NO hydrocodone, but you can have an epedural.

[bloodred1889]

ok my doctor basicallt just told me no she wont ever give me hydrocodone, even though i have a modertate to severe classwed chronic back pain.

but im due to go to the hospital and have an mri, she said they might decide to give you an epedural. the things pregnant women get.
it would be to numb my spine for 3 months at a time!!

does this sound weird to all of you, or should i just give up and see another doctor.

im just worried that my records would go to another doctor and they would just say the same thing.

an epedural seems abit extreme to me, and contradicting, wouldnt it be more extreme then taking painkillers?

[augentier]

of course, it's also more expensive $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Pondlife]

If it were me, then I would consider getting a second opinion.

From my understanding based on your "vicodin or lortab in the UK" thread, you're currently on step 1 of the analgesic ladder with paracetamol - correct? If so, then the next step should be step 2 which would add codeine or similar to the mix. If my understanding is correct, then moving straight to an epidural seems a bit extreme as you say.

You mention your medical records. Do you know what's on them? If not, you are entitled to see them under the Data Protection Act 1998. If you have this concern, then it would be worth finding out what is actually on them. Here's a link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A1181657

[KBLSD]

Originally Posted by pondlife

If it were me, then I would consider getting a second opinion.

From my understanding based on your "vicodin or lortab in the UK" thread, you're currently on step 1 of the analgesic ladder with paracetamol - correct? If so, then the next step should be step 2 which would add codeine or similar to the mix. If my understanding is correct, then moving straight to an epidural seems a bit extreme as you say.

You mention your medical records. Do you know what's on them? If not, you are entitled to see them under the Data Protection Act 1998. If you have this concern, then it would be worth finding out what is actually on them. Here's a link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A1181657

ya i would go for the second opinion for sure

[bloodred1889]

thanks guys, swim will, swim is moving soon, so thats a good excuse to get a new doctor.

and no swim is way past paracetamol.

[EuPhOrIa89]

Hey blood are you getting the epidural steroid injections?? If so I'll try to help you out as much as I can cause I have had it done a few times.(Chronic back pain 1yr now) If you have any other questions or need other info about this let me know.

[bloodred1889]

havnt got anything yet, doctor just said maybe..
ive had my back pain for 6 years now, and only now are they suggesting this, stupid doctors.

but thanks..
does it hurt?
dont you get paralized, i would think you wouldnt be able to walk...
can you tell me how it feels ect and how it works?

thanks

[pixplzthx]

Epidural steroid injections aren't too bad. Except for the first one since you (and the doctor) don't know how you will react. Request that they inject the cortisone as slowly as possible the first time. Also, standing up is "fun" at first because you now have extra fluid around your spinal column. That means extra pressure! Yippee!


Anyway, the kid around the corner gotten them in the neck (around the c7 area) and unfortunately, they didn't work for TKATC.

[someguy1]

Originally Posted by bloodred1889

ok my doctor basicallt just told me no she wont ever give me hydrocodone, even though i have a modertate to severe classwed chronic back pain.

but im due to go to the hospital and have an mri, she said they might decide to give you an epedural. the things pregnant women get.
it would be to numb my spine for 3 months at a time!!

does this sound weird to all of you, or should i just give up and see another doctor.

I am not a doctor but I have been through the procedure you're describing six times now. There are two methods, guided and unguided. I recommend what's commonly called the "guided" method. In the guided method, an epidural injection is administered while being watched by an x-ray type machine. In my experience this provides better placement and better results. That being said, the results may not be earth-shattering. I achieve relief for a few days to a week or two at most with the injections. Depending on the type of injury or disease you have you may also hear about a procedure where the nerve endings are burned with high frequency RF (I think). This procedure (which I'm considering) is said to have better results with up to six months relief.

Of course, I'd also consider a second opinion before undertaking any of these procedures. Chances are, you'll find a Dr. who is more liberal with pain meds and you may be able to avoid these procedures entirely. I use Fentanyl patches and Hydrocodone and I haven't had a procedure in over six months now. The side effects of the meds are sometimes a bear but it beats living with pain every moment of your life.

[Lisa J]

SWIM'S ex was having these done every 3 - 4 months, he has been told it's not something they like to do for more than a couple of years because the injection causes thinning of the tissues and eventually can cause more damage. Change SWIY'S outdated GP so SWIY can get some proper pain relief and an occasional spinal injection if required.