Well after suffering thru the past 2 weeks of pain which was at its worse when getting up from a sitting position, I recieved my first epidural injection on thursday. MRI showed herniation at the L4-L5 level with disc bulge at L5-S1. Injections were done trasforminal using X-Ray Fluoroscopy to guide needle into exact location. Could not walk or put weight on left leg immediatly after injection but an hour or so later I was much better. It relieved most of the pain I was having getting up from sitting and lessened the pain/irritation in left calf achilles area, but still have some dicomfort there. Before the shot, the Doc’s thought I would need at least 2 injections. I will go to PT this week and to see how injection has beifited me, and find out how soon I will be able to start training. I still feel positive about footing the line in Kona. The next several weeks will tell! Any recovery stories from this type of treatment?
In a prior life I was an anesthesiologist specializing in chronic pain. I did tons of these injections (I would have done it a little differently but it is the results that count). When they work well (the usual case) the results are usually pretty dramatic and long-lasting (until the next time the patient stirs things up as these problems do not occur in normal backs). Two or three injections a week or so apart is normally required before complete relief is achieved.
Frank
I went through the same thing. I required 3 injections. The relief was immediate, but not complete. Over the years I’ve become almost pain free. I got enough relief to start training and racing again. I’m still very protective of my back but can function normally. I just completed Ralphs. Be patient with your recovery! Good luck.
How far apart (time) were your injections Grumpy? And how much time were you down for? Also would like to know from Frank what you think about 1 month between injections? That is what they set me up for. Thanks Guys.
I think the injections were about 2 weeks apart. I started some easy running on the treadmill two days after the first injection. The way this works as I understand it is the steroid reduces the nerve swelling and not necessarily the disc bulge. The discs may still be herniated. So after you feel better, be smart about your back.
I had the same series of injections about six months ago. One every two weeks for six weeks. The pain relief is great but I do currently go to physical therapy to ensure there are no more flare ups. I was training the next day after the first injection. The last two injections were less dramatic than the first in that my initial pain reference point was gone. Overall I am satisfied with the results. Good luck with yours.
I think a month is a little long but there is nothing magic about any particular time. Disc leakage causes inflammation which causes swelling which pushes on and irritates nerves. Maximum benefit probably occurs within 24-48 hours. The therapeutic benefit of what they are injecting is probably completely gone in less than three weeks. So there is little value in letting the symptoms increase again before the next injection. One won’t know if this is going to happen until it happens.
I liked being aggressive with treating pain and had good results with my approach. That is not to say they don’t have similar results. If your pain starts increasing in 1 - 2 weeks I would call them and see if you can get in early. If not, waiting is OK.
Frank