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lumbar steroid injections

Posted , 3 users are following.

roy68262
roy68262

Hi everyone, after 4 months of accupuncture, chiropractic, and pyhsio treatments for a herniated disc L4 sitting on (we think) s2 I have eventually seen a spinal specialist who believes this injection has a good chance of sorting out my painful and partially numb left leg and foot. Has anyone had any experience of these? Do they work. Really want to get off the massive cocktail of painkillers im taking daily. Thanks

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Enna1
    Enna1 roy68262

    Posted

    Sorry roy, i used to have cortisone injections in my thigh in the uk and they worked a treat. The Dr then left. A Dr in the same practice qualified to do these injections refused to do any injection (you can only have I think 3 a year)

    The a couple of gears later I had a cortisone injection in my spine because my op was not successful. Then I had another. I felt so good but these only were any good for about3 months and then they were not 100% pain free.

    I was then in so much in pain I paid 1000£ for one and this had the same effect - 3 months.

    I came to Spain and was seen eventually by an orthopaedic surgeon and he did 3 injections in one thigh and one in the other leg. Every year I had these until it all stopped don't ask why I haven't a clue. But I could walk without pain. So now I am in the pain clinic again appt next Fri. Hoping that i can persuade the surgeon to do an injection as I have been told I can't have an op - too many surgeons doing bad ops. There are different strengths I think but haven't a clue how strong any of them were. I have l4\l5 l3\4 and other conditions. Its weorth à go. For a few days you have to rest so follow instructions good luck...

    • roy68262
      roy68262 Enna1

      Posted

      Thanks Enna1 for your reply. Like you say its got to be worth a go. I hope you get sorted next week.
  • Enna1
    Enna1 roy68262

    Posted

    I have forgotten to tell you I had 2/3 injections in my spine which were x ray led...didn't make any difference to my pain, some worked nearly 100% some didnt do a thing. But the thigh ones the Dr made sure he injected where it hurt most and they lasted the longest. I have 2 level prolapses and another in the way. If you have any questions or missed anything out let me know
  • Enna1
    Enna1 roy68262

    Posted

    Yes, worth giving it a go for you too.  I suppose you could flash your knowledge and ask how much he's using but don't forget to press where you feel the pain and he will know where to put the needle in. Doesn't hurt or maybe I'm just used to them
  • spazzmom8486
    spazzmom8486 roy68262

    Posted

    Hello, Just my experience but... I went through all of that and was going through total hell. The shots are truly like a "band aid". They will give you relief for awhile... but alas they do not cure the problem. I had epidural, trigger point, SI joint and cortisone to the back & even the hip joint, over a period of years. I had lost the feeling between my hips and my knees. I wanted to die. I was in my 40's with two teenagers and a 70+ mom to care for. Trust me. See a Neurosurgeon at a good hospital... you will end up there anyway. Good Luck
    • Enna1
      Enna1 spazzmom8486

      Posted

      Thanks for the advice if you are meaning me. The neurosurgeon has told me that it would be dangerous to operate on s1/l5

      Personally I have tried spine injections and in the uk we don't pay for our health care but was so I'll with pain I paid 1,000£ for an injection in my spine thinking I would get better treatment - wrong. I had numerous thigh ( for sciatica) injections over a period of time that did work and I even paid for decompression of a level before I came to Spain that cost me 7000£ also didn't work.

      I came to Spain again I had cortisone injections that did cwork for a few years until I saw a neurosurgeon. Sine then I have had the experimental botox - a no to that too. So Friday I will ask for a thigh cortisone injection. It did work OK not permanently and I know it puts weight on but what's the alternative!!!!!

      Cortisone is quick fairly safe and helps the pain. It is just as well I haven't got responsibilies - now if I am in pain I go to bed.

      No one told me for years I had prolapsed discs and I am talking about over 10 years. I used to pay to go to osteopaths. And it was an osteopath who sent me for my first MRI. I must have spent thousasndsd of pounds. It is not right that just because your area in the uk doesn't have a neurosurgeon you could be sent to another area but that is what used to happen in the past.

      So I know this pain relief won't be permanent it will just help me get a bit more out of life

    • roy68262
      roy68262 spazzmom8486

      Posted

      Hi thanks for your reply. In answer to your advice I have seen a neurosurgeon at a good hospital and this is what he thinks is..initially at least the way forward. Im "lucky" i suppose that my pain is only 5-6 months in and something is at least seen to be happening. Some people like yourself have been suffering for years.
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