Jean-Paul: My doc said it is an epidural and I will call to verify. I am placed on a table and have four anesthesia shots in the lower back area. They then use an x-ray machine to take pics while everyone is in the room and inject on the top area and then the lower area of the L5/SI. So, I believe it is an epidural (but again will check).
Kate- I have followed your progress and heartache through the pain and I totally understand what you went through as I am going through the same. Being as active as I am, it absolutely kills me to have to pare down my workouts--just as it did you. I am definitely going through the ups and downs of this whole experience. I am typically very upbeat, but when the pain is there I am selfish, irritable and depressed?!? (which is not me!)
I have received the epidurals about a week and a half apart. I know that is sooner than most and know that I am limited in the number I can have, but due to starting a new job and wanting the pain to be manageable we have gone this aggressive route.
I do not want to have surgery as I have read the efficacy is similar to that of more conservative treatments. I have not thought about acupuncture and not sure how I feel about it. Again, I do not want surgery as I feel that in a couple of years I will be back in the same position I am now.
As, you all can probably tell I am getting to my witts end about this and just want to cut the disc off myself...
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