Monday from.....well ya'll know from where.
Got to the pain clinic, nurse got the i.v. needle she was putting in my hand hung up in her latex glove somehow (I didn't see as I was talking to the dr.), pulled it out of my hand youch!!, bled like crazy, popped up the size of a walnut, which she put pressure on, aaaarrrggh the pain! Errrr, shall we say not a good start? Wrapped my hand in ice. Put another iv in my arm - success this time! Due to lots of drug reactions/allergies, doc decided to use fentanyl at 1/2 dosage as anesthesia and 1/2 dosage of epidural steroid. Klonopin script written up to counter my usual reaction to steroids. Injected right lower lumbar. Went smoothly. Couldn't put any weight on my right foot going up steps when I got home, tho hours later the right side felt much better, but made me sooo much more aware of how badly the left side feels. As I've whined before, both PS and previous OS said that they did not think epidurals would do any good in this case anyway, but at least when I see the neurosurgeon in a couple of weeks he will see that I've already tried this. Permanent nerve damage a concern for the pain specialist doc, and for me as well. Said to take it easy for a few days, and just do things as I feel I can, nevermind what I WANT to do (see I'm one those hyper, irritatingly busy sorts - if I'm awake I'm in motion). I will call the neurosurgeon's office daily between now and my scheduled appointment to see if they can pop me into any cancellation spots they may have. Time goes by so fast UNLESS one is in pain doesn't it?!