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

[Justin]

Originally Posted by Cindylou

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?

CL,

I wonder if this is a side effect of your increased pain after your SI injection. Pain is often manifested as being anxious and agitated. I hope you start to find some relief and I'm glad to hear they care enough to have you go in this week. I wish you the very best.

[runner]

CindyLou,

You are not crazy. Anxiety and being anxious are side effects of cortisone. My last cortisone epidural, I was like I had six bottles of Mountain Dew. Also I had difficulty sleeping I was so amped up.
There are several side effects and it seems that the amount of cortisone makes the difference. I have been getting cortisone shots in my right foot and it is only a cc or so and I have no side effects.
But the epidurals/facet blocks just make me really like the Energizer Bunny.
There are other effects too.

runner

[Cindylou]

Yeah, validation! Thank-you runner. I am not crazy. Well, that could be a stretch. Perhaps I should say, today I am not crazy. Probably more accurate. Thanks Justin, Terry, runner and any I forgot, for the advice and the encouragement. It is so truly appreciated. And I am grateful for this site and the avenue it provides for us all. Thank-you Mark. I am eager to see the pain management doctor on Wednesday this week. I am somewhat nervous about an appt. for my 21 year old son this Tuesday. He has just recently been complaining of acute pain in both his knees and his left hip. Very strange. He's a total athlete, not over weight, senior in college, etc., so I'm anxious to see what the problem is. His name is Zach. Would you all please keep him in your prayers?

Cindylou

[Cindylou]

I had my appt. this morning at the pain management clinic. My pain levels were soaring as I had hosted a baby shower at my house last night, so I was on my feet all day yesterday, which I rarely am. I really wanted to do this shower. I paid big time late last night and this a.m., but sometimes you just want/need to do something for a feeling of normalcy, you know? So, after much discussion and him re-reviewing my films, he said he would like to try the caudal epidural steroid injection, since I only got 4 hours relief from the SI joint injections 2 weeks ago. The placement was just above my tailbone going up. I cried through the whole procedure. He kept re-numbing the space, but I was just beaten down by pain, and having to have more pain during the procedure to try and get rid of pain. It's such a vicious cycle. But, it took a bit in recovery to notice any change, and then I began to feel some relief. If I bend backwards I still really feel the pain, but if I don't do that (duh!) I have received a good amount of relief, maybe 80%. I especially noticed how I felt better when I didn't think twice to finish cleaning up from last night, running the vacuum, washing dishes, laughing with my pets. I'm holding on here, knowing this local will likely wear off anytime. Does it ever happen that you just continue to feel good without the waiting period? I wish, I wish. Will continue to update as this plays out.

Cindylou

[Cheryl]

Cindy Lou,

I am reading your post and relating to every word. You are not crazy. I had the disability battle in my mind today.

And I too hosted a birthday party recently in the hopes of being "normal". It hurt so bad to clean the house and get ready and noone knew how I felt.

Just letting you know that your posts even when you feel down do not seem crazy to me at all. Believe it or not your being helpful to others in sharing.

I hope you feel better.

Cheryl

[dshobbies]

Prior to my surgery, for those times that I wanted to feel normal and 'do' something, I always wore my back brace. If nothing else, it reminds you not to bend, twist, etc. It's worth a try.

[Cindylou]

Dale,

Excellent advice! Never would have thought of it. Sometimes the most obvious.......

Best,

Cindy