Okay....had the injection
 

Well...I had the injection L5,S1 today. Yes...my lower back doesn't hurt as much. My toes still feel like crap. I don't know if I should take my Lyrica...Neurontin....and tramadol...will that conflict with the injection as to if my lower back is the cause of my numb feet? Or...stay on it...because sudden stopping isn't cool.

Hmmm. Maybe MrsD will come along and answer that. I don't know, but thought you weren't supposed to stop that stuff suddenly.

Hope the injection helps. I had one in the same area, and it did wonders-maybe a little sore for a couple of days...

Cathie

I was told
 

Sudden stopping is definitely not cool. I accidently missed a noon and bedtime dose because of my husband being in the hospital. So it was almost 12 hours before I remembered I had not taken my medication. I was sick at my stomach, horrible headache and felt as if I had the flu. The doctor said to never stop this kind of drug suddenly.

Mrs. D should be able to answer this soon.

I'm glad your back isn't hurting.

Billye

I don't think--
 

--taking those meds will conflict with the injection; more likely they would work in synergy.

Stopping any of those meds suddenly, though, would NOT be a good idea--the rebound effect might make the pain worse, and bring with it other wtihdrawl effects. Almost all meds must be tapered off gradually, to give the body time to adjust. The anti-seizure drugs (i.e, Neurontin, Topamax, Lyrica) in particular should be tapered off slowly, as there is the possibility of rebound seizures--the previously depressed, and therefore, likely "upregulated" central nervous system signal propogation might be overwhelming if the "pharmaceutical brake" is suddenly removed.

I'm surprised the docs don't clarify on these things??
You might call the office of the doc who did the inj. and just ask for a verification on this.

But I would think since it was an injection that any meds you take should not really affect or interfere at all.

Anti convulsant drugs
 

Hi Jack:

Just adding my 2 cents to what all the others are saying. Never go off an anti convulsant drug "on your own". Even when quitting them by doctor's orders, they have to be tapered off on a schedule given by your doctor. I assume the doctor who gave you the injection knows what meds you are taking currently? Had he/she meant you to drop any drug he or she would have said so. But definitely, with the anti convulsants, do not drop any doses.

Here's hoping you will be feeling a little better soon. Keep that wallet in your shirt pocket!

Cheers...
Shirley H.

Darn!!!
 

Well....it's almost 6pm, and I got shot at 9 this morning. For the first 6 hours, my lower back pain was minimal. I was riding in my wife's car this afternoon, when the aching lower back pain started coming back. The doctor said that he is not cut happy, and always believes in giving alternatives a chance, but, sometimes minimal invasive surgery will improve my stenosis and SI dysfunction (which I've had for close to 20 years from running). I don't quit honestly know what they would do, but I certainly am NOT up for any fusion or anything like that. I don't have any herniated disks, just a crummy old back. I also don't notice any change in the feet. I did take my daily 75mgs of Lyrica and my 2 50mgs of Tramadol. Tonight, when I go to bed, I will also take my 1600mgs of Neurontin. I have eliminated one 800mg pill, and have been on the 1600 for 2 weeks now. I see my GP tomorrow, and I am going to go over all this gobbledegook with him.

Good idea
 

When you are taking these meds, it would really be important to discuss stopping any of them or any dosage changes with your doctor.

Billye

Stay on meds and discuss any changes with Dr. Sue

I am trying to remember how my epidural worked. It seems like some of the pain left pretty quickly, but I want to say I was still hurting for a few days afterwards. Maybe giving it a few days rest before giving up on it?

Cathie