I'd go ahead and ask the doctor about your medication(s) - if ones need adjusting or re-filling. On the pain medications, he might want to wait (for an increase) until after he sees and finds out how you feel following your ESI.

If you do feel a temporary worsening of symptoms or pain, Deb, I should have also pointed out that it will most likely be related to the positioning or posture during the procedure.

If he does use sedation, I'd ask the nurse for x-tra pillows; one under the chest and stomach and one for under the shins. I found out that that really helps cushion (even though I don't remember a darn thing that happens during injections). There isn't as much pain that way from whatever posture.

I don't really know why Valium helps, yet, before I have a brain MRI or travel, my doctor prescribes some. I think it relaxes the thought process and helps with anxiety. I know, it sure helped me, too.

Just think, Deb, one day, someone else is probably going to have questions about ESIs, and you'll be helping ... since you'll know what happens, have some tips of your own, and have been through the recovery and rest time .

I'll let you know if I need anything . For now, I just want you to feel better after your ESI. That'd be the best!