I am scheduled for an epidural Friday and have some concerns since I have PV and ET. I have stopped taking aspirin as well as Eliquis; however, I am concerned about the possible risk involved with the epidural.
I have been having some back and leg pain for about a month and went to an orthopedic dr. for x-rays and MRI. The findings were two disc (L3 and L4) had slipped forward 3 mm and was pinching the nerve. L5 was pretty much gone (maybe arthritis or osteoporosis) so I was given a cortisone shot in my hip and knee cap. Also given a anti-inflamatory pac, muscle relaxer, and Tylenol 3 for pain. I have been using a walker for the last month as I couldn't straighten up my back.
I have some concerns about the epidural injections in my back since there are some risks involved - infection, bleeding. and nerve damage.
Has anyone else with MPN had epidurals in the past? Actually felt better today and leg not as sore and I could actually straighten up. Not feeling warm and fuzzy about the epidural .... please share any and all comments. Thanks!!
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Buggerbear
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Not going to be much help here but just didn't want you feeling too alone... Hopefully, someone will soon come along w/ some more useful advice...
All sounds a tad daunting. I too have had back problems for many years, largely impacted from a car accident in my 20s, I am now 63yo, & I find if I keep myself relatively in shape, I can usually avoid some of the more serious pain that from time to time emanates from my back.
I try to cycle regularly, & consume a healthy "Anti-Inflammatory diet" that all helps to keep those kgs away from my waist & hips etc...
Ruxolitinib, has a nasty side-effect of adding unwanted kgs, so I must do what I can to control as best I may...
Please do keep us all informed as to how things progress... Sorry I am not able to offer more assistance...
I have cervical disc issues and have had several injections done with no complications from my PV and high platelets. My MPN specialist from Emory Winship in Atlanta had no problem with me receiving these and stated I did not need to do anything to prepare ( in light of the MPN) as there was no incisions being made.
Good Luck and I hope the epidural provides you some relief!
Glad to hear from you as my Oncologist is with Emory Winship in Buford, GA. Dr. T is not a MPN Specialist but he has been treating me for PV and ET and my lab numbers are pretty good due to taking ruxolitinib.
They actually have a team of MPn specialists at Emory Windship downtown Atlanta. I chose to do telehealth appointments with my Dr Anthony Hunter. I meet with him about every 4 to 6 months.
They schedule my phlebotomies at Emory Winship in Johns Creek so it’s been quite convenient and the quickness in addressing any questions or issues I am having has been fantastic in case you should ever need to reach out for a second opinion! I highly Recommend him! I hope you have received some relief from the epidural!!
have you seen an osteopath or chiropractic specialist? There may be some merit in doing so before resorting to high level of medical intervention such as epidural.
Buggerbear, I have degenerative disc disease in L3 & L4, and my L5 was sacralized. I have endured two back surgeries; one laminectomy and one laminotomy, both successful. The first surgery was at the age of 26, the next at the age of 41. I have also had several epidurals and all provides relief, but some more than others. The procedure was not what I would call painful, just some discomfort and a feeling of pressure near the injection site.
I was not diagnosed with PV, nor did I have obvious symptoms, until age 48 so I cannot say how that will affect your treatment. Chronic pain is no joke, and I do hope you find comfort.
I have lumbar spine issues having had 3 level fusion some years ago. Unfortunately continued degeneration has meant years of cortisone injections into facet joints as well as epidural injections. I have PV too and apart from stopping Plavix for a few days beforehand these interventions have been unremarkable.
Just last week I had nerve ablation with the hope that this will alleviate my pain.
My neurosurgeon has told me that I require another 4 level fusion but I am fighting as hard as I can not to go done this path.
I do hope you experience relief from your injections. I have been advised that 3/4 per year is quite acceptable. All the best with it.
I have not had injections with ET. Years prior I did. Did not have relief from them. Chiropractor, massage and stretching along with physical therapy in a pool helped a lot. Best of Luck to you.
I received injections on multiple occasions. Of course, my MPN doctor was on aware. It was the best decision, the injections really helped! Best of luck!
So sorry you’re going through this. I had an inverted herniated disc last year with immense pain. I stayed in bed most of the time, except to get more tests to determine the cause. I was also using a walker. But after 9 days the pain resolved itself. The doctor wanted to give me an epidural and said I should stop taking baby aspirin for a week prior. Since the pain resolved itself, I decided against the epidural. The doctor prescribed physical therapy which helped a lot. It strengthens your core and therefore, helps your back.
I have had over 10 epidurals in my lumbar and neck around every 3 months without any problems they just have me stop blood thinners 5 days prior to them. It sure helps after they do them.
Thank all of you for sharing your experiences with me!!!
I did have the epidural done last Friday and was able to straighten my body up which was wonderful!!! I am still using the walker as my right leg and knee still is a little painful, but I am able to walk again and hope to start PT soon.
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