I just received a phone call from the pain clinic and because the steroid injections did not really do what they were hoping for burning the nerve ( there is a technical name for this ) will not help either. I think I am just about at the end of my rope. So my question would be has anyone else had the Epidural in their lower back.
Janice
Have you thought of trying a alpha stim m it's like a tens unit but a lot better. I had 2 epidural switch no luck. I'm going to try the alpha stim m next.
I have an Alpha Stim and mine is the AID model. I was able to trial it a number of years ago through the pain support website and then buy it at a reduced cost and spread the payments over 4 months as they're pretty expensive. It's no miracle cure but it certainly does help me as I have fybromyalgia. It works in a very different way to a tens machine so you may want to look it up.
I have the tens and it has helped me some. I will do some research on the alpha stim and see if I can get it in Canada. Thanks for the information 
Thankyou for the information I have not heard of a Alpha Stim so I will do some research on them and also find out if I can get it in Canada. I have a tens unit and it has helped me a bit but not a a lot. Thanks again
Janice
You'll get such mixed reviews of lumbar epidurals that it probably won't help you make a decision as to whether you should have one or not!
I think the term you're looking for is a rhizotomy (where they 'burn' certain nerves). Again you'll get various accounts of successful outcomes, or not!
I tend to ask the specific doctor that's going to do the epidural, what his/her success rate is. I can only hope for a honest & modest answer!
RAYJAYC
Thankyou RAYJAYC my husband is coming with me to this appointment . He knows how discouraged I am feeling and wants to make sure the right questions are asked. I think I am going to write down what I want to talk about. Yes I think you are right I think I will have to make a decision based on the research I do . Thanks again
Janice
Always a good plan to write down what you want to know & any questions you have.
I've even left space after each question/query for me to scribble in an answer otherwise my 'good idea' to take the piece of paper in with me gets scuppered as I forget what the answers were!!
Also, it's excellent that your husband is going with you; he can be the one that holds it all together for you if you're feeling so despondent! Do try to listen to what the doctor says and if necessary, go for a second opinion so you either know that the original doctor's view is 'general' or that there's someone else out there that has a different skill maybe?!
Let us know how you're doing....
RAYJAYC
Yes you are right RAYJAYC I will have to ask the right questions and can only hope to reseave an honest answer . Thankyou take care
Janice
Hi grizzly7168
Sorry to hear that the steroid injections did not work. I had the same injection and I also had the epidural in my lower back and sorry to say that did not work for me at all. Al I can say is if you want to try but if it does not work please don't be too down about it. I now suffer from chronic lower back pain and nothing they have done or the tablets I have taken has worked not even morphine.
Look after yourself and take care Linda xx
Hi Janice - I had an Epidural last August and it was brilliant. No more spasms etc. only downfall for me is I have a lot of arthritis and it seems to have worsened but it is much better than before and I can walk a lot better. I am still on painkillers but trying to come off them.
Good luck.
June
Oh I am so glad to hear that the Epidural may help my muscle spasms. They start in the lumbar region but then move up to between my shoulder blades. While it is happening it is very difficult to breath. Comes gets stronger and stronger and then slowly dies down. Does that kinda sound like what you have had? I hope that you can continue to come off the pain meds , the ones I am on make me very tired. What are you taking right now ?
Hi Grizzly7168 I had epidurals in my lower back as I was getting nerve pain from a bulging disc pressing on a nerve, I had a lot of success with the injections, I was given sedation 1st followed by the injection guided by xray and it lasted for me between 5 and 6 months. I had 3 over 18 months but my pain consultant has retired and the new consultant has refused to do any more as she said you shouldnt have more than 3, I do know that some people have had more than this but I dont know if it varies across different areas, I live in North Wales.
hope you find something that works for you.
all the very best and good luck hugs and love Sheryl x
Before you consider epidurals, do some research on them. I believe they have a fairly high risk of quite serious adverse effects - mainly because of where the needle has to go, with the potential to damage the spinal cord. Have you been seeing a neurosurgeon (or spinal surgeon)? If not, then maybe ask for a new assessment by someone else as there may be other options your current doctors aren't considering.
Yes, many times over the years. They work for a while and wear off within 6 months to a year or sooner. Not a real fix, but I don't want survery. Hope you feel better.👍.
Hi Grizzly7168, I had a Epidural last year, on the day of the procedure I was so excited at last I was going to get some pain relief for a few month, sadly for me it didn`t work, I was so disappointed and so I am still here in chronic pain. Now I know people who have had them and have had a good outcome. I think at the end of the day it is your decision.
Radio frequency is what they do when they burn the nerve I have had this done 3 times. I have a nerve block for the pain in my lower back should have them every 3 months but lucky if I get them 2 a year.
epidural spinal injection
Epidural fibrosis L5 nerve
