ESI's did not work for me, and I also discovered that I was allergic to steroids (thank God!) after the first shot, so in a way I only had one, and it didn't do anything for me. Steroids do cause weight gain, but I don't think that ESI's cause you to gain that much weight, so I wouldn't be too worry about that if I was you.

I've had LOTS of steroid injections and I didn't gain weight. The weight gain comes from these people who are on steroids for many months/years. The amount you get in the injections isn't that much but they are NOT good for the body - especially for the bones.

One thing I will tell you is if the FIRST one doesn't work, don't let the doc give you any more. Doctors tell patients that the injections have to build up in the body and thats why you need 3 - but that's not true - that's b.s. ~ read the medical journals. It says in there that it will NOT work the second time, if the first time doesn't work. The doctors just want to get the $1,500 in payment for each injection they do.

Best of luck and God bless. I do hope it works for you and you get some relief. Hugs, Lee

I had my first one today, it was painful and oddly the pressure went where I least expect it. Mine was in my neck, and the pressure and pain sunk to my chest. I have an extremely high pain tolerance too. I have never gained weight from any steroid shot.

I had my first epi shot in my low back. I hardly felt anything a small bee type sting and then I felt nothing. At one point I asked the doc when he was going to start and he said he was half way done. It so far has helped a tiny bit I would say about 30% effective. I think there very worth trying at least once however if they don't help I wouldn't let the doc talk you in to any more

Thank you all so much for your responses I do appreciate it and I feel better about getting it done. I am going Friday 22. I hope it works and I have heard that they are not good for your bones. Thanks again and best wishes to you all.