I'm considering getting an epidural next week, so I can go on vacation more comfortable. Also, the pain I'm getting is a "take you down" sort of pain. I find that I am half-way through the movement of lowering myself into a chair, and there is a searing pain of such an intensity that it stops you in its tracks, and sometimes just causes the leg to collapse.

SO, I'm considering an epidural. I had one in June, and it helped a good deal. Does anyone know how safe these are repeatedly, or how often? I'm gonig to have to push hard, because I leave the 8th, and my pain guyis on vacation until the 7th. So maybe, even if it's safe, I won't be able to get it scheduled.

But anybody know if it's safe?

Hi,

The epidurals are usually given in a series of three. Some docs won't do a second if there is no response to the first. A lot of the docs can do selective nerve root injections. This is done under fluroscopy. The nerve that is causing the problem gets its own injection.

Good Luck

I think the best source would be to ask the doctor? Or, maybe check out the spinal forum - they are very helpful.

HI! Are y'all talking about the steriod injections that's given in the spine in a series of 3? If so, my husband's Grandfather gets those infections. His pain management dr. is the one who does them and said it's safe to have them once every 3 months. They really do help him a lot with his pain. I hope you are able to get one done in time for your trip LizaJane. Good luck!

The one's you get every 3 monthes would be ok,I don't know your insurance sisy. but if you miss your pain doc.he may call someone he knows where
your going to do it. Call the Drs, staff unless there gone and ask.. Or
yake pain meds. I would talk to spinal groip as well. Hope you have a good
trip.. Sue

I sent an email to the dr, who is on vacation, and his office called me today to schedule the epidural. So I guess that's the answer.

That was the first of two odd occurences. The second--

The spine surgeon I consulted in April phoned also, to tell me I have an appt on Monday morning; please bring all my films. This was particularly odd, since I've not been in touch with him since then. I'm thinking that either my neurologist or bone metabolism guy sent him a report, and the way I hear about it is this call.

But I've never had doctor's offices call me quite like this. I have a feeling I've become a much too interesting case. The last thing you want is to be an "interesting" case.

I sent an email to the dr, who is on vacation, and his office called me today to schedule the epidural. So I guess that's the answer.

That was the first of two odd occurences. The second--

The spine surgeon I consulted in April phoned also, to tell me I have an appt on Monday morning; please bring all my films. This was particularly odd, since I've not been in touch with him since then. I'm thinking that either my neurologist or bone metabolism guy sent him a report, and the way I hear about it is this call.

But I've never had doctor's offices call me quite like this. I have a feeling I've become a much too interesting case. The last thing you want is to be an "interesting" case.

Hi Liza, that pain does sound real nasty when your trying to sit, so i am wondering if a different approach of sitting might help, what i mean is we tend to lean forward when sitting, which of course stretches our lower spine the lower we go, so when about to sit, keep the feet further out from the chair than one would normally and leaning the spine backwards more so, then lower down gently onto higher chair, just a different angle of the spine may help, i hope i have explained myself properly.
good luck anyway.
Brian

using a cane to lean on while you are getting into the seated position takes the weight off your back. Also in getting up it takes the pressure off the lower back. I just recently went through period of time where i had to do this to cut down on the pain of sitting and getting up It helped a lot to avoid those wincing stabbing pains in the lower back