Epidural Steroid Shot?
 

Well I am getting referred to pain mang M.D. for my lower back a epidural steroid shot.Is there anything else that can be done with out steroids that anyone knows of?I was thinking laser surgery?Any feedback appreciated:grouphug:

Referred to PM for what? Yeah you can do stuff other stuff but it depends on why they are giving you an epidural. Can you be a little more explicit?

My L5 and that is all I do know because I just got a referral from my physiatrist.

I can tell you this. If the FIRST steroid shot doesn't work, do NOT let them give you any more!!! They usually want to give a series of them. Some doctors tell their patients that the shots have to "build up" in the system -- and that's a bunch of LIES. It does NOT build up in the system. If it doesn't work the first time, it will NEVER work. So don't let them do any more if the first doesn't work. Also, from what i've read recently, they recommend only 3 in a year's time. Some doctors argue this point.

ANY kind of surgery can come with problems. For instance, there is the "Domino effect." That's where the levels above/below fail after surgery because they have to take on more of the load. That means more surgery is required, and then the levels above/below THAT level fail, etc. It's a vicious circle!!! :eek: Plus, surgery is only for mechanical problems. It is NOT for pain. Chances are really good that you'll have the same pain after surgery that you had before. Doctors don't tell you these things. :mad:

So try ALL conservative methods before ever considering surgery. Later studies have shown that people who have had physical therapy have the SAME results as people who have gone thru surgery!!!

Do your homework, and research -- ALOT. When I had all my surgeries, it was before the internet, so I wasn't able to research like I would have preferred -- or talked to people like you can now. And boy do I regret it. I never would have had surgery. I'm disabled now because of it. :mad:

Best of luck -- and God bless. Let us know what you decide, ok? Hugs, Lee

I have had good luck and no luck with the epidural injections. I have had them on my neck and my back. I have had the first one on my neck not work very well and then the second and third work well, but its vital you communicate with your doctor. When the first one on my neck did not work, he changed the location, that is why I acheived better results the second time. But, everyone is different. I have had a epidural steriod injection last one week and I have the pain relief last as long as two months, like I said everyone is different.

I Declined Shot
 

I declined the shot and trying to work it out with physical therapy and I am already feeling it:D

Next Problem
 

My cortisone shot in neck from bulging C1-C5 is hurting again and I am on my last shot I believe.The pain M.D. said I would have to get some fusing surgery on this area.Anyone have any experience with this?:grouphug:

Now I am back to headaches that are horrible thumping in my ears and terrible neck pain on top of my list of other problems.:eek: