, as I hurt my back, while walking

in a crosswalk and was hit, on the left side, and was on top of the SUV)

I do hear these work well, for most people, and insurance companies, only allow

3 every 6-12 months. According to the area (s) and insurance. I hate that I have

to deal with all this pain and it is all in the hands of these people that have

never met me, before and after the accident. I just hope the appeals from the

docs and my lawyer, wakes them up. Meanwhile, I have to wait and take more

drugs, that help a little, but I can't move around, as much, as I use to and

miss it a lot.

Hugs,

Dawn

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid

Injection

I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

feedback on this procedure.

Thanks,

Barbara

[Guest guest]

I had three of them in 2001. They didn't really hurt all that much, but

they also didn't help me either. Maybe my back was just too bad by that

time. Good luck to you.

Eileen

> > I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others

with

> > feedback on this procedure.

> > Thanks,

> > Barbara

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, I don't want to feel worse than when I went in, that's what scares me.

My pain is actually manageable but it is there but a lot less than it was. I

would like no pain, naturally and am hoping for relief and nothing to go

wrong...

Eileen <joeeandco3@...> wrote:

I had three of them in 2001. They didn't really hurt all that much, but

they also didn't help me either. Maybe my back was just too bad by that

time. Good luck to you.

Eileen

> > I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others

with

> > feedback on this procedure.

> > Thanks,

> > Barbara

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I got knocked out for mine so I have no feedback on anything during the process.

However, I do remember waking up and having no legs lol. It took a little time

before I was able to stand up on my legs. It unfortunately only lasted 3 weeks

for me.

Good luck.

in Utah

barbarac102 <barbarac102@...> wrote:

I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

feedback on this procedure.

Thanks,

Barbara

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara,

I have had 5 epidural steroid injections and 1 nerve root block. I'm

not sure what a transforaminal ESI is. My ESI were given through my

tailbone and I was sedated with Versed for all of them. I was

completely knocked out and woke up in my room afterwards.

My nerve root block was the same way only I was give Propofynl(sp???)

and was also out for it as well. I'm told that it can be painful if

you are awake.

I had an epidural when giving birth to one of my children (no

anesthesia before) and didn't feel a thing, but you could have driven a

railroad spike in my back then and I wouldn't have cared - hehe.

I never got any lasting relief from any of these and there's a lot of

controversy in the medical literature as to the effectiveness of them.

I guess it has to do with what they are treating. For my DDD it seems

surgery is the only option now.

I did get temporary relief when I had an ESI for a herniated disc, but

only lasted a few weeks and only with the first shot.

I wish you the best on your road to recovery,

Dana

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, I received little if any relief from any of the injections.

Relief from disc pain was non-existent but I did receive a little relief

from the arthritis. I suspect that all the injections have actually

increased the rate of degradation of my lower back over the past two years

as my MRI shows a definite decline in the lumbar area. I have been out of

work since being medically disqualified in Dec 2004. I take so much

medication that I have been told by my lawyers that I have no business

driving. I have my SSD hearing on 8/27/06. I am not ready for SSD at 40 but

I need to go through the process as part of my LTD policy with MetLife. I

have 3 doctors that state I am disabled and unable to work because of

condition of my back and all the adverse side effect of the medication I am

taking, especially all the narcotics. I know this is a long response for a

simple question so sorry.

God Bless Everyone,

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid

> Injection

>

> I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> feedback on this procedure.

> Thanks,

> Barbara

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dana,

It sounds like it all depends what you are getting the shot for. I'm hoping

I'm the right candidate for it.

I have bulging disks where it seems like the nerves are touching my spine. My

chiro thinks I'm doing well since he first saw me, but I'm hoping to speed it

up, plus the chiro visits are expensive.

I wish you the best and appreciate your reply.

Barbara

johnmdecker <no_reply > wrote:

Hi Barbara,

I have had 5 epidural steroid injections and 1 nerve root block. I'm

not sure what a transforaminal ESI is. My ESI were given through my

tailbone and I was sedated with Versed for all of them. I was

completely knocked out and woke up in my room afterwards.

My nerve root block was the same way only I was give Propofynl(sp???)

and was also out for it as well. I'm told that it can be painful if

you are awake.

I had an epidural when giving birth to one of my children (no

anesthesia before) and didn't feel a thing, but you could have driven a

railroad spike in my back then and I wouldn't have cared - hehe.

I never got any lasting relief from any of these and there's a lot of

controversy in the medical literature as to the effectiveness of them.

I guess it has to do with what they are treating. For my DDD it seems

surgery is the only option now.

I did get temporary relief when I had an ESI for a herniated disc, but

only lasted a few weeks and only with the first shot.

I wish you the best on your road to recovery,

Dana

[Guest guest]

I'll take 3 weeks w/o any pain, it's the possible lasting side effects that

scare me, but I always worry too much. I would like longer than 3 weeks though,

but those 3 weeks must have been like a big relief.

Thanks.

Barbara

Robison <bigred84022@...> wrote:

I got knocked out for mine so I have no feedback on anything during the

process. However, I do remember waking up and having no legs lol. It took a

little time before I was able to stand up on my legs. It unfortunately only

lasted 3 weeks for me.

Good luck.

in Utah

barbarac102 wrote:

I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

feedback on this procedure.

Thanks,

Barbara

[Guest guest]

Considering the fact that prior to the epidural I could not even walk without

any kind of assistance and I was hunched over cuz I was unable to straighten my

back at all I was very thankful for those three weeks of complete pain relief. I

did not have any issues after the 3 weeks except for my pain returning. I have

yet to return to the complete state that I was in before the epidural but I am

not far off now. I had no lasting side effects of anykind.

Good luck.

in Utah

Barbara <barbarac102@...> wrote:

I'll take 3 weeks w/o any pain, it's the possible lasting side effects that

scare me, but I always worry too much. I would like longer than 3 weeks though,

but those 3 weeks must have been like a big relief.

Thanks.

Barbara

Robison wrote:

I got knocked out for mine so I have no feedback on anything during the process.

However, I do remember waking up and having no legs lol. It took a little time

before I was able to stand up on my legs. It unfortunately only lasted 3 weeks

for me.

Good luck.

in Utah

barbarac102 wrote:

I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

feedback on this procedure.

Thanks,

Barbara

[Guest guest]

I'm also getting this done on 9-7 in 3 places on my back. Two on the

right, one on the left at L4-5 and L5-S1. I am scared of how much

they're going to hurt. Thankfully I'll be sedated, but that might not

help much. I wish you luck and hope it helps you!

Katina

barbarac102 wrote:

>

> I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> feedback on this procedure.

> Thanks,

> Barbara

>

>

[Guest guest]

Really?

I'm just getting it done on the left for now(I guess).

I imagine we'll be sedated. I'm more afraid of feeling worse afterwards but

hopefully and with God's help we will feel better.

Best wishes to you.

Barbara

Katina Hollman <katina128@...> wrote:

I'm also getting this done on 9-7 in 3 places on my back. Two on the

right, one on the left at L4-5 and L5-S1. I am scared of how much

they're going to hurt. Thankfully I'll be sedated, but that might not

help much. I wish you luck and hope it helps you!

Katina

barbarac102 wrote:

>

> I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> feedback on this procedure.

> Thanks,

> Barbara

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah, both of those discs have bulges. I had a microdiscectomy on L4-5

on 7-11-05, but it's bulged back out again, and now L5-S1 is bulged bad

too. So, he's going to hit both discs to see if that helps. If you'll

tell me which day is yours on, I'll put you in my thoughts on that day.

Katina

Barbara wrote:

>

> Really?

> I'm just getting it done on the left for now(I guess).

> I imagine we'll be sedated. I'm more afraid of feeling worse

> afterwards but hopefully and with God's help we will feel better.

> Best wishes to you.

> Barbara

>

> Katina Hollman <katina128@... <mailto:katina128%40gmail.com>> wrote:

> I'm also getting this done on 9-7 in 3 places on my back. Two on the

> right, one on the left at L4-5 and L5-S1. I am scared of how much

> they're going to hurt. Thankfully I'll be sedated, but that might not

> help much. I wish you luck and hope it helps you!

> Katina

>

> barbarac102 wrote:

> >

> > I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> > feedback on this procedure.

> > Thanks,

> > Barbara

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Katina,

How sweet of you, I'm going in this Wednesday, August 30. If you read my post

from yesterday, I believe, I wrote where all my bulging discs are, they are

muli-leveled.

I'll do the same for you on your day too.

Thanks,

Barbara

Barbara

Katina Hollman <katina128@...> wrote:

Yeah, both of those discs have bulges. I had a microdiscectomy on L4-5

on 7-11-05, but it's bulged back out again, and now L5-S1 is bulged bad

too. So, he's going to hit both discs to see if that helps. If you'll

tell me which day is yours on, I'll put you in my thoughts on that day.

Katina

Barbara wrote:

>

> Really?

> I'm just getting it done on the left for now(I guess).

> I imagine we'll be sedated. I'm more afraid of feeling worse

> afterwards but hopefully and with God's help we will feel better.

> Best wishes to you.

> Barbara

>

> Katina Hollman > wrote:

> I'm also getting this done on 9-7 in 3 places on my back. Two on the

> right, one on the left at L4-5 and L5-S1. I am scared of how much

> they're going to hurt. Thankfully I'll be sedated, but that might not

> help much. I wish you luck and hope it helps you!

> Katina

>

> barbarac102 wrote:

> >

> > I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> > feedback on this procedure.

> > Thanks,

> > Barbara

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Alright, I'll remember you and pray everything goes smoothly and as

painlessly as possible.

Katina

Barbara wrote:

>

> Katina,

> How sweet of you, I'm going in this Wednesday, August 30. If you read

> my post from yesterday, I believe, I wrote where all my bulging discs

> are, they are muli-leveled.

> I'll do the same for you on your day too.

> Thanks,

> Barbara

>

> Barbara

>

> Katina Hollman <katina128@... <mailto:katina128%40gmail.com>> wrote:

> Yeah, both of those discs have bulges. I had a microdiscectomy on L4-5

> on 7-11-05, but it's bulged back out again, and now L5-S1 is bulged bad

> too. So, he's going to hit both discs to see if that helps. If you'll

> tell me which day is yours on, I'll put you in my thoughts on that day.

> Katina

>

> Barbara wrote:

> >

> > Really?

> > I'm just getting it done on the left for now(I guess).

> > I imagine we'll be sedated. I'm more afraid of feeling worse

> > afterwards but hopefully and with God's help we will feel better.

> > Best wishes to you.

> > Barbara

> >

> > Katina Hollman > wrote:

> > I'm also getting this done on 9-7 in 3 places on my back. Two on the

> > right, one on the left at L4-5 and L5-S1. I am scared of how much

> > they're going to hurt. Thankfully I'll be sedated, but that might not

> > help much. I wish you luck and hope it helps you!

> > Katina

> >

> > barbarac102 wrote:

> > >

> > > I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> > > feedback on this procedure.

> > > Thanks,

> > > Barbara

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks Katina, and I'll try to be in touch and I wrote down the date of yours.

May we both be healed and as you said may it go smoothly and as painlessly as

possible and may we enjoy living pain free.

Barbara

Katina Hollman <katina128@...> wrote:

Alright, I'll remember you and pray everything goes smoothly and as

painlessly as possible.

Katina

Barbara wrote:

>

> Katina,

> How sweet of you, I'm going in this Wednesday, August 30. If you read

> my post from yesterday, I believe, I wrote where all my bulging discs

> are, they are muli-leveled.

> I'll do the same for you on your day too.

> Thanks,

> Barbara

>

> Barbara

>

> Katina Hollman > wrote:

> Yeah, both of those discs have bulges. I had a microdiscectomy on L4-5

> on 7-11-05, but it's bulged back out again, and now L5-S1 is bulged bad

> too. So, he's going to hit both discs to see if that helps. If you'll

> tell me which day is yours on, I'll put you in my thoughts on that day.

> Katina

>

> Barbara wrote:

> >

> > Really?

> > I'm just getting it done on the left for now(I guess).

> > I imagine we'll be sedated. I'm more afraid of feeling worse

> > afterwards but hopefully and with God's help we will feel better.

> > Best wishes to you.

> > Barbara

> >

> > Katina Hollman > wrote:

> > I'm also getting this done on 9-7 in 3 places on my back. Two on the

> > right, one on the left at L4-5 and L5-S1. I am scared of how much

> > they're going to hurt. Thankfully I'll be sedated, but that might not

> > help much. I wish you luck and hope it helps you!

> > Katina

> >

> > barbarac102 wrote:

> > >

> > > I'm about to get one next week. Still looking to hear from others with

> > > feedback on this procedure.

> > > Thanks,

> > > Barbara

> > >

> > >

> >

> >