The Epidural Shot aftermath

Well, I got my steroid injection in my back last night. Interesting enough, the doctor had a really difficult time with injecting me. For those of you who know me, everything that has to do with my health is never simple. I just went to the orthodontist to have a consultation about getting braces for my teeth...not that simple. My teeth aren't just crooked, I am missing a tooth on the bottom. It never grew in.

I wanted to switch some meds because I was feeling fatigue. Wasn't that simple. Had blood tests and found out I was vitamin D deficient.

And the list goes on.

Here is what happened with the infection. I laid down and the doctor injected the numbing medicine. That was fine (well, it stung a little, but not as bad as I thought it would be). Then she had to insert the contrast so she could see where she was going. She needed to find a spot that didn't have any blood vessels because you don't want that stuff in your blood stream. So she was looking, and looking, and still looking. Mind you, looking means taking the needle and moving it around inside my spine. Even though I had the numbing medicine, I could still feel the needle and I swear it was hitting nerves because my right leg kept twitching. It was painful. She told me, "Wow, I have never seen someone with so many blood vessels here before!". Thanks lady, but hurry up and take the needle out of my spine! It was almost 10 minutes of this and I could tell the Doc was getting frustrated because she was laughing about it when really, on the inside, she was probably saying "Gosh Darn it!" or something to that effect.

After she found the spot, the pain of the needle in my back was gone. She injected the steroid, then I went into the recovery room. Remember how I said everything is difficult with me? Here is another example. I had to stay in the recovery room longer because my Blood Pressure was too high. I think that maybe, just maybe, it was due to the fact that I just had a NEEDLE IN MY SPINE!!! But I am not a doctor.

So the results? So far, the only difference is no cramping and the pain down my legs has decreased. However, it is still difficult to move my back. Putting on my socks is a little painful and walking Bella is still near impossible. Although it has only been 19 hours since my injection. I was just hoping for a quick fix. So, I have a follow up in 2 weeks and I should be starting physical therapy next week. I guess I have to be patient! Not one of my strengths when it comes to my health.

Ciao for now!
Mrs. Knutzen