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 Expert
Posts: 2308
 
Location: Viola, IL | I know this has been discussed before, and so I was hoping for some advice, and support.
I bulged my L4, L5, and S1. After my second flare up now that has lasted two weeks, and no relief with chiropractic, physical therapy, yoga, massage, etc, we are now going to try the injections.
What are they like? Will I be able to return to work immediately the next day? (I work at a grain elevator, heavy lifting, ladder climbing, truck loading, etc.) How soon will I be able to ride? Notice a difference? Is it painful to be done? Do you get knocked out?
I know they said I'll have to have a ride home, and that I shouldn't do anything the day of, eat a light meal. If it works, I'll go back for a second and third. If it doesn't, I'll be a surgery candidate..
Hoping for some prayers and advice from those whom have experienced this to boost my confidence! | |
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 The Comeback Kid
Posts: 1564
  
Location: lost in missouri | They will tell you that you may find some relief with the first one but they recommend you do at least two injections. Some people they work for some they dont. the first 2 helped me, the thirdin the series i didnt notice anymore improvement. I finally had to give in and have a microdisctomy (sp) wish i would have done it sooner instead of messing with the shots. instant relief. the just removed the part that was bulging and causing me the pain. You will need a driver that day u can go back to work the next day. i will tell u the quieter u can be after the shot that day the better the effect it has. laying flat and quiet not a lot of up and down, etc. they do not knock you out the just give u a local to numb the pain. it isnt bad at all, just slight discomfort, trust me less pain than u feel now. any questions just ask, I did 4 of these shots and surgery. (actually two times i went thru this, first surgery fixed me up but a kid hit me at 60mph 2 years later and caused it to bulge again so had to go thru it 2 times.) surgery was 3 weeks no work then 3 weeks half days i was back to work at 6 weeks full time and back in the saddle at a walk at 6 weeks, mowing grass, etc. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2308
Location: Viola, IL | Even with heavy lifting and work I'll be able to go back? That's awesome!
I'm thinking it's going to be like a contrast MRI where they injected the joint. Do they inject where each disc is buldged? So am I looking at more than one injection site that day?
I'm soooo hoping it works, so I don't have to keep going through this pain. My work isn't very supportive and are threatening to take my job from me, if I can't make it back in a "timely" manner. Because it's so physical, I'm afraid of not being able to get back soon.
You're raising my hopes. Right now they are telling me no riding, because I'm on the verge of herniating or blowing the discs completely. | |
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 Winner winner chicken dinner
Posts: 2047
Location: California | I had the same three herniated discs as you, and they were causing me a ton of pain. I had the injections 2 years ago and have been great ever since. I actually got the injections on the morning of election day and my dad was elected mayor of my city that day. That night, I was able to go to his celebration dinner and party just fine. I did go back to work the next day (I'm a teacher so not a physical job) and did not ride for 6 months, per the directions of my back specialist. During that 6 months I did a lot of walking and swimming to regain strength as I had been hurt and pretty inactive for about 7 months prior. I had some numbness for a month or two after the injection, but have not had one ounce of pain. I hope it works for you! Good luck! | |
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Expert
Posts: 2308
Location: Viola, IL | I haven't been able to ride hardly since April 1st, when I got bucked off and tore my rotator cuff and bulged these discs. We didn't find the discs until August. I can ride, but it's afterward that I pay for it. And lately with my job is when I've had the severe flare up. I just want to get back to normal. I wish I knew how to swim, that would be a great rehab!!
I'm going into this with a positive attitude, and am thankful many of you have had the same situation and gotten to get back to your normal lives.
I was afraid I'd start running barrels again and need surgery for all the heck I put my lower back through. | |
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 I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | I got bucked off April 7th and broke my pelvis, sacrum and coccyx. The damage is to my L4, L5 and S1. I was refered to a neurologist who is hesitant to do any kind of surgery, was sent to an othropedic surgeon who said the same. They are on the fence with me due to my age (51) and activity level (which they consider high ? haha). They want to stay conservative and use surgery as a last resort. I was referred to a pain management doctor and had my first epidural injection on October 2. I was knocked out at the doctor's suggestion, but was able to go back to work (teacher) the next day. I noticed instant relief. I still need to get two more. I need one in my back and one in my hip. The first shot was aimed at my ciatic nerve that was causing the most pain. I think I will choose the hip next because I have terrible groin pain that runs down the inside of my leg. If I understood him correctly, the hip shot would target that area. My back still swells from the damage and I have been off since April. Regardless, I will be back on beginning this Christmas break. I'm tired of not riding. To me, the shots were worth a try to avoid surgery. | |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | im on the flip side,I had the series,and they didnt work at all.Also didnt get put completely out,i know some doctors do,and i think they should.Mine were horrible pain,the doctor also hit the spinal sac and I had leakage and BAD HEADACHES for a long time. I had already had 3 fusions prior to the injections.
Im having more problems now,but not because of the injections,I also went back to work,and my work is very strenuos as well,the following day. GOOD LUCK! | |
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The Comeback Kid
Posts: 1564
Location: lost in missouri | Swimming helps so much. May be worth you learning how to lol. i can b hurting really bad and if i can get in a pool or lake or river and swim it is amazing how much better i feel. After getting back in the saddle i also figured out it helps me more than regular therapy. I found that a lot of dr's see riding as dangerous and bad. well u have to realize that they see a lot of people who have been hurt by riding. I tell them if you know how to ride correctly it doesnt hurt. if u dont know how to ride then it hurts. I was able to get thru the summer with the shots but when they quit working i had surgery. Like i said i wish i had done it sooner cause i have been great since. I have a friend i ride with and he has a lot of back issues with discs bulging etc and he still does the shots and they work great for him. I only had one injection site as it travels through the area so i dont see you having to have each disc injected. mine was done by MRI as well if u can handle seeing it, it is pretty neat watching them get it right where they need it on the screen. | |
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 Horsey Gene Carrier
Posts: 1888
Location: LaBelle, Florida | Hubby has had them, getting the shot is intense, however, once it is over, you should be good to go.
He said it felt like his back was going to expode but after a few minutes was ok. Of course, he is a man and has low pain tolerance. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1002
Location: At home | if you know me, you know i'm a study in back work! i think they put in a zipper this past week, haven't looked for sure, tho. i would sure try the Epidurals.....sometimes they work, sometimes not. Mine did for a while, and i'm thankful for them. They put mine in thru the tailbone.......wasn't pain, just some weird pressure. When my son had his done, they gave him something - not "out", but doesn't remember it. i drove myself, not recommended, but had no choice. i also went back to regular chores the same day....again, not by choice, but had to get done. It usually feels good right away, but the numbness wears off in a day or so, the shot itself kicks in about 3 days or so. i think it's sure worth taking a chance on! Good luck and prayers!!!
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