How long does it take for the SI joint injections to give relief?

[Terry Allen Blackburn]

Pre-surgery, I had SI injections and facet blocks, though neither worked. After the 4 level ADR surgery I had SI joint injections or facet blocks every three months. It usually would take about two weeks to kick in but, I got the three months pain relief afterward. I did not have any for the second year but, had two injections in the SI joint right before Christmas time. It was true to form with about three weeks before I got substantial pain relief that continues to this day.

I know it's hard not to feel like you're feeling CindyLou but, as everyone else has said, if you can't return to work, that is what the SSD is for. Besides, you paid in to this system your whole life anyway. Essentially you are getting some of your money back that you paid in. It's definitely an entitlement. The Rich Politicians do not want us to have entitlements as it costs money that they can spend on pork barrel projects but, that is why we pay in to the system. It is there to use if we need to.

Hang in there and let us know how things are going for you.

Terry Newton

[Cindylou]

Thanks everyone. I do appreciate it. I don't mean to be a downer, but sometimes the pain just sucks you up. I did have a good pain management appt. yesterday. He injected both sides...extremely painful, but fortunately, short lived. I felt really good, again, for about 4 hours. Like you all said, it could take 3-5 days, or 3-4 weeks?! I'm shooting for the 3-5 day plan! It's amazing how quickly my back muscles relax when they are not spazzed out in pain! He did not want to up my pain meds so we can really see diagnostically if it's working. Which made sense. If those 4 hours were any indication, I think the SI joints are definitely players in my pain. So, now to play the waiting game for relief to kick in again. I'm totally down. 4 hours is like a huge tease, no? So, that's it. The only thing keeping me going at this point is my daughter-in-law who could go into labor at any time. I need to see the hope in a new birth. I'm clinging to that.

Cindylou

[Justin]

Cindy, I can completely empathize with you. Like you say, we do have to keep our eye on the good things in life, as it's easy to focus on the negative when we are in pain. Sorry about the SI tease. However, it sounds like your Dr is doing everything to get a proper diagnosis.

Keep your head up! There's a new, beautiful baby on the way!!

Originally Posted by Cindylou

Thanks everyone. I do appreciate it. I don't mean to be a downer, but sometimes the pain just sucks you up. I did have a good pain management appt. yesterday. He injected both sides...extremely painful, but fortunately, short lived. I felt really good, again, for about 4 hours. Like you all said, it could take 3-5 days, or 3-4 weeks?! I'm shooting for the 3-5 day plan! It's amazing how quickly my back muscles relax when they are not spazzed out in pain! He did not want to up my pain meds so we can really see diagnostically if it's working. Which made sense. If those 4 hours were any indication, I think the SI joints are definitely players in my pain. So, now to play the waiting game for relief to kick in again. I'm totally down. 4 hours is like a huge tease, no? So, that's it. The only thing keeping me going at this point is my daughter-in-law who could go into labor at any time. I need to see the hope in a new birth. I'm clinging to that.

Cindylou

[Justin]

Hey CL,

Let me know how the SI injection feels over the next couple of weeks. My left SI has been on fire for the last couple of months...so, I'm probably inject that bad boy soon.

I hope you're doing well!

[Roblin]

Cindylou,
You have been through so much. I have to believe better days are ahead for you and the many others who are suffering on this board. Congratulations on the new baby ahead.
Best wishes,
Linda

[Cindylou]

Thank-you guys for the support. I got a call this morning from my pain management doctor's office doing follow-up on last Friday's SI Joint injections. I told them I haven't had any relief except the immediate 4 hours afterwards. I also told them I have spent most of my time on the sofa with the heating pad. So, they decided I needed to come back in this next week and will confer with the doctor about either trying an epidural injection or another bi-lateral set of SI joint injections again. I am just glad they care and want to help me with my pain.

Cindylou

[wilsonrob]

Have you considered prolotherapy, PRP plasma, or stem cell injections (Regenexx.com)?