Six months ago I took a fall and injured my lower back. I took meds and went through physical therapy and given I still have pain, The Doc just scheduled me for an Epidural. I went to WebMD and did a quick read but I’d like to hear about some real life experiences from Dopers who had this procedure for back problems regardinging what I can expect during the proceudre and any after effects. Also, did the procedure work for you?
Thanks.
Most people would think Epidurals are only for childbirth , but I understand they can be used other times too. But in those cases they are doing something quite specific for you…
I don’t think anyone wants to tell you about Some other case, because your case is you…
Perhaps you could explain what you expect from a temporary relief of pain ?
I’ve had it a few times, for knee surgery.
I don’t have that much to say about it. It worked. It did exactly what it was supposed to do, which was anesthetize my leg (actually, everything below the point of insertion).
I was a bit disappointed that they wouldn’t let me stay awake and watch the knee replacement surgery. It would have been fascinating. But they don’t let you do that – they give you something like a valium IV that sends you right off to sleep. Not the kind of unconsciousness you get from general anesthesia, just sleep.
The aftereffects were minimal. It took me a while to wake up and be coherent, but that was because of whatever they gave me to put me to sleep, not because of the epidural.
I’ve had it a few times, for knee surgery too. That is my choice, over general anesthesia, for any leg work.
Side effects for me: 1) Having the epidural put in involves a stranger with cold hands screwing with my lower back. It’s diffcult to sit still and the doctors always yell at me, because it’s precise work. 2) The last time, the epidural somehow caused me to not be able to urinate. During an operation they pump you up with a lot of fluids, they they want you to drink more once you wake up. I was ready to explode beofre they finally decided to put in a catheter to get me going. Blessed relief.
I had one when I screwed up my ankle skateboarding. What’s to say? It didn’t really hurt and I went numb from the waist down. They had decided to keep me awake, but they ended up sedating me anyway. Woke up with a catheter “down there”.
I had one for abdominal surgery and about a week after. No problems at all except for the adhesive itching.
The OP is more likely in line for an epidural steroid injection or ESI. Not epidural anaesthesia.
The injection is usually a bit of lidocaine for immediate pain relief and some steroids for long-term anti-inflammatory effects. The doctor inserts a needle into the spine using fluoroscope imaging so they know they’re at the desired level.
I’ve had a couple of them. They’re not horrible - you’ll probably be given a valium or similar mild sedation before the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home.
Over the past few years, how these procedures are done has improved. My first (back in 2007 or so) was done at a hospital as “same day surgery” with the whole magilla of registering, going to a patient room, being rolled into the procedure room, post-op anaesthesia room, etc. for a day-long experience. The last couple I had were done at my neurosurgeon’s office in far less time - about an hour or two.
If your nerve injury is recent enough, the steroids may be enough to give you some long-lasting relief. Even if the effects don’t last long, there’s still benefit. For me, I’d feel decent the next day and the pain would quickly return, but from a diagnostic standpoint it’s useful as it lets them know they’re in the right area.
Thanks gotpasswords, I’m having the procedure you mentioned.
I’ve had an epidural for cervical Spine pain mitigation. You will be made loopy with intravenous Versed and or Valium, the doctor will fluoroscope the area, guide a cannula and needle in whilst viewing the anatomy on the fluoroscope and inject lidocaine, and natural or synthetic steroidal. Pretty simple. I was able to rise within twenty minutes and was escorted home with so much less neck pain that it was amazing! I did sleep it off for the rest of the day…and you will definitely need to be accompanied… Don’t be dismayed if relief is not immediate. You may even require a second treatment if the first didn’t alleviate your symptoms
Okay, this thread makes sense now.
Ok, I think I got it.
1). This is a fairly standard procedure.
2). I will see relief from pain, immediate or otherwise.
3). I get a free buzz out of the deal.
Couldn’t ask for more. Thx!
Cool! (I hope you didn’t take my last post as snark because that’s not what was intended.:))
No, I did not Shakes. I was ignorant, but now I have new knowledge, which will let me go forth with confidence.
Ignorance defeated! - Little_Pig