Got the shot and feeling good.

[ryanbytes]

So my lower back pain has been really bothering me. I wasn't getting anything but static from my pain doc so I called me regular doc and he referred me to an anesthesiologist to see if any kind of shot would help. I went Tuesday and my spine became friends with a nice long catheter. I woke up this morning and I could stand. I did dishes and my back barely hurt! Tonight I bent over and all I felt was the tightness of scar tissue above my butt. I haven't felt that in so long! There's still pain but it feels different. It's definitely not as intense. I don't know how long it will last but I'm enjoying it right now! If my GF was up I'd be enjoying it more! :eek: :p The sad thing is when I told my pain doc about it she acted like I slapped her in the face. She was all ready to change my meds up again. I called her to let her know that I wanted to wait on that and I got what sounded like an ultimatum. Either start the meds change or don't get any meds at all. I called to make sure I heard it right. If I don't get a call back by lunch tomorrow I'm calling my regular doc for advice and at the very least a way to taper off this damn Opana.

Wow that was rambly. The excitement I guess? :)

[slipnslide]

Ryanbytes,

I'm happy for you, finally some pain relief, even though it's not total pain relief, you get to the point where any relief is awesome! Hurray!!....but now I feel sorry for your g/f:eek:!...LOL...just kidding;)!

As far as your PM goes, I think you are handling it correctly. I get the feeling that the rapport between you two isn't the best, and maybe finding someone who is willing to listen and work with you on your treatments and Rx's would be a better fit.

Kim

[ryanbytes]

Yeah me and the pain doc differed on the opinion of the shot and from there I think things soured. Until then we had a good relationship. The nurses were different but the doc was ok. I just wanted to explore another option, especially if I had a chance at lowering my meds or getting rid of them altogether! I'm surprised at the coldness of the whole thing. Do no harm unless you cross me must be the new oath for doctors.

[brians2000]

How often can you get this shot. It may be the kind you can only get twice per year, so be careful not to go against your pain doc who is willing to prescribe needed meds. Just let your pain doc know that you was desperate for quick relief and you are sorry if you offended them. He or she may have had their reason for not liking the shot for you. I went to one physiatrist that told me I could never get a cortisone shot like other doctors liked because it would weaken my ligaments and cause more harm than good. good Luck

[Mark N]

Glad to hear about the relief and I hope that you have lasting relief. I would be careful about making a rapid change in PMs but I understand the frustration with getting an ultimatum. Good luck, I hope this relief is long lasting and you will be able to reduce your meds.

[Kathi49]

Ryan,

I am so happy that the shot is working for you. But remember two things; you were probably feeling so good from the numbing agent and don't overdo it the first day or so. :) I am with Kim though...when those injections work...it is heaven! You feel as IF you could pitch the pain meds. But don't...not yet! :) Give the steroid a chance to kick in, if in fact, there was a steroid in the injection which I am almost certain there was. And I also agree with Kim about the way you are handling it. Some docs are just different than others when it comes to meds and shots. But if I were you, I would try to find the best "fit". :) Good luck and please leave your GF alone...just kidding! LOL :)

[Nana4&cntn]

Ryan,

I am happy to hear you are having some relief. As Kathi said, don't over do!! Been there done that! It is amazing when the relief comes how the outlook on life changes. The steroids usually take several days to about 2 weeks to work. I really do hope you have relief foe a long time!! Keep the meds for back up, don't try to titrate the meds on your own. If your pm is peeved, I hope she either gets over it or you find someone who fits better as the others have said.
I feel for your gf, don't over do.lol:p.

Kathy

[ryanbytes]

So far I'm doing amazingly well! I just have the tiniest twinge. It seems like I did cross some sort of weird line with my pain doc. I still haven't heard from her. I left a message last night asking flat out if I will get a refill for my Opana on Monday even though I've decided to leave my meds as they are for the time being. I would be surprised if I got a call.

[Kathi49]

Ryan,

Isn't it great when those injections work? :) Hopefully, your pain doc will get over her "thing" with injections and/or meds and you will get answer. If not, talk with your regular doc.

[ryanbytes]

I got a call on Friday from my pain doc. She had a hard time believing the fact that the shots were working. She's still screwing with me though. She's calling Monday to see what's going (read: see if I cave) before "we" decide what to do. I'm pretty sure my regular doc will take care of me on the meds side but it's nerve wracking and a shame that it's all happening. I'm going to attempt to go to another pain center here but I need my regular doc to call and fill out a bunch of paperwork.

I actually did too much yesterday and my pain was pretty bad. It's recovered pretty well this morning which was nice. There's still pain but it's still not as bad as before the shot! Can I expect a rebound to the nearly pain free state I was in before I over did things or did I kinda screw myself a little bit?

[Kathi49]

Ryan,

It's really hard to say. But I just wouldn't push it anymore...take it easy for awhile. :) And maybe I missed it, but what TYPE of shot did you have? ESI or what? And...I am surprised that the pain doc is surprised. Maybe she just figures they never work or even help. But, for me, they most definitely do. Anyway, I don't know what advice to give you really when it comes to your PM. Because she did at least return your call. Even so...I would have been upset as you have been. Sooo....maybe it is best to find another but that is your call of course. Then again, now you now how she feels about injections too. :(

[ryanbytes]

I'm pretty sure it was the steroid shot. I remember something being said about a facet shot if I need it in the next couple weeks.

[Kandra]

Hi Ryan,

I'm really glad the shot worked for you but as others have mentioned it might be due to the Lidocaine (numbing agent) and steroid.

Maybe the reason your PM is having such a hard time believing the shot worked is because in her experience they don't last long. I know that out of all the people I know who've received injections I know maybe 8-10 who had any long-term (read more than one month) of relief. Of course, that's just me!

Yep, gotta watch that overdoing it thing!! You'll find out tomorrow if it'll "bounce back" :)
If you have, then explain to your PM that for now the shot is working fine but since it's a new procedure for you, who knows how long it'll last but in any case you'd like to remain on your current dose of Opana..any problems and you'll give her a call. Don't burn bridges is what I'm trying to say without having a backup plan :)

[ryanbytes]

The bridges are pretty much smoking ruins by now. Today the anesthesiologist and my regular doc are calling my pain doc to find out WTF because they just can't believe the way my pain doc is acting. My regular doc is going to get all the paperwork he has to do and fax it over to UofC so I can get an appointment in their pain center. In the mean time my regular doc said to go down to one Opana a day until I run out. Then I'll be off it and I wont have to worry about getting prescriptions from wherever. It's not an ideal solution bt it's something. The anesthesiologist agreed with that corse of action so tonight I'm starting the reduction.

How long does the lidocane last? Tomorrow it'll be a week since I got the injection.

[Kathi49]

Ryan,

LOL! And really at your first sentence. Just know I am laughing with you because I know this can get maddening sometimes. I can't believe she is acting that way either! But thank goodness for the other two docs huh? :) And, don't feel too bad my Neurologist can be a horses patoot sometimes.

As for the Lidocaine, just a few hours. :) I would think that the steroid is starting to take affect; so just go easy. What I usually do is to take it easy the first couple of days; then wait a week or so and THEN get more into walking or shopping or even PT at times. :)

[Nana4&cntn]

Ryan,

Sometimes it bites when doctors think they are the end all. I cannot believe a doc would penalize a patient for seeking other sources of pain control. I think she is pissed off because it wasn't HER idea. I am happy for you that your other docs are looking out for you. Keep looking for another pain doc. They are out there.

Take care,
Kathy

[ryanbytes]

Yesterday passed without a phone call from the pain doc. Unbelieveable. But also not if that makes sense. I didn't take an Opana last night and I woke up this morning in a little bit of pain but it wasn't bad, I could definitely deal with it no problem. I feel a little weird but otherwise I'm good. :)

In the big picture I'm pretty happy. The shot is working!