Help - new back patient - and lost

johnb · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 07:26 AM

Early on I too did injections and got good relief. Some clinicians tell you they want to do 3 injections. The clinician I had would do 1 and see how I felt, then it was my decision if I wanted to schedule another one with a limit of 3 per year. Since good relief was obtained with the first one but didn't find the procedure too unpleasant (also the Dr. administering them was quite attractive

, I decided to do an 2nd one and got a bit more relief out it but decided not to do a 3rd one. Compared to surgery, the risks are minimal but not zero. You will sign a consent form which lists the potential complications. If you are curious about risks, you can google "epidural steriod injection risks" and get more info.

Some clinics want you to do 3 injections no matter what. IMHO, this to maximize revenue as this service is a fat money maker for the clinics. Remember that you are the patient and you are the one assuming the risks. We patients should not have to assume extra risks if we have already recieved a desired benefit just so they can fatten their pockets.

John

Maria · #2 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 04:28 PM

what John states re revenue. What I like about my PM is he never pushes for anything and in fact I see him every 3 months or so for scripts and whenever I think I need an ESI I have to speak with my Primary Treating doctor first (OSS) and he orders the ESI and then the PM orders it and then it goes to WC for denial or authorization (what a freaking process at this point).

My PM is nice looking too ~ I call him SurfDoc as he just that kind of SoCal kind of near mid 40's guy who has a harley, used to surf, and is just laid back and pretty dead on with his aim re the ESI's.

For me the benefits have outweighed the risks and relief from pain has been quite welcome.