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Questions about ESI's (Epidural Steroid Injections) for S1-L5

Posted , 5 users are following.

Ellisrobo
Ellisrobo

Hi, So let me give you a litle background, for over a year now I have been suffering with lower back pain, that I now know to be a prolpased disc between l4-l5 and around 4 months after that it transfered down into my thigh, the calf and then the ankle. I was then given an MRI Where I found out I hade 2 prolapsed discs the l4-l5 one and then on to the left on S1.

On the 10th of this month, I will be going back to see my rheumotoogy consultanant to discuss my results and options, Since I've had a lot of time inbetween the MRI and this consult on the 10th.

I've looked at many treatment options to give me some insight and understanding on what the consultant will be talking about. 

I know Physio will help and i don't really want to have any injections at my age of 18 incase I will be needing them later on in life, when my condition could possibly be worse. 

Has anyone had the cortosone injections or anything similiar that can tell me how they worked for you, if they worked, how long they lasted and how much they helped? and if or not you would recommend them to me or not?

Since I know they do not lessen the swelling just reduce the pain I am unsure about them, as I have managed to deal with great amounts of pain and have somewhat come accustom to it.

I appreciate any help thankyou!

-Ellis

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • NicolaAnne1994
    NicolaAnne1994 Ellisrobo

    Posted

    Hi, I have a similar problem to you, I have 2 prolapsed discs and it causes pain in my lower back through my right buttock and all the way to my thigh and sometimes my foot! It is horrible....I am now awaiting an op to have part of the disc removed...as physio hasn't helped at all, so I do not have that now! 

    I was offered the injections but the main factor for the injections is that it doesn't cure the bulging disc so whilst it may numb the pain, the discs are still bulging and no one can say how long the injections will last on the patient, as everyone is different! So I opted for the operation as I just want this over with and to live my life pain freee....I am 20 years old! Good Luck smile xc

    • Ellisrobo
      Ellisrobo NicolaAnne1994

      Posted

      Thankyou for your answer Nicola,

      I really don't want to have any form of surgery unless I have no others options!

      Wish you all the best and a speedy recovery!

    • NicolaAnne1994
      NicolaAnne1994 Ellisrobo

      Posted

      That's fair enough smile How bad is your pain? I just can't bare the thought of this going on anymore it has been nearly 2 years sad 

      Thank you though smile You too!! smile x

    • Ellisrobo
      Ellisrobo NicolaAnne1994

      Posted

      I've got a high pain tolerance but I'd still say about a 6-7 most days, some it's maybe only a 4?
    • Ellisrobo
      Ellisrobo NicolaAnne1994

      Posted

      Sorry to hear than Nicola! Hang in there, It will get sorted!

      All the best

  • gary81059
    gary81059 Ellisrobo

    Posted

    Hi Ellisrobo,

    Sorry to read that you are in so much pain. I have now had 3 operations for problems at L5/S1. I have learnt that is such an unknown area of medicine, and so much relies on the skill of your surgeon. I have had 2 injections, and by my experience the out comes of these can be random as well. I don't want to put you off, but no point replying without being honest and truful. I don't know what happened with my first injection, whether I reacted to it, but it knocked my body for six, and I really was not me for probably 6 months afterwards. The second injection, did not seem to have any effect on me or my problem, so there is just no telling what the results will be.

    All I would say is with surgery ask everything you want too, and don't have the op, unless you are 100% happy with your surgeon, and about the situation. 

    I wish you every success in the world, any one who has these problems will appreciate the true level of pain and discomfort, and disruption to our lives.

    I hope all truly goes well for you. 

    Gary 

    • Ellisrobo
      Ellisrobo gary81059

      Posted

      Thankyou very much Gary, I actually appreciate the honesty, I want to know what to expect so I dont go filled with false hope.

      I'm definatly not going to have surgery unless I am 100% it is what I want and the same goes for the injections!

      Sorry to hear that you've had surgery three times! I wish you the best also!

      -Ellis

  • jim_mcl
    jim_mcl Ellisrobo

    Posted

    Hi Ellisrobo,

    I was diagnosed with a prolapsed L5S1 disk just under a year ago, though I'd been suffering from it for some considerable time before. I've been doing physio/gym work, together with manipulations, and I'm slowly getting better. I found myself an excellent physio which has made all the difference. Yes, I've had setbacks, usually after doing something that has pushed things a bit far, but provided I'm careful in what I do it is slowly getting better. Good luck with whatever treatment you go with, but be prepared for a long haul.

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