I’m booked in for some lumbar spine injections very soon and they’ve just asked if I’d like sedation. I’ve really got no idea on the pain level or what to expect. Has anyone had similar before and can comment on pros and cons of sedation? I’m a bit scared to be honest.
The exact procedures are L2-5 medial branch blocks, left sacroiliac joint inj and left glut max inj… with depomedrone.
Can anyone tell me what it’s like?
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Thank you for the info. It’s funny as I always think I’m ok with pain. I had both my children with no pain relief at all (no time!). However I’m not very good with needles. So it’s a tricky one!!!
hi I’ve had several spinal injections. The first time was under general anaesthetic. After that I had them under local anaesthetic and it’s no problem. Just a sharp sting when the anaesthetic goes in, like any other injection. After that it’s painless. Don’t worry it will be fine.
Hi, I had a lumber puncture for testing spinal fluid (diagnosed FND) . You will have local to dull the local area for the needle and should take about 20 minutes not sure if that’s the case for just injections. My procedure lasted an hour as I had a junior doctor doing it and she couldn’t get in between the vertebrae five times she scraped the bone that was a weird sensation finally a senior doctor stabbed me once extracted the fluid and it was done then they dropped the sample so lost half on the way to the lab lol. I was not sedated but I am ok with needles (just not so many lol) , I would ask the person doing it how many times they have done it. Good luck. Kevin
I had a caudal epidural and now need another, I would choose sedation for the next one if offered. I’ve had other epidurals with no need for sedation. I wouldn’t have thought it would be a general anaesthetic, more something to make you more comfortable. Hope it all goes well for you whatever you chose.
I really appreciate all of your answers. Thank you so much. Really good to see others’ experiences. I knew this would be just the right forum to ask!! Well I’m booked in for 7.30 am next Thursday… eek!!!
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