I have recently started w/PM dr., due to DDD, sciatica- that's really the most painful thing- and my right hip has an acetabular labral tear. I've had, over past years, multiple steroid injections- both trigger point and into the hip joint; usually prescribed Lortab or Percocet for @ a week... now, the PM dr. has given me an epidural in my lower spine last week, and the leg pain is much, much worse... really affecting my ability to sit, play w/grandchildren, etc.- I called the PM dr. re: increased pain, he's to see my on 10-19-07- my questions are these: if he wants to do another epidural- the 1st one was useless and really kicked my pain up a notch- do I have to agree to this? If I don't agree- would most PM dr.s be willing to try a long acting pain reliever instead of short acting ones? I've never really had the pain stop completely, even w/percocet, but I know this pain may not stop completely- I just want to be able to function w/less pain so I can not feel like crying and hitting a wall all the time- any ideas as to how to phrase this to him? I am scared to death of being labeled as a drug seeker- my part of the country is the highest in the USA for narcotic prescriptions- but, I also am SO TIRED of only getting a few hours of low level pain relief- any ideas welcome- thanks!

Hi there,
I suffer from RSD, and I experienced similar problems to you from a nerve block (but it was a Guanethidine block not an epidural) the block made me lose my balance (I have still not got it back) and it made the pain worse.
No you dont have to have another block if you dont wish to, your PM doctor will ask you what you want to do.
Not sure what sort of medication your PM doctor will prescribe - that is up to him - but you should get a say in it.
Say to your PM doctor that you are unable play with your grandchildren, I'm sure he will understand and try to get things better for you.
I know how you feel about people thinking that you are a drug addict, I'm sure people think that I am one, I am sick to the eyeballs with it.
Let me know how you get on
Pain free hugs
Alison

Hi Granny;

I'm sorry to hear about your pain issues. I have horrible pain from non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromylagia. The pain is primarily in my feet. dI have been on pain meds for 3 yrs. now. My husband has been disabled since 1991 - on the job spinal cord injury. Dr.'s are amazed he is still walking. His pain is primarily in his lower back. We have many of the same drs. including our pain doc. Recently, our pain doctor has talked to us about the new Spinal Cord Stimulator. My husband has been having more pain than normal and I have always, (since my botched surgery) had more pain. Sooooo, what I'm saying is that we are going to give the Spinal Cord Stimulator a try. You may want to visit with your dr. about it as it soution for your pain.

Good Luck!

Nancy-H

I also did not get relief from epidural shots. I tried two just to make sure it wasn't placed in the wrong spot. It happens.
I would try another if you feel up to it. Sometimes the doc just doesn't get it in the right spot. Just think about having to pinpoint something so small in a tight area, that theoretically you can't see. Oh you can see it in the floroscope but even then its guessing.
If he caused you pain....let him know....he needs to up the local anesthetic.
If worse comes to worse talk to him about radio frequency abalation. If he does it or not. If not, who does. This burns the nerve for up to a year or more. It interrupts the pain signal to the brain. I have had it done twice in about 18 months and I may need to get it again soon. It has been my only relief for my hip and leg pain.
Good luck.