Spinal Injections
I have 2 herniated discs and the dr has recommended these instead of pain medication because I'm breast feeding. Not to mention he says I will need a fusion eventually, I am so freaked out about these shots. I am honestly terrified. I never even wanted an epidural for delivery but wound up with 3 spinals last year and they were horrible nervewracking experiences. I got nervous and flushed just making the appointment just now. And what's worse is they say the 1st one rarely works and you need a 2nd a couple weeks later.
Anyone have any experience with these, getting through them, alternatives, anything? I need any advice please! I scheduled the appointment for over a month away hoping there's something, anything I can do for some relief before then and I can cancel the appointment. I've thought about glucosamine type supplements but I don't know if I can have those while I'm breast feeding.
Re: Spinal Injections
I'm 27 and have had 2 back surgeries due to degenerative disc disease and multiple herniations at 3 levels - I'm looking at a three level fusion eventually, though I'm trying to put it off as long as possible. (I'm really hoping for FDA approval of a multi-level disc replacement, but last I heard, Germany is currently working on a 2 level, so who knows when 3 will be available!)
Anyways, I had injections to initially avoid my first surgery at 24, needless to say it didn't work - I refused to have another. (My mom has back issues as well, and she has had 2 in the last 6 months, and is still in the same amount of pain as she was)... I'm not a believer! And I'm terrified of needles - I jumped off the table when they poked me, even though I was "numb" - it took 6 nurses to hold me down to finish the injection.
I would suggest going to talk to a pain specialist - when I refused the last injection, my surgeon sent me to one, and we have been able to manage my pain without oral medications (I'm not a big pill-popper). One thing that has really helped with the pain are Lidoderm patches (an 8 in x 6 in sticky patch you put where it hurts), I'm currently pregnant, and they're safe for pregnancy - it might be worth checking them out, I'm not sure if you can use them while breast feeding. If you do use them, I will warn you that they did give me a headache for the first few days, so I simply wore them at night so my body could get used to it.
Good luck - I know it's not easy living with back pain. If you have any questions about what I've been through or would like more suggestions on what to try, feel free to message me... this has turned into quite a novel!
I would suggest avoiding surgery at all costs - I had to have the first one, based on the fact that I lost use of my legs (a disc compressed my spinal cord to 1/3 the size it should be) - and while I"m greatful I can walk now, I wish I wouldn't have had the second (both were lamonectamies/discectomies). I was told that once I go for the fusion, I can expect my spine to break down very quickly, regardless of the rods - basically you're taking the needed cushion from your bone, and it will start to chip and basically disinegrate into pieces from the pressure of your weight on your spine. When you're body is ready for you to be fused, it will dissolve the disc and fuse the bone itself.
Keep your corre strong and get in the best shape that you can - for every pound of weight you gain, it puts 3 pounds of pressure on your spine. I've found that walking (not power walking) and swimming are both low impact and make my back feel the best. Yoga is great, as long as you listen to your body and don't over do it. You'd be suprised what strengthening your core can do! I sit on a yoga ball when I'm on the computer or watching TV, and it's done alot to stabalize my back.
Good luck and hang in there!