Tomorrow, I'm going for the first of three steroid shots in my back for back and leg pain and spasms. One person told me it would be very painful but quick, and I read on the web that you get lidocaine and it isn't too bad. Anyone want to share their experieces with it?

The shot itself wasn't that bad for me. But I had increased back pain over the next few weeks and a very poor response from the pain management team. So I didn't return ......

I am wishing you good luck!

I had conscious sedation during mine (C-Spine, T-Spine and L-Spine). Thanks to Versed, I remember barely a thing. One time, during one procedure, I do recall having said, "Ouch! That hurts." But, I was outta it so fast after saying that.

I would make sure that the doc doing the procedure uses live-guided x-ray (C-Arm or fluoroscope). If not, it would be akin to just blindfolding me and letting me take a hit-and-miss approach on your body - with or without a medical license. That is the truth, as others also know. Not using fluoroscope has been quite barbaric for some (and they stated so at OBT).

Go in well-informed of what the procedure and recovery entails. (But, given that you're going in tomorrow, the timing limits the input you may receive prior ). Please do read over the "fine print" very closely. From what I know, doctors do detail of the possible risks (minimal for most, generally speaking) and of the recovery duration - which can range from just a few hours to a couple weeks.

Because some do not read the pre-op info., they don't understand that the injections are not a magical or quick cure-all.

I've always followed the pre- and post-op instructions to a "T" and have not had any long-lasting probs.

I've never had any major complications following ESIs. Others, a bunch. It all depends on whom you ask and also how the procedure is done. Hit-and-miss approach, heck, I would not do. With the instrumentation that docs have these days, there is no reason that doctors should not be using live x-ray technology .

Just take it easy afterward, and let your body tell you how you feel.

Hi coyote...
I agree with Bobbi 100%!!
Yesterday, I had the 2nd in a series of 3 steroid injections. It was without sedation, and not really all that bad. The injections themselves aren't a very comfortable procedure, no matter what, but the benefit is usually worth it! IMHO...

Most of the injections I've had were under sedation, and like Bobbi said, it does relax you! That would be my preference, if it were available with my doc, but he prefers not to use sedation. His thoughts on this are that it is better to be uncomfortable for a few minutes and not mess up your whole day by being sedated, as well as not remembering the rest of your day. I can understand his thinking, based on my past experience, and response to the Versed. It wasn't bad, but did have some side effects that, in my case, impaired me for the better part of the day.

The doctor doing this set of injections is new to me. I just moved, and having to set up all new doctors...ugh!!
You mentioned lidocaine at the injection site....that has always been part of the procedure, with all of the different doctors I've had. It is like getting a shot of novacaine from the dentist.

Yesterday, a nurse helped me onto a gurney, and was laid on my stomach, with a pillow under my waist/hips. The nurse lowered the waist of my shorts, and cleaned the injection site (lumbar spine this time) with betadine. She aligned the x-ray arm with the injection site, and made sure it was visible on the screen. Then doc comes in and administered the shot, which took all of 5 minutes today. I've had some that took alot longer. Usually, I have been in and out of there in less than an hour. There are so many different variables that I wouldn't try and predict how long it takes to get the injection. With this one I had to wait for 15 min. after it was done before I could leave. This clinic puts you in a kitchenette, with snack crackers, juice and coffee. I came home and laid down for rest and a nap.

This was my experience yesterday. Every doctor is different, so it would be hard to say if he is able to give the shot with minimal pain, while having no sedation. If sedation is an option, I would recommend it. If it isn't, you could say no to the injection, or grin and 'bare' it for a few minutes of discomfort. I do recommend spending most of the first day or two off your feet as much as possible. Just rest and let the meds do their stuff!

I hope things go really smooth, and that it is a good experience for you! After a series of three shots, I've had good pain relief every time. The coverage lasted as little as 2 weeks, while others lasted 4 months. For me, the injections do help! Like Bobbie said, "Just take it easy afterward, and let your body tell you how you feel."

Mcdom57....I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience, and can sympathize! I hope your pain is under better control now!

Best wishes to you both!
~Kimmy

HI Coyote,

Just wanted to post a quick note to ask how your first shot went? I hope it will help you. There are alot of pros and cons about the shot but I have heard of several people that have been pain free for up to six months after they have had the series of shots.
Good Luck To You,
Linda

hi im bella im having my first set of 3 steriod shot friday and im scared out of my mind . i heard of alot of horror stories about them and the affect after words that i wouldnt be able to move or work if anyone has knowledge of the shot plz help me cuz im so confused ty tc

hi coyote my first time is friday plz let me know how you made out just hang there. cuz youre not alone tc

Hello I am a 43yr old female with right low back pain, I injured myself at work. I first had noticed my pain April 2007 and went to the doctor and told him I think it was work related lifting things. I didn't report it to my employer and tryed to take care of this on my own thinking my employer would not believe me. I got my first epidural Aug 2007 with no relief, then Sept 2007 I lifted a box that was to heavy for me told my employer who didn't care when I reported this. So I went to my doctor the next day he took me off work for a month. The following day was a saturday I went to work left my employer a work note . It took my employer 30days before he gave me workcomp info. So from sept 2007 till Jan 2008 all I had was a few visits with work comp doc's and physical therapy. Some how work comp sent me an RN who got things rolling for me and got me another epidural in Jan 2008 and another 2 epidurals in Feb 2008. All these injections have been no help and I am back to physical therapy which helps when I am there getting stretched out and then exercise in the pool then they place an ice pack with a tens unit. Once I'm home I'm back to that constant low back pain. It hurts to walk, stand, lie on my back, sit, and drive. My pain is constant it's in my right lower back, that goes into my right hip down my right leg below my calf muscle. I get spasms from time to time. Sure the medication helps some not to mention I finally got a MRI Feb 15,2008. The MRI showed 3mm right foraminal disc protrusion noted at the L2 - L3 level, which does not abut the thecal sac or the adjacent nerve roots. I don't know what this means no one will explain what this means and I am so confused. this has been such a nightmare. If anyone out there can explain my MRI I would greatly appreciate it I'm so depressed over this.
Thank You,
Arlene

It means that the spongy things between the spinal bones is sticking out and agravating the nerves.

hi,I see you have many replies and hope you don't mind another. I received shots with steroids and freezing.You can feel the very first prick of the needle but after that you feel nothing.had one shot for my hip and shots over a period of six months in the lower dimple part in my back.the first treatment was great ,I could touch my toes again.that was over 15 years ago,my hip was fine from the get go but my back has become very painful again.I know there has been a lot of controversy about steroids but when your in pain all you listen to is the pain.And I would go through anything to remove the pain wish you a speedy recovery, and to be pain free.
soft hugs
slm