Lumbar Block... Im afraid
 

Ok so I followed up with my Pain mgmt doctor today. My MRI for my back is Normal. (thank god) He said that the reason my back is hurting has to be the way I am walking. So I scheduled a Lumbar Block for next Thursday. Pleaseeeee help me through this. Im scared. Any advise will be greatly appreciated!

XOXOXOXOX

Also, I am trying to schedule a fundraiser with the restaurant/bar around my house. I am waiting to hear back from the owner to move forward. I will keep everyone in Tabs with this :)

Hey there Breaker! Glad your MRI is normal!! I have had quite a few blocks and injections in that area. Of course, needles don't feel good going in, so I am not going to lie and say you won't feel it. The thing that helped me is to concentrate on my breathing...seriously, it helped. It is hard to relax in that situation, but when you concentrate on your breathing it actually helps you to relax some. If you can do that then you will not be as tense during the procedure, less tense helps the needle go in easier :)

I hope the block works for you!! Keep us posted.
Nanc
:hug:

Hi Breaker
 

I do understand about being nervous for the block. Sometimes you are allowed some IV sedation. I would ask for it before your date of proceedure. Most doctors are willing to help as much as possible. Also ask for plenty of local anesthetic. I have done some proceedures too that scared me, and I asked for more before it even started. I tend to be anxious regarding most needles. Even blood draws. I am a chicken at heart. It will be OK. Just talk to your doctor and ask for reassurances. They see alot of nervous folks. I wish you all the best. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

On raising money
 

It may be good to check with your local ordinaces in your city hall. You may be able to put a donation jar out to multipal locations in your community. Most communities open their hearts to those who need alot of medical intervention. It might be worth your time to try this. My community had an auction to help me with my first spinal fusion. I didn't have insurance. ginnie

Dont be afraid. Just be sure this is what you want. Your back is serious busness. There are a lot of treatments out there. As the old saying goes if it's not broke then do not try to fix it. Have you had the nerve blocks they inject in your neck. I was pain free for a few years with those. Now I am in the late stages

Hi Breaker
 

Sometimes your gait, or the way you walk can be corrected. There are all kinds of good orthopedic doctors, and podiatrists, who specialize with that. Maybe inprovement with your walking, would correct your back pain, and then you won't have to endure the Blocks in your back. It would be worth your effort to see if you can find a correction. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Have you had a thorough evaluation by an advanced PT person or team, or even an expert chiropractor? Perhaps an Osteopathic MD?

If it is the way you are walking some sort of phys therapy, adjustments or body work might be able to fix it more long term than a shot or injection.

Everything will be okay
 

I know you're scared...I was too! The truth is, it's not as bad as you're imagining. Just concentrate on breathing...it truly helps! And definately tell them before your procedure date that you would like sedation...that helps a lot too!:grouphug:

Hi Breaker
 

Good morning Beaker. Having that block is scarry, but not so bad. I think in the long run a good orthopedic specialist may help you more than the injection. If the back isn't the problem, but my walking is, I would be more inclined to check on my walking. I do have trouble with walking too, and I currently see an orthopedic doctor, working on helping my gait. This has helped my back, more than any injection, or other therapy. Just a thought. ginnie

Hey guys,

Sorry its been a few days since I answered. I work with an orthopedic surgeon. He tells me that my back is hurting me because of the way I am walking and so does the Pain mgmt doctor. The Pain mgmt doctor really feels that this injection will help a lot. I am working with PT and I have been having better days.

I am still scared about the injection but it really is the first treatment I am trying (besides PT) My right foot has been turned to the right. I had that problem last year before I had my surgery last Jan. I guess my back just hurts more since I am walking from regular pain plus RSD pain. BLEH ! :)