Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Spinal injection

Hi.
I am scheduled for an injection next week at the same day surgery clinic.
The doctor is very young, but thinks this injection for pain relief will help my leg pain.
X-rays show that I am fused above L-5, from previous surgery. Yet, my surgical fusion was at L-3&4.
SO she intends to go up from the tailbone to avoid problems at L-5.
My question, has anyone, with AS, also advanced facet and stenosis problems and other types of arthritis had any success with these shots? I have no interest in spending $2,000 for one week of less pain. With no cushion between disks, am I throwing my money away?
Lon

I, unfortunately, do not have an answer for you. Just wanted to say Hi and let you know I hope it works.

Well I had an epidural some time ago Lon. However, I'm not sure what kind of drugs were in it or whether they're the same as what you're having. It was supposed to ease the pain for up to six months but it worked for five days. Whatever you're having I hope it works better than that!
Best wishes,
Tim.

Lon, is there a money back guarantee? Sounds like there should be. I don't know how to advise you except to say that $2,000 is alot of money to spend on a shot that may or may not work beyond five days. But then, we can say that about alot of the meds we take.

In lieu of good advice, I'll just wish you luck with whichever route you take.

Many hugs,

Hey there Lon,
Those injections are a hit or miss. I've had them. My Dad's had them. And working in PT over the years and in orthopedic practices, I've had alot of patients that have had them. It's all about taking the chance. Take the chance they may work for you. I hope so. It's worth a try, I always say.
Let us know how it goes.
Cindy

Lon,

My Dad had four of these injections, after his failed spinal surgery. He said the injections only worked for about a week and he isn't going back for anymore. The risk of being anesthetized is not worth the benefit that he got from the injections.

Like everything else, you have to see how, and if it works for you, so at least try it once. Then you can weight the benefits versus the risks and make your own decision about their worth.

Gay

Lon,

I have been weighing this situation...

At least from my standpoint I have had shots and epidural shots many times over the years.

For me as far as I know I do not yet have any fusing anywhere just lots of joint damage and pain. Many times if it werent for these shots I would have been in bed unable to move. There have been many times these shots have saved my butt (no pun intended) lol my biggest problem has been with my SI joints.

All I can suggest is if you can not walk or get around then at different times my shots have worked well for months and then there have been times when I think a part was so inflammed that it was too late to do the best work.

If these injections are going to cost that kind of money I would really want some kind of nod that it would really help, I sure dont have that kind of money to throw around...if insurance will pick up most of it then I think it might be worth going for it.

One thing you did say was that you have no cushion...the thing I think of is that the shots cant help with anything that might be bone grinding upon bone and if you are going thru that then I am sure that is very painful and I am sorry.

I wish you the best of luck whichever route you decide to take.

Please keep us updated,

Take Care,

Lisa

Lon Ol buddy,
I just had round 2 of spinal facet injections. I received 6 at a time.
The first round really help, but after about 3 weeks I could feel the old me coming back through. So the doctor recommended a 2nd round stating that the outcome is usually better and monger lasting after the second. While the jury is still out, I can say that I am somewhat better than before. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this one holds on for a long time.

AS you know everyone is different. All I can say is if you trust your doc, then what have you got to lose? I sure didn't take a shine to the thought of getting a needle in the spine. But so far I have lived through it. And I am no worse for it.

Take Care
Keep Kickin'AS
Chris

Hi,
I'm fusing into a twisted spine so i have some facet trouble with that. My last injection on the right of L4 didn't do much of anything for me. I had 3 other injections in my back before that, and they lasted from 2 to 3 months. I had one in each shoulder that lasted about 3 months each.
Hope this helps.
James.

Thanks for posting.
I believe I am going to pass on the proceedure. With everything involved, needing to go through 5 disks to get there, I will spend the money on something that will change the structure of my back.
This group has lots of experience!
Thanks again,