Omelet wrote:
> I don't want to start a thread here about this.
> If anyone has had this done, please e-mail me.
> This e-mail works...
>
> Considering this procedure for Thursday 12-03-09...

I'm dealing with the need for this because post-surgical results have not
been as expected with regard to back pain. I'm looking at cortisone
injections, what medication are you looking at?
--
Dave
What is best in life? "To crush your enemies, see them driven before
you, and to hear the lamentation of the women." -- Conan

In article >,
"Dave Bugg" > wrote:

> Omelet wrote:
> > I don't want to start a thread here about this.
> > If anyone has had this done, please e-mail me.
> > This e-mail works...
> >
> > Considering this procedure for Thursday 12-03-09...
>
> I'm dealing with the need for this because post-surgical results have not
> been as expected with regard to back pain. I'm looking at cortisone
> injections, what medication are you looking at?

I was reluctant to start yet another off topic thread this close to the
holiday message flood, but there is a lot of collective wisdom on this
list and I value experienced input. ;-) Many thanks to those that
responded via private mail.

Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well. Seems
to be the gold standard. Chiropractic is controlling my lumbar pain
nicely. This issue is with my neck causing upper back cramping and
severe arm pain and weakness. I have had an MRI that reveals bulging
disks at C5, C6 and C7. C7 being the largest of the three and that's
what is causing the most pain.

He prescribed a Medrol pack for me yesterday to help with the pain while
I wait and it's helping already. He also offered Hydrocodone, but I
turned that down. I don't want to take Opiates.

Another cool item that helps a LOT, especially with lower back spasms is
one of these:

<http://www.medicalproductsonline.org/meprondi75mu.html> I use it as
needed and use the settings recommended by my Chiropractor.
Electrotherapy is very helpful...
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

Omelet wrote:

> <http://www.medicalproductsonline.org/meprondi75mu.html> I use it as
> needed and use the settings recommended by my Chiropractor.
> Electrotherapy is very helpful...

Om, I'm really sorry you're dealing with all this pain. I hope
they can fix it.

nancy

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> Omelet wrote:
>
> > <http://www.medicalproductsonline.org/meprondi75mu.html> I use it as
> > needed and use the settings recommended by my Chiropractor.
> > Electrotherapy is very helpful...
>
> Om, I'm really sorry you're dealing with all this pain. I hope
> they can fix it.
>
> nancy

Thanks Nancy.

Sucks getting older sometimes!
I am also aware that I'm anything but alone with this issue...
I'll pass on anything that helps me!
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

Omelet wrote:

> Sucks getting older sometimes!
> I am also aware that I'm anything but alone with this issue...
> I'll pass on anything that helps me!


I know someone who says "Growing old ain't for sissies."

She is probably right.

Happy T-day, Om.

George L

In article >,
George Leppla > wrote:

> Omelet wrote:
>
> > Sucks getting older sometimes!
> > I am also aware that I'm anything but alone with this issue...
> > I'll pass on anything that helps me!
>
>
> I know someone who says "Growing old ain't for sissies."
>
> She is probably right.
>
> Happy T-day, Om.
>
> George L

Cheers babe. :-)
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

Omelet wrote:
>
> Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well. Seems
> to be the gold standard. Chiropractic is controlling my lumbar pain
> nicely. This issue is with my neck causing upper back cramping and
> severe arm pain and weakness. I have had an MRI that reveals bulging
> disks at C5, C6 and C7. C7 being the largest of the three and that's
> what is causing the most pain.

There's always cervical chiropractic manipulation.

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/loca...tic-adjustment

Omelet wrote:
>
> Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well.

Pain block shots can ease discomfort but cure nothing. Many people
suffering from spinal pain are greatly helped by having a certified
orthopedic shoe specialist examine their posture and adjust their
footwear... and buy a quality matress and boxspring, like Sterns &
Foster. Most folks suffering back pain have been wearing crappy shoes
since their very first steps and have never had a night's sleep on a
quality mattress, and in most cases have been sleeping on the same
cheapo mattress for more than 20 years, way past its useful life. Back
surgery is a total waste if you continue to wear ill fitting crappy
shoes and sleep on what amounts to a homeless shelter cot. And for
folks sitting at a PC for more than half of each day get yourself a
custom fitted chair... any Awfus Depot type seating will only make
your pain worse, that piece of garbage you sit on all day is what
contributed to your back pain by at least 50%.

brooklyn1 wrote:
>
> Omelet wrote:
> >
> > Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well.
>
> Pain block shots can ease discomfort but cure nothing. Many people

Cortisol is not a pain block. It is a hormone
which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Reducing
inflammation can decrease pressure on nerves.

"Mark Thorson" wrote
> brooklyn1 wrote:
>> Omelet wrote:

>> > Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well.

>> Pain block shots can ease discomfort but cure nothing. Many people

> Cortisol is not a pain block. It is a hormone
> which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Reducing
> inflammation can decrease pressure on nerves.

Mark, we can all ignore Sheldon on this one. He's got no background of
worth at all on it.

In article >,
Mark Thorson > wrote:

> brooklyn1 wrote:
> >
> > Omelet wrote:
> > >
> > > Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well.
> >
> > Pain block shots can ease discomfort but cure nothing. Many people
>
> Cortisol is not a pain block. It is a hormone
> which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Reducing
> inflammation can decrease pressure on nerves.

Yes, but as pointed out, it's only temporary for many people. For some,
it is all they needed and can stave off or even eliminate the need for
surgery...
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

In article >,
brooklyn1 > wrote:

> Omelet wrote:
> >
> > Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well.
>
> Pain block shots can ease discomfort but cure nothing. Many people
> suffering from spinal pain are greatly helped by having a certified
> orthopedic shoe specialist examine their posture and adjust their
> footwear... and buy a quality matress and boxspring, like Sterns &
> Foster. Most folks suffering back pain have been wearing crappy shoes
> since their very first steps and have never had a night's sleep on a
> quality mattress, and in most cases have been sleeping on the same
> cheapo mattress for more than 20 years, way past its useful life. Back
> surgery is a total waste if you continue to wear ill fitting crappy
> shoes and sleep on what amounts to a homeless shelter cot. And for
> folks sitting at a PC for more than half of each day get yourself a
> custom fitted chair... any Awfus Depot type seating will only make
> your pain worse, that piece of garbage you sit on all day is what
> contributed to your back pain by at least 50%.

All excellent advice Sheldon! I wear Scholl's athletic shoes as my work
shoes fitted with a pair of "Superfeet" orthotics. "Superfeet" were
recommended to me by the Airrosti Chiropractor and they pretty much
eliminated the ankle pain I was having at work when I was on my feet a
lot. Sleeping position and good support at night are also critical.

Buy a body pillow...
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

Omelet wrote:
> In article >,
> "Dave Bugg" > wrote:
>
>> Omelet wrote:
>>> I don't want to start a thread here about this.
>>> If anyone has had this done, please e-mail me.
>>> This e-mail works...
>>>
>>> Considering this procedure for Thursday 12-03-09...
>>
>> I'm dealing with the need for this because post-surgical results
>> have not been as expected with regard to back pain. I'm looking at
>> cortisone injections, what medication are you looking at?
>
> I was reluctant to start yet another off topic thread this close to
> the holiday message flood, but there is a lot of collective wisdom on
> this list and I value experienced input. ;-) Many thanks to those that
> responded via private mail.
>
> Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well.
> Seems to be the gold standard. Chiropractic is controlling my lumbar
> pain nicely. This issue is with my neck causing upper back cramping
> and severe arm pain and weakness. I have had an MRI that reveals
> bulging disks at C5, C6 and C7. C7 being the largest of the three and
> that's what is causing the most pain.

As I understand it, corticosteroids are injected to try and reduce swelling
in the nerves in the affected area. It doesn't do anything for disc bulgings
or herniations. In many cases discs bulging disc will settle down on their
own and reduce back to where they need to be all on their own. The
injections are designed to be used as an interim solution to help the nerve
swelling from the irritation until the bulging goes down. Herniations are a
whole 'nother issue.

Prior to surgery, I used prednisol (oral) in 10 day decreasing doses. This
was done three seperate times. The first time, it significantly relieved the
pain, but once I stopped taking it the pain returned within two or three
days. The other courses, done one month apart, were increasingly
NON-effective. The last prescription had no effect on the pain.

My surgery was successful in he sense that the herniated disc material in
two seperate lumbar spaces was removed and stenosis from some intruding
spurs was removed. I had no post-operative pain from the surgery whatsoever.

The first week post-op, I noticed a decrease in pain (from a 9 to a 7+) and
a definite resolution to the muscle weakness to my legs; I no longer worried
about my legs collapsing out from under me.

At this point (about 5 months post op) the nerve pain has not resolved, and
by the end of the day will be a 7 or 8. The pain is all engulfing at that
point. To me, a 10 on the scale is when you develop tunnel vision and pass
out. I had a post-op MRI done 6 weeks ago, so there is a great picture of
the 'before' and 'after'. The last MRI shows that the surgery accomplished
what it was designed to do. The neurosurgeon was an artist++++. The MRI does
show two other areas of possible nerve impingement from 'bone spurs' that
have created some stenosis. The Doc who did the surgery, and a different Doc
that I had do a second opinion, both independently conclude that there is
simply no way to definitively know if another surgery will take care of the
pain.

That is why I'm facing steroid injections. The docs seem to think that there
is a possibility that my nerve trunk is still aggravated and extremely
grouchy from having been severely impinged prior to surgery. The steroid
injections may sooth and decrease any swelling in the nerve so that there is
no more impingement. A nerve that is no longer swollen will have plenty of
space around it and go from being irritated and angry to non-irritated and
happy. This approach seems reasonable to me. It is far simpler and less
costly than surgery. It is like making sure that a stereo, which will not
turn-on, is not unplugged before opening 'er up and digging around the
circuit boards.

BTW, I am taking neurontin, robaxin, and ibuprofen every 8 hours. This makes
the pain tolerable during the day, but I have very limited activity. I am
doing physical therapy and doing exercises at home. Although I have
hydrocodone, I limit taking it until a half-hour prior to bed. It really
helps reduce the percieved pain level to a point which I can get about 3-4
hours of sleep each night. About once a week, I am soooo desperately tired
that my body lets me sleep for about 8 hours before the pain breaks through
the exhaustion and wakes me up.

I hope this helps; maybe what I wrote will strike a cord of something
similar. This is, of course, my perspective and your issues certainly are
going to be different.

For me, it isn't just the pain that make things suck. It is the inability to
function normally and to be able to get back to work and be productive.

--
Dave
What is best in life? "To crush your enemies, see them driven before
you, and to hear the lamentation of the women." -- Conan

Dave Bugg wrote:
> That is why I'm facing steroid injections. The docs seem to think that there
> is a possibility that my nerve trunk is still aggravated and extremely
> grouchy from having been severely impinged prior to surgery. The steroid
> injections may sooth and decrease any swelling in the nerve so that there is
> no more impingement. A nerve that is no longer swollen will have plenty of
> space around it and go from being irritated and angry to non-irritated and
> happy. This approach seems reasonable to me. It is far simpler and less
> costly than surgery. It is like making sure that a stereo, which will not
> turn-on, is not unplugged before opening 'er up and digging around the
> circuit boards.
>
> BTW, I am taking neurontin, robaxin, and ibuprofen every 8 hours. This makes
> the pain tolerable during the day, but I have very limited activity. I am
> doing physical therapy and doing exercises at home. Although I have
> hydrocodone, I limit taking it until a half-hour prior to bed. It really
> helps reduce the percieved pain level to a point which I can get about 3-4
> hours of sleep each night. About once a week, I am soooo desperately tired
> that my body lets me sleep for about 8 hours before the pain breaks through
> the exhaustion and wakes me up.
>
> I hope this helps; maybe what I wrote will strike a cord of something
> similar. This is, of course, my perspective and your issues certainly are
> going to be different.
>
> For me, it isn't just the pain that make things suck. It is the inability to
> function normally and to be able to get back to work and be productive.

Dave, I hope the steroid injections will help you get your life back.
Pain is no fun, and chronic pain can really do a number on you.


Om, I just finished a Medrol pack for respiratory problems. Right now,
my sense of smell has returned and it is just awesome, I run around
smelling of everything. At times, steroids seem to fix whatever ails
you. For several months, I had plantar fasciitis, when I took a Medrol
pack for respiratory problems, the plantar fasciitis went away, and that
was 3 yrs ago.


Becca

In article >,
Becca > wrote:

> Om, I just finished a Medrol pack for respiratory problems. Right now,
> my sense of smell has returned and it is just awesome, I run around
> smelling of everything. At times, steroids seem to fix whatever ails
> you. For several months, I had plantar fasciitis, when I took a Medrol
> pack for respiratory problems, the plantar fasciitis went away, and that
> was 3 yrs ago.
>
>
> Becca

Medrol can be a miracle drug for sure. :-) The current dose is helping a
lot at the moment, but I understand that it's only temporary relief for
me. At least that's what I was told by Dr. Thai. Prednisone is a double
edged sword unfortunately. Long term therapy with it can have serious
side effects. Short term tho', it's no big deal

I'm glad you are feeling better!!!

Cheers!
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

In article >,
"Dave Bugg" > wrote:

> As I understand it, corticosteroids are injected to try and reduce swelling
> in the nerves in the affected area. It doesn't do anything for disc bulgings
> or herniations. In many cases discs bulging disc will settle down on their
> own and reduce back to where they need to be all on their own. The
> injections are designed to be used as an interim solution to help the nerve
> swelling from the irritation until the bulging goes down. Herniations are a
> whole 'nother issue.

I know. I mis-stated it originally. As far as I know, there are no
actual herniations, yet. Just bulging into the areas where the nerves
from the spine are coming out to the shoulders and arms.
>
> Prior to surgery, I used prednisol (oral) in 10 day decreasing doses. This
> was done three seperate times. The first time, it significantly relieved the
> pain, but once I stopped taking it the pain returned within two or three
> days. The other courses, done one month apart, were increasingly
> NON-effective. The last prescription had no effect on the pain.

The Medrol pack he prescribed on Wednesday has provided a considerable
amount of relief, but he did warn me that it'd be temporary. He just
gave it to me to give me some relief until the procedure on Thursday.

>
> My surgery was successful in he sense that the herniated disc material in
> two seperate lumbar spaces was removed and stenosis from some intruding
> spurs was removed. I had no post-operative pain from the surgery whatsoever.

Cool. :-)

>
> The first week post-op, I noticed a decrease in pain (from a 9 to a 7+) and
> a definite resolution to the muscle weakness to my legs; I no longer worried
> about my legs collapsing out from under me.
>
> At this point (about 5 months post op) the nerve pain has not resolved, and
> by the end of the day will be a 7 or 8. The pain is all engulfing at that
> point. To me, a 10 on the scale is when you develop tunnel vision and pass
> out. I had a post-op MRI done 6 weeks ago, so there is a great picture of
> the 'before' and 'after'. The last MRI shows that the surgery accomplished
> what it was designed to do. The neurosurgeon was an artist++++. The MRI does
> show two other areas of possible nerve impingement from 'bone spurs' that
> have created some stenosis. The Doc who did the surgery, and a different Doc
> that I had do a second opinion, both independently conclude that there is
> simply no way to definitively know if another surgery will take care of the
> pain.
>
> That is why I'm facing steroid injections. The docs seem to think that there
> is a possibility that my nerve trunk is still aggravated and extremely
> grouchy from having been severely impinged prior to surgery. The steroid
> injections may sooth and decrease any swelling in the nerve so that there is
> no more impingement. A nerve that is no longer swollen will have plenty of
> space around it and go from being irritated and angry to non-irritated and
> happy. This approach seems reasonable to me. It is far simpler and less
> costly than surgery. It is like making sure that a stereo, which will not
> turn-on, is not unplugged before opening 'er up and digging around the
> circuit boards.

I hope it works for you Dave! I totally understand your pain.

>
> BTW, I am taking neurontin, robaxin, and ibuprofen every 8 hours. This makes
> the pain tolerable during the day, but I have very limited activity. I am
> doing physical therapy and doing exercises at home. Although I have
> hydrocodone, I limit taking it until a half-hour prior to bed. It really
> helps reduce the percieved pain level to a point which I can get about 3-4
> hours of sleep each night. About once a week, I am soooo desperately tired
> that my body lets me sleep for about 8 hours before the pain breaks through
> the exhaustion and wakes me up.

I have Tramadol on hand but seldom take it as it worked for the torn
rotator cuffs, but does squat for nerve pain. I'm happy that the medrol
is currently helping me get some sleep. This crap only started up a
little over 2 weeks ago, but I have a past history of it from earlier
this year, but it affected my right arm. Cervical decompression
treatments took care of that, but not before nerve damage was done. I'm
still weak in the right arm but there is no pain except for pain from
the torn Supraspinatus tendon in the shoulder.

I have more than one issue going on. :-P
>
> I hope this helps; maybe what I wrote will strike a cord of something
> similar. This is, of course, my perspective and your issues certainly are
> going to be different.
>
> For me, it isn't just the pain that make things suck. It is the inability to
> function normally and to be able to get back to work and be productive.

For me, it's being f-ing WEAK. I'm not used to that.
Nerve impingement is no fun...

I hope you are able to get some help! I'll be sure to report what
happens.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

On Nov 26, 10:30*am, Omelet > wrote:
> In article >,
> *"Dave Bugg" > wrote:
>
> > Omelet wrote:
> > > I don't want to start a thread here about this.
> > > If anyone has had this done, please e-mail me.
> > > This e-mail works...
>
> > > Considering this procedure for Thursday 12-03-09...
>
> > I'm dealing with the need for this because post-surgical results have not
> > been as expected with regard to back pain. I'm looking at cortisone
> > injections, what medication are you looking at?
>
> I was reluctant to start yet another off topic thread this close to the
> holiday message flood, but there is a lot of collective wisdom on this
> list and I value experienced input. ;-) Many thanks to those that
> responded via private mail.
>
> Dave, Dr. Thai talked about epidural cortisol injections as well. Seems
> to be the gold standard. Chiropractic is controlling my lumbar pain
> nicely. This issue is with my neck causing upper back cramping and
> severe arm pain and weakness. I have had an MRI that reveals bulging
> disks at C5, C6 and C7. C7 being the largest of the three and that's
> what is causing the most pain.
>
> He prescribed a Medrol pack for me yesterday to help with the pain while
> I wait and it's helping already. *He also offered Hydrocodone, but I
> turned that down. I don't want to take Opiates.
>
> Another cool item that helps a LOT, especially with lower back spasms is
> one of these:
>
> <http://www.medicalproductsonline.org/meprondi75mu.html> *I use it as
> needed and use the settings recommended by my Chiropractor. *
> Electrotherapy is very helpful...
> --

What's the matter hypocritical piggy. No more smarmy comebacks? You
been found out and beaten? It hurts? Sorry. The best you can do for
yourself in order to save face is to not answer my posts; which is
what you're doing. Congrats coward.

> Peace! Om
>
> "Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down." *
> --Steve Rothstein
>
> Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>
>
> Subscribe: