Chronic Pain Support Group

Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...

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SSWarning 11/15/2009

Hi!
I'm sort of new to this group and this is my first time posting here. Long story short:

I was dx with endomertriosis May '09 and have recently been referred to a pain specialist due to constant pain. The last "treatment" my gyno wants me to face is a full hysterectomy. This is out of the question for me right now for MANY reasons, let's just say I'm not emotionally equipped for such a drastic measure, hence the pain specialist.

I had my first visit with my PD this last Thursday morning. After interviewing me and studying my case, he speculated that not all of my pain is due to endo, perhaps some of it could be caused by my back. ( This seemed strange to me because the some of the pain is in my left ovary and my whole left side, but that's another story ) So after explaining the epidural procedure to me I of course wanted to try it, ANYTHING to see if it will give me some relief. Well so far, NOTHING, but it may be too soon to tell. From what I understand is that it can take a few days to work. ( Am I right on this? )

My question is... Is it normal to have nausea? I woke up a couple of times last night feeling sick to my stomach and with dreadful pelvic pain. I just don't feel "right" at all today. It really messed up my evening as I had plans!! ( I've been such a hermit due to CP )

Is there anyone that can tell me their experience with this type of pain treatment? I've heard many good things about it.

Thank you for your time!!

deleted_user 11/15/2009

hi there the only epidurals i have had was during childbirth 'an absolute godsend'. I did not have nausea with mine but i think if they dont hit the mark perfectly it can cause nausea. i have had the nerve block injections with no results. Have also had a partial hysterectomy wish it was a full because my overies stopped working anyway. I had the surgery via laproscopic. I also had a bladder suspension and rectocele repair at the same time all thru 3 tiny incisions. If that was the source of your chronic pain i would be in the O.R. tommarrow! If the docor thinks it might be your back did he order xrays or better an mri? There are alot of treatment options for low back pain.

deleted_user 11/15/2009

I had several epidural block before my first spinal surgery and they did not work at all. You could ask anyone that had this shots, and very few will tell you that they got relief from the shot.

The one thing about epidurals is that it is a well paid procedure, and most PM Doc's love to give them to their patients $$$$$$. So if this one doesn't work, just make sure to tell the PM Doc, that way you and your insurance will not have to pay for the PM Doc's cash cow.

Take care,

deleted_user 11/15/2009

I've had 2 lumbar epidurals done at the surgery center in the hospital. It was totally amazing and completely took away all of my pain for about 3 weeks.

The only down side for me was that I wasn't able to sleep for 4 days straight after the procedure. I think it was the steroid in the shot. I tried it a second time and had the same result.

It was so expensive (14K). But the 3 weeks of relief just wasn't worth it if I was awake for 4 or 5 days. It was the worst experience of my life and I will never do it again.

deleted_user 11/16/2009

Yes, nausea is a common side effect. They can give IV anti-nausea medicine in addition to your epidural to prevent this. It should start working right away, or at least start working when the acute pain from the procedure goes away.

SSWarning 11/16/2009

Thanks for the replies!

Today is Monday and I have yet to get any relief. I feel the pain is endo related, or at least it's NOT from my back. This seemed to come on right after I had lap surgery this last May and is getting worse.

I have been asking for an ultra sound but they just won't do it. I will just continue with the process and see where it gets me, hopefully some answers.

deleted_user 11/18/2009

I've had several of these and they've never made me sick. The only thing they have done is irritated my back for a few days. Unfortunately, they have never helped my pain and several of my doctors have admitted that they seldom work for most people. The doctors push them and manipulate their patients into getting them because they are VERY EXPENSIVE.
GOOD LUCK

deleted_user 11/19/2009

i have had 9 blocks done and each time they worked longer than the block i had before.
the last block was pain free for 2 weeks.
doctors try nerve blocks, then they try medications, as it is always trail and error as each person is different.
ask your doctor different ways of helping pain.

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