NeuroTalk Support Groups - Worsening of pain one week after an epidural injection for sciatica.

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- - Worsening of pain one week after an epidural injection for sciatica. (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/152533-worsening-pain-week-epidural-injection-sciatica.html)

I have had quite a few epidurals. I felt brief nerve pain durring the procedures.........nothing like you described and when it was over, it was over. I may have been a bit tender for a day or two but I must emphasize that it was not a big deal.

Are you in the pre-op mode? The only time I have had a discogram was just before surgery when the neurosurgeon wanted to confirm which level was the problem. This is a test, not a treatment. BTW it is one nasty, painful one. Do not allow anyone to do it w/o a snoot full of Versed. The first time I had one it was w/o Versed. I don't know how I stayed on the table. Best wishes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hmarie18 (Post 898674)

I had an epidural inection in my cervical spine, which is the neck, right when the dr stuck the needle in my c5-c6 i had spiderwebs of pain radiating everywhere! I was screaming crying, sobbing it hurt so bad, I could barely talk to tell him what was hurting! the next day my pain was so much worse, and I lost the full function of my right arm, I could not feel it or use it at all! I called him and told him what was happening and he told me there was nothing he could do for me that I needed to go to pain management. He shunned me away b/c he either hit my main nerve and now I have nerve damage, or he hit my spinal cord, we are not sure yet, but my pain has been worse ever since, I did get the function back in my arm after about 2 weeks, but my pain has never subided, my injection was in feb, it is now july... My 3 fingers on my right hand do still have a pins and needle feeling that never goes away like they are asleep. So, my point is if you are experiencing this, most likely your nerve was hit, and everyone is different, so there is no telling if it will get better or not, or how long it will be that way. sorry you are dealing with this, I know it is frustrating, just being in pain is frustrating, and having no answers makes it alot harder to deal with!

I have heard (professionally), of PM docs "pithing" the cord (usually cervical or thoracic) and causing various types of increased issues. Some were quite dramatic. All of them resolved more or less with time, but I am not convinced that all will or should.

Nothing of (potential) value is without risk. Most procedures proceed uneventfully and others have complications while a few are heinous failures leaving one worse than before (my situation is the latter).

Moral of the story.....?

I just don't think that amount of pain is normal after epidural. suppose to bring relief, not more pain. ginnie

Dozens of epidurals

I've had dozens of epidurals over the past 5 years by a very skilled pain management doctor. Sometimes I have just felt pressure, other times they have been very painful. I wanted to note that not every injection has helped. I get them in both the cervical and lumbar regions. Every cervical has worked except for one, but none of the lumbar ones have. I've had varied recovery times. I am usually in more pain for a few days, but my last lumbar was extremely painful both during the procedure and nearly a month after.. it did get better with time. Even though the lumbar haven't worked, I keep trying because to me, more pain for a few days or weeks is worth trying to relieve the pain I've been in for 8 years. I figure I don't have much to lose, but my doctor has the best reputation in the state and I trust him completely. He has been a miracle for me in many ways, but it took years to find the right doctor to get me walking again and I'm even able to work full time.
I have had to learn what's best for me as far as recovery. What I've learned is that for me, if the shot doesn't hurt, it generally doesn't help. If I don't rest after, I have a longer recovery, but if I stay in bed too much, recovery takes longer. Its important for me to take it easy, but move somewhat so the medicine can work its way through the area. I guess I wanted to share my experiences because for me, increased pain is normal, but the first few times it really scared me and I wondered if something had gone wrong. I have to take more meds and can't return to work for at least a few days. Have patience with the process, make sure you are seeing a reputable doctor, and I also use ice to help both numb and reduce swelling. Its a lot of fluid they inject, so increase in symptoms is normal as there is even more pressure on already aggravated nerves.
Best of luck to you.
Berta

Your post has give me some hope after the pain I am feeling 2 weeks after my 3rd epidural steriod injection. The pain from the medicine feels like pressure like when the medicine was first injected. I also started to experience very unpleasent pins and needles in my left hand and foot. I would be happy to know if you Dr. is in New Jersey, so that I could see him/her for a second opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chandra (Post 781319)

I had an epidural injection one week ago to treat painful inflammation of spinal nerve roots (sciatica). This was my second injection; the first seemed neither to help or hurt. There was considerable discomfort during the procedure. I was told to expect discomfort for a couple of days, but one week after the procedure, my pain symptoms seem to have worsened. My oral temperature is normal. I called my physiatrist and he suggested I take my oral pain medications and get some rest. Has anyone else out there had this experience?

I have mild to severe spinal stenosis and got my injection 6 days ago and now I can barely walk let alone work. I don't know what to do because my pain meds aren't touching this level of pain.... Please somebody help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadly1978 (Post 965068)

My complications aren't as severe as yours seem to be. But I can let you know what I am doing so far.

1. After I had my 3rd injection I had new pain, Pins and Needles, and some calf cramping
2. 2 weeks later I had an MRI done with a strong machine
3. I got the report back but it didn't have anything new.
4. I went to another Pain Mgmt / Neurologist that had great reviews and was even on TV, but he just seemed to think I needed another injection. He also did an EMG that he said didn't show anything unusual.
5. I reserached Kenlog and discovered that Bristol Meyers recommends not to use Kenlog in the Epidural Space. My Dr. did.
6. I discovered that Arachnoiditis is a disease that can come from injections with bad results.
7. I am currently researching someone who can rule out Arachnoditis because it scares me.