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

I've had these injections to my neck on 5 occasions, with the next one being eagerly awaited late February.
There are no pre-meds. He cleans the area, then injects a local. " A scratch and a sting" is promised and that is what you get. It does sting, but soon stops. You get one for each injection point.
Then he injects the steroids. There is a slight pressure feeling as it is injected but no pain.
I now have 4, 2 each side.
Back to recovery for checks and refreshments, then out. Last time I was in and out in just over an hour, drove home.
I have had 2 good months of relief from the last lot. Like night and day.
They say to take it easy for a day or so, but I've had no problems at all.
So don't panic or worry. If you don't like the thought of a little sting, take a pain killer before.

Agree Peter!

I have had plenty of injections in my neck and a few in the lumbar over the years. I have not had a problem yet...but my PM spaces them out too and will only do one possibly two at a time; usually no more than that. But you are right about the "bee sting" and then usually it is just a feeling of pressure. My facet injections are different however, they will hurt a bit more, but they are always inflamed anyway. I just thank goodness that I found a PM who is quick and efficient with these. Actually, I go this Friday for bilateral facet injections in the lumbar and believe it or not...am looking forward to it! As you say, a night and day difference!

Oops, one correction though. You mentioned take a pain killer. I have always been told NOT to take a pain killer. But I CAN take an anti-anxiety med...no problem. They just don't want you to mask the pain with a narcotic but DO want you free of anxiety...it makes their job easier.

My doc calls it a "poke and a burn".....I have been getting these shots for 2.5 years and I call them necessary evils. I know they hurt, some days worse than others, but without them I am in agony.