Epidural Steroid Injections, Experiences?

[retiredbosn]

I've already had one, and supposed to have another in a couple of weeks. I have been lucky enough to blow out my C7-T1 disc, and I would really like to avoid the operating table again. I've had three spine surgeries and would rather not have anymore. I experienced some relief with the first shot, but it only lasted two or three days. Those who have had these shots, is that typical? I know that the shots wear off, but I was under the impression it would take at least a year to wear off. I've went through these before on my back and had zero results, but with the first limited success I am hopeful that the second shot will last longer, I am only allowed three in a year, so if it doesn't work it is back to the butcher block for me.

[Fisher of Men]

I think you've answered your own questions.  I have had four in my lower back (L-5/S-1).  Two gave me about 2-4 weeks relief each, the other two not much relief at all.  From my experience, some folks receive relief for as long as several years (up to 10) and others no relief as all.  The doctors will tell you that everyone is different, which I think is true.  PT works for some, chiro for others, etc.  Hope your back gets better soon!

[Gone_Phishin]

The positive relief is definitely a good sign. As we age, the ESI's can become less helpful; they're more of a band-aid. I would definitely continue. Anything to avoid another surgery.

It's kind of a trade-off. As you know, the shots are definitely not a cure-all. But if they provide some relief, and as FoM said, if this can be supplemented with PT, you may avoid the knife.

The words that raise a flag is "blown out." Is the disc severely herniated? Have you had a discogram? Do you know if the disc is torn according to the Dallas Scale?

You say yours was at C7. Was your previous surgeries in the Cervical region of the spine?

To answer your original question, I ran the gauntlet of shots: ESI's, medial nerve root branch blocks, a discogram, etc. Unfortunately nothing helped, and this past July I had a double posterior interbody lumbar fusion at L5 and L4, with cages. I also had many bones removed on the back side of the spine, and replaced with four metal rods and eight screws.

You know, winterizing my fishing gear in the middle of July was one of the saddest things I've ever had to do.

God bless and keep in touch. I met a great friend, MALTESE_FALCON, here on the boards, and he has had several procedures. Drop him a line.

[retiredbosn]

Yeah I know that Fishfordollars and Maltese both have spine problems.  I am fused from c4-5 through c6-7, the disc is prolasped, the nucleus is through.  I am also fused from L4-S1, and I also have some small herniations in my lower back, three I think.  I've dealt with this since 1992, I am hopeful for some longer relief.

[fishfordollars]

They did not work for me at all. I have had seven or eight sets over the years. I am fused from C-2 through C-7. Wife was in the same wreck I was injured in. Doctor told her the shots were a waste of money as bad as her neck was. She decided to try them instead of surgery and so far they have worked well. She had the first one five years ago and it lasted for almost three years. Since then; however, they are only giving her relief for about 12 months. She is due another one in January.

It's always worth a shot at it instead of surgery(IMO).

Good luck,

Jack

[Gone_Phishin]

Ask your Dr. if you are a good candidate for a biacuplasty.  It's a fairly new procedure that will fix a disc if it is torn badly.  If this can relieve your symptoms it can be a great thing, as it is much less invasive than most procedures.

http://www.transdiscal.com/TDProcedure.html

The bigger the tear, the more spinal fluid leaks out.  I'm assuming yours is torn, yes?  If so, has the Dr. given you a grade on the Dallas scale?

[fishfordollars]

Thanks, I have a 3:00pm appointment tommorrow with my doctor. I'll ask him about this procedure.