1 month ago I had Epidural Steroid injection(s) targeted at L4-L5 to see if it is the cause of my symptoms and to give me some temporary relief. I kept a journal and here is the readers digest condensed version

The injection consisted of both lidocaine & corti-costeroid). Fluoroscopy (live x-ray) was used to monitor the placement of the liquid. It was not painful although I did feel a slight pressure in one area.

Within a short time after I got off the table I realized something was different. ALL my symptoms were gone completely. This included the burning in my hands which my neurologist insisted could not be from my lumbar. (Of course he has insisted other things that have not been my truth.) I felt a little tipsy which is why I guess you need someone to drive you after. The feeling of being whole again lasted about 2 1/2 hour and was glorious! As the Lidocaine wore off my symptoms started to come back and by early evening they were much more intense then usual. I could not get comfortable sitting, standing or lying down. They were horribly intense for the next 2 days and then started to die down. I used ice on my back and it helped some.

Over the next week my symptoms began to lessen. I was allowed to do a few exercises so I went to the gym and that turned out to be a huge mistake. Within hours my symptoms escalated and it took 1 1/2 days for them to start to calm down. It took a week to get back to where I had been before the gym.

My progress continues and symptoms are much improved but not gone. It seems when my burning is improved my night time twitches and flutters are more present still disrupting my sleep most nights.

I had a follow-up yesterday with the doctor who did the ESI (sports medicine, Physiatrist) and he feels my results confirm my lumbar being the cause. I have scheduled 2 appointments with university doctors to discuss the possibility of surgery and listen to their approach. I plan on getting a minimum of 3 opinions.

I'm still very reluctant to go this route but I know that besides (hopefully) being able to effect my symptoms, not being able to move my body is causing other areas to harm as they stiffen up due to osteo-arthritis. Besides, I'm not getting any younger!