Hi all, I am new here, brief history, previously had herniated disk L4-5 and had three lumbar epidurals from Dec 06-Feb 07 and then lumbar laminectomy on 3-29-07.

No problems till I started back to a physical part time job. Now I've had to go back and have (two days ago) 1st of series of lumbar epidurals again.

I just moved here in June from Indiana to Florida, and had no one but my landlord to take me to the ortho surg for my shot. Shot itself was fine. Truth though is I do have bronchitis...I was taking antibiotic prior to injection, but stopped two days before shot.

I am in a terrible bind as I don't have fam dr. right now, and I really need my zithromax, ("z-pack")... which I will be going to establish a fam dr after I get an answer here.

I didn't have much in my chest but it is getting worse. I HAD to get this shot for my back, as the pain is unbearable, and I refuse to take Percocet/etc... I have other medications, and live alone etc etc... and have to drive
you get the story..

My question is: Can I take the antibiotic right now so soon after the shot... I've never been sick when having these shots, so I don't know.

I've been taking mucinex for a week, in addition to augmentin that I had from earlier.....

I don't want to overload my system, my concern is this shot and what it might do to my immune system at this point... should I wait for more antibiotics and give this shot more time in system, or should I get my antibiotic asap and start taking regardless of the shot...

I hope this makes sense.. I am at work on break and am not set up yet on computer at home....

Thank you for all advice/suggestions!!

Lori

Lori, I'd call the doc's office who did the injection and ask. Be sure to also let them know of the Mucinex you're taking. The doc's office will be able to tell you, for sure, whether to take antibiotics now or to hold off for a while.

I know that before injections, some doctors prefer patients not take some things. Afterward? I'm not sure. It could vary between doctors and depending on what a person takes. As soon as my injections are done, my doc says it's okay for me to resume with my medications, etc.

Mine, though, says it's okay for me to take the Rx's and OTCs my doctors have suggested; he's even given me the okay to take aspirin up until the time I start fasting. But, that's me, and given that what I take hasn't caused any type of complications.

Thanks for the reply. I ended up calling them, and I have started on the Zithromax (antibiotic) again... no problems since...

Lorhel did you know that Florida is one of two states that reconize acupuncturists as primary care physicians? That means they will take your insurance and treat your pain with needles and herbs and fix the actual problem with tui na. They can also teat your cold and you won't need antibiotics. If you can you may be able to find one who is also a naturapath and you will be able to get a probiotic instead.

,Mike

Lohrel,

I agree with Bobbi...my doc usually says I can pick up where I left off. And it is usually just...no pain meds before the injection. Glad to hear the Z-pak is helping...I LOVE that stuff!