Spasms, sciatica etc after fusion

[dridobits]

I had my SI injection done with CT scan on Tuesday, Sept 20, 2011. It is now Friday.

It was a bit more intense than I had thought. I am so sick of these injections!!! The caudal block, the facet blocks, and now this.

Yesterday I was in excruciating pain. If I had gun I would have used it I hate to say. They told me that after day two the pain would get worse as the longer acting steroid starts to take hold. I was in so much pain I was close to fainting. I think we all know what that is like.

Today was good. I've been lying down for so many months, I'm completely deconditioned so it's not easy. It will be interesting to see how long this lasts.
The doctor who did the injection said is was primarily for diagnosis. I've done some more research and this does seem to be a problem for people who have had fusions. What a bummer as the fusion area does not hurt so that was a succses. Can you believe it?

I'll post more as time goes on. I have absolutely no idea how long the relief will last but I'll take it one day at a time. I seem to be on that life plan anyway. If my doc recommends another surgery I will probably go for it. I don't want to spend my life in bed as I have in the last six months. It's been the pitts. More later

[Maria]

Dridobits,
That sounds like what my first ESI felt like. I'm sure you plan on asking your surgeon about success rate with surgery for this area should it come to that and I'd be interested to hear what he has to say (even tho we know all cases are individual tho statistically speaking). Like I mentioned before I've read about a few people that had that surgery after having success w/fusion at fused levels tho creating this other area of concern/pain. The few persons that had the surgery reported feeling better tho I have not kept up with forums they posted at to see if still doing well or ? Hope so.

Glad to hear you're getting some relief from the steroid and I hope that perhaps it will be enough to decrease the inflammation and allow some reprieve from pain/irritation. Good luck there and thanks for posting your update.

[dshobbies]

D,

While I have not been in your exact circumstances, I know when you feel like throwing in the towel. We say, no more surgeries but when it gets too bad, we'll reconsider. As for the gun, why didn't your doctor tell you about this amount of pain and prescribe something suitable?

I do hope that the next few days will bring you some relief. You have suffered enough for several lifetimes.

Dale

[jsewell]

dridobits, what levels were your spinal fusions at? I had L3 and L4 fused last month. Still in enough pain that it is hard to stand up straight and hard to walk any distance. I make it around the block with my dog at a pretty slow pace.

I have had tons of ESI's as you have. I hope this last SI one is giving you relief still . Let us know.
thanks judy

[mmglobal]

Great news that you got some relief. I hope it keeps up.

Mark

[dridobits]

I had L4 and L5 done. It is now about a week after the injection. I have had 75 percent improvement. I just drove six hours from the sierras home to get the last trip of the season. Before the injection I wouldnt have dared do the trip. Dr. Has asked for an update so when I hear I will report. Thank goodness even for short relief. I live to be up in the mountains so it was great to go. On another bizarre note, my dog ruptured a disc and is now partially paralyzed in her rear legs. I live on a hill with stairs so I have to now rely on neighbors for help. If its not one thing its another, huh?

[jsewell]

I am glad you had some good pain relief . A trip to the Sierra's is what i am looking forward to when i get that 75% pain relief. My life is the same, if it is not one thing, it is the other, then the other and so on!!!
judy