Okay, I'm really freaking out in my own way. I'm kind of scared. And find
it weird. I thought we were talking about having something like cortisone
shots.

But no we are talking about something much more serious, it seems.

And I seem to be in for some really serious things if we can't get it lots
better. I'm just a mess.

I am so glad you guys are always here for me.

Donna

((((((Donna)))))),

Oh, I **HATE** those things. I cannot stand having anyone within 5 miles of my neck. Now, they have a note in my record that I get very nauseous and dizzy to the point of almost passing out -- so they give me something in the drip that prevents me from sliding to the floor

I hate 'em and they won't use the fluoroscope for the neck. I have found, though, that I get much-much better results in my neck than I do in my lumbar.

I had an epidural in my neck last May and it just started wearing off last month. I really need another one.

I have the same as you -- degenerative changes (arthritis) in my neck. The symptoms that I get when it's really painful are almost like wearing a cape -- pain in my neck, upper back, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, down into my hands and fingers (this is in addition to the pain that I 'normally' have in my hands and fingers from my blood condition and the pain that I 'normally' have from my fibromyalgia).

My son says the warranty ran out too early and I should go complain to the manufacturer

Epidurals *ARE* steroids. That's why my doctor will only give me three per year. I usually get one in my neck, one in my lumbar (which rarely works because they don't want to use the fluoroscope) and I save the third one just in case something craps out before the year is up.

I turn into a real STEROID WITCH for about 6 weeks after the injections. Like PMS -- only much-much worse -- you do NOT want to be on the same planet as me

They're not a cure and they don't really solve anything, but, if they work, they DO give you a break from the pain, which is a blessing. I'm not given any drugs except ibuprofen (which I can't take anymore because it's leaching calcium out of my bones, not to mention all the 'normal' problems with NSAIDS).

You know pretty soon after the injection if it's going to work or not. I pray for miracles for you, Donna.

BIG HUGS.

Barb

Oh man I feel for both of you, that's just awful! I can't tolerate anything near the neck either. I wish I could offer more then a cyber hug but that's what I've got, a big hug!

You both are amazing!

Although it is not the most favorable treatment, I found with the flouascope and top doc doing this that I have gotten some permanante relief from the 24/7 cervogenic head migraines I had for years and years.

I pointed to the worst part of the pain...a lump at the base of my skull that triggered the cervogenic head pain....Also he aimed it to help the shoulders, traps, arms and hand pain.

The injection was in the "hump" at C5 and covered my area great. I do tend to go pretty tough, no anesthsia, IV or anything. The flourascope though I have to have. Last one the nurse was pointing out to the screen and the doc said thatis why we use the flourascope.....The two nurses, took one arm each as I lay on my stomach and pulled as hard as they could to get the decompression out of the spine I guess and get the needle in.

But, with the excellant results from that one, for four years now I only need tune ups of trigger point injections and valium as a muscle relaxant for the spasms.

If I were to get another one though, I would ask for some versette. I felt everything which not painful was uncomfortable. The pressure felt like a ballon affect in my body blowing up to my neck and down the arms to my fingers for about 30 seconds. I did not like that feeling.
BUT I went in with tears from the pain in my head and instantly the pain level went from a ten to a three. I could have hugged him. It has never ever returned to the ER level pain I was having prior to this proceedure, The first two, I did not point to the pain and were placed by the MRI: I was glad this time he could find the triggering nerve compression site.

Just be relaxed, take a driver, ask for versette....or valium IV not pill.
Hugs to you
di

PS I did have lumbar too, but weaned off unless leg pain is too much.

I am glad others here have experience to share with you.
I don't have any knowledge about this at all.
I feel sorry that you are having to deal with this new and scarey sounding procedure....
When is this happening?
Do I have time to fed ex some magic pixie dust to help?
(((((HUGS))))))
bizi

My procedure takes place on Wednesday the 30th.

ANd then I have a 2nd one on May the 28 th exactly one month later.

We are doing this twice because we are proving that enough has been done
so that if after this and physical therapy. The pain stays we can
do the next procedure for this bulge.

I'm honestly glad in my own way that its something they found. I've
had so much trouble with things in this area, that we have just guessed on
and been right in many times.

The fibromyalgia is in remission still thank goodness.

Donna

Dear Donna,
How did it go?
How do you feel?

I hope that you are good.
Mari

Hi I was around but not much yesterday. had a kind of loopy day.

So I'm back tonight, its still really sore but supposed to take a few days.

So hopefully better soon.

Thanks all.

Donna

hope you are feeling better soon!
((((HUGS))))
bizi

Hi

Went for my physical therapy evaluation today, man didn't realize
how much it was still going to hurt. Its going to be a long road.

Am I going to be glad I have another epidural.