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

Cindylou · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2009, 06:58 PM

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 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 03:45 AM

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!!

Quote:

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 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 01:35 AM

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 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 06:21 PM

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 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2009, 12:32 AM

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 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2009, 04:11 PM

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

Cindylou · #7 (**permalink**) 02-14-2009, 04:23 PM

Rob,

Not yet. One thing at a time. But I am known to unturn every stone in my zealous pursuit of a pain-free life again, so thanks for the suggestions. Right now I am focused on my next appointment with my pain management doctor and his suggestions. And I am pursuing trying to get in with Dr. Starke, whose office is right in St. Paul. He is the SI joint guru. Question tho. I have never had this happen before, but this time I feel like the cortisone injections left me feeling highly anxious and agitated. Is this a legitimate side effect?