Husband Had Injection Today

[Kathi49]

A Selective Nerve Root injection that is. He did fine; said it wasn't too bad. But he could not walk at all for fear of losing his balance. And he said he didn't want to lean on me or we would both probably go crashing down. :eek::) Anyway, his PM did the right side S1. And he was saying his whole leg was completely numb and/or rubbery feeling. So, the nurse wheeled him out to my car. It's a good thing I drove. I told him he would need me to...especially if he went in on the right side

I DID ask him PM again about a Laminectomy vs a fusion. And he said it could be both and would be the Surgeon's call. So, if it comes down to this, Dr. Sasso it is! I know he will be in good hands with him. But for now...it is again...wait and see. But this was the very last injection. His PM said if my husband gets relief; just cancel the followup appointment in 6 weeks. If he isn't any better, and goes to the appointment, referral it will be.

And I couldn't help it but I just had to ask his nurse about the Fentanyl patch. She pretty much feels it is okay. But she did tell me my own husband's PM is pretty much against the use of narcotics. I figured as much just by the way he has talked in the past. Oh, he will prescribe them but I get the impression he would rather use other TYPES or injections or PT or whatever.

So, that is that. My own personal feeling is that he is heading for surgery. But let me see what the next 6 weeks or so brings. Oh, and hubby is receptive; I am not hearing any complaints from him in regards to surgery. I think he just wants the darn thing taken care of and I can't blame him. So, if and when he gets this referral, it will be interesting to see what Dr. Sasso has to say.

[Nana4&cntn]

Kathy it sounds like your hubby went through the same thing I did yesterday.Hopefully the steroids will kick in and he will be doing better. Does he have use of his leg today? I sure hope so, it is a very helpless feeling.

If he goes for surgery, will the laminectomy just buy him time until a fusion is necessary? I have never had a laminectomy so I havr no knowledge base as far as that goes.

I wish you both all the best,
Kathy

ps, have you put the *****patch on yet?

[Kathi49]

Kathy,

He has decided to take the next couple of days off work. So, yes, he is just taking it easy and lying around. And so am I LOL! I know the leg feeling all too well; same thing when I get cervical injections only with those I get dizzy or my arm will feel very weak. It is just the numbing med. My husband asked me how long it takes to wear off and I told him it just varies. For me and I guess depending on the type; it would wear off in 4 hours or so and at other times it seemed like a full day or more.

What the PM is really saying is a disectomy WITH fusion. For now, though, yes, it is wait and see...for another 6 weeks. I hesitate in saying too much on what they may or may not do since I just don't know. That's why I said it would be interesting to see what the surgeon has to say.

And I KNEW someone would ask your last question LOL! No, I did not. Not this morning since we were rushing around trying to get ready to head out. I WILL try it tomorrow MORNING since neither one of us have to go anywhere or do anything for the next few days. :) I'll be honest though. If the pain were horrible 24/7, I wouldn't hesitate. But it is not like that. I can have a good day and feel all I need is a Tylenol or something and then there are days I feel like I need the big guns! That's why I hesitate so much. But then again, I can just try it and see how I feel.

And I have to laugh too. It seems every time I bring up the patch on this forum my niece must have ESP because I get a call from her. As I did yesterday. She was actually calling about a birthday party. But she gave me this big, long lecture about quality of life and more or less said what Dr. Steve said...just put it on and try it LOL! Then proceeded to tell me about a seminar she attended in Tampa where they discussed the use of the patch in cats and dogs. Of course she is an Emergency Vet Tech but she tickles me when she gets going on things like this. :)

Anyway, enough of me...I hope you, yourself get to feeling better and the steroids will kick in soon to give you even more relief. :)

[Mark N]

Kathi, if surgery is the correct path Dr Sasso is a very good choice and one that will give him a chance to get back to life the way it was. I am glad you drove as you knew he would need the help.

[Leeaelle]

Hi Kathy ~ I'm sure this has been said before, and I'm sure YOU know this, but surgery should be a LAST resort, after every and ALL other things have been tried because after surgery, you're NEVER the same. Also with fusion, many times it can make other levels unstable and you end up with more problems. There are benefits to fusion if it "takes." All I can tell you is that while I have NOT had fusion, I've had several surgeries and I'm DEFINITELY not the same as before. Spinal surgery is a very serious decision and I'd exhaust all other options, i.e. medications, rest, therapy, traction ;) and Lord knows what else if I had it to do over again. :(

Best of luck and I hope hubby (and you) will be ok. Prayers coming your way. Hugs, Lee

[Kathi49]

Thank you Mark,

Yes, I think he will be in very good hands with Dr. Sasso. I forgot to add earlier that we ran into a gal we both used to work with in the waiting room. Dr. Sasso had worked on her and had a lot of great things to say about him. But she was there today to see the NS about her neck. Oops. almost forgot. I told you it would be hard holding him back or down LOL! Just a few minutes ago he was asking me if he shouldn't get the leaf blower out tomorrow. Of course he got an earful from me LOL! I said, no, what you need to do is to get an ice pack and lie down and forget doing anything tomorrow unless you just want to walk around and do some minor things. Oh, and he is feeling nauseated and jittery. I told him that wasn't unusual either. He didn't want to take anything that would make him drowsy. So, I said, take a Gaviscon or Zantac and see if it helps a bit.

Lee,

I understand; have had two cervical fusions myself. Mine is a very long story and believe me, I tried everything you can think of...name it and I tried it. But just know my husband has been going through conservative treatments for about 3 years now with the exception of PT. It is just my opinion, but I personally believe he needs something done. And I thank you for the well wishes. :)