I wish I had something other than hugs to share.

I don't know anything about injections or how long they last. If it helps, I can ask the next time I'm at my rheumy appt.

I'll also be glad to help do some net research.

Just let me know. You know where to find me.

You're a sweetheart. I tried looking some things up but I can't think straight at the moment! lol I had to take 2 vicodin ES and a soma so I'm just trying to stay vertical right now!

DEAR OUCH, WHEN I TOOK MINE THEY DIDN'T LAST THAT LONG AND WHEN THE PAIN CAME BACK IT WAS JUST LIKE YOURS. I DON'T BELIEVE IN THEM ANYMORE. I'VE NOT HEARD THAT MUCH GOOD ABOUT THEM.TWO MONTHS IS ALONG TIME AS I WAS GETTING ONE EACH MONTH AND STILL NO CHANGE, I JUST STOPPED THEM ALL TOGETHER.....I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU.....LOVE YOU...HELEN

I have had no luck with epidurals, although I know many that have. Maybe more people will respond and help you.
Deb

when i first herniated my disks i was sent for injections and it was a whole series .. they never lasted... i dont really think any of em do.. sorry..**hugs**

my b/f suffers from a couple of bad discs and has epidurals annually. This year he let the pain go too long and ended up hurting himself. He had the first injection with some relief. When the doc did the follow-up, he suggested a second. The additional medicine increased his recovery even more. Epidurals do wear off, but most docs that administer them will give you 3 per year. The trick to making them work is getting them before the pain ramps up to maximum again. Even if you have pain relief, you still have an injury and according to my b/f's back doc, it takes months for total healing to take place. He will be on weight and travel time restrictions as well as PT for the forseeable future. Hope this helps.

Please read my discussion topic today" not looking forward to tomorrow's treatment. I live in Ontario, Canada and I have been seeing my specialist for 4 years. I started off geting the ES shot once a month and now every second Tuesday. My doc says I will have to continue as no other meds work. I am allergic to Narcotic drugs. The E.S shot relieves the pain for a few days in between shots. If I do not go for the shots and nerve blocks I believe I would not be able to get out of bed. I am afraid of needles and I will eventually receive no anesthia and no pain meds. It hurts so bad I cry. My doc gets upset when I cry. Makes me feel like I am a baby. The doc has told me the hospital has cut his or time and all fibro patients must receive their treatment in Pain Clinic. The Doc has been cutting his meds down the past few months. I can feel every single needle. But gfor a few days without pain in my lower back and legs, I will go for the treatment. I have two busted discs. Too close to the spine to operate. I hope this does not discourage you. Only you know what type of release of pain you get from ES shot. I know what you are going through. My heart goes out to anyone who has to endure this procedure Caroline

I used to get those a few years ago from a quack pain managment dr. Was basically in screaming crying pain for the first 2 days after getting them, and then back in it a couple months after they wore off. It was like my whole spine used to lock up and burn.

One of the worst parts was sometimes the sedation didn't work when I got the injections. OUCHIE!

I was worse off when I was getting the shots personally.

Needless to say I don't see that dr anymore. A few doctors later I finally got one with one who helped me find a better pain managment plan.

ive had more of them than i care to remember.some helped some didnt. needing them now

i had a series of three within six weeks and they didn't help me for any length of time really. i was then referred to pain management by my spine surgeon and she tries to push epidurals on me for my neck pain but I don't see any sense in wasting my time, her time or my money on something that failed before ya know? I am allergic to NSAIDS so I am on about 10 prescriptions all together I think including my most recent addition ambien CR to help me sleep. I don't know of a day I have been without pain for a few years now, would probably pass out if I had one totally pain free, lol. I just do what I can do then sit down or lie down for awhile until I can get up and do more. I saw a therapist for a few months, she told me I needed to focus on the things in life that bring me pleasure and not focus so much on the bad and she was right. the bad is still there every minute of every day but I now try to muddle through it more. helps that I am on long term disability from my job at least for now until I can hopefully get my social security disability approved and my husband has a good job so we aren't stressing so much over money which makes things even worse. wish I had some wonderful insightful remedy for you but I guess the truth is, we all have to do what's best for each of us as individuals. nothing works the same on any two people. good luck and gentle hugs. I am always here if you need someone to talk to.

I had 3 injections over a 6 week period, and after only 3 months, the pain was worse. It never really got any better while doing the injections.
Then I got sick, and the Dr. tells me that because of all the steroids in my system, my immunity is lower than normal, and because steroida affect your immune system for 12-18 months, I am at risk to get every type of crud that happens to be going around. Since having the injectons, I have ended up with Bronchitis 2X, and Pnumonia in my lower right lobe, 2X. I have had 2 headcolds, and now have an infection that mimics bronchitis, but is actually an esophageal (sp) or infection in the throat. It feels just like bronchitis, because I am coughing up lots of the crud, but my lungs are clear!!!!!!!!

My advise is, unless you really need steroids, don't let the Dr. use them on you.

I do take a multi vita and some extra vita C, trying to get my immune system back to normal, whatever that is. My Dr recommended it due to the steroids. I can not imagine what I would have ended up with if I had not been taking the vitas!

Love and hugs. Kathy

I had those shots and the guy told me that the relief can last anywhere from a week to three months. Only lasted a week for me, looks like you actually came out good.

Yes, you'll have to go back and get them again, but hon, at least there's something that takes the pain away. Not trying to make light of your situation. I know it's not pleasant, but at least something helps.

I am sorry to hear that your injections did not last. I had 3 in my neck back in 2005 and have not had much pain at all in my neck and shoulder. When I get really tired it will hurt. I also had 3 in my hip in 2005 and those did not last very long. I finally went back several months ago for 3 more and it just doesn't seem to last in the hip area. If they had not helped in my neck and shoulder I don't know what I would have done. I hope the Dr can find something that will help you.