Seriously, this country is in big trouble if they treat patients like this... I am 33 and have arthritis in my lower lumbar as well as a herniated disc they sent me for X-rays, MRI's, had a freaking EMG done which was the most painful fucking test I've ever had. Called the Pain Doc back and they want to give me steroid injections in my back instead of prescribing some pills. They said to call my normal Dr... so I did and he gave me 40 5/500 hydros. what a joke.
so I'll play along with their little game and let them inject some cortisone in my spine if that is what will make them warm and fuzzy. BTW, what is painful...I have heard the back injections hurt like a bitch.. is that true? will they give me anything for the pain afterwards... i'm starting to rethink this whole thing
You've Drs. aren't worth crap. The pain Dr. is apparently a joke. Might not even be able to prescribe opiates. All you can do is call your primary and tell him 5/500 doesn't do any good and you are afraid of all that Tylenol. Tell him the dentist has given you Norco (which is 10/325 HydroCodone) A couple of those will take the edge off. Ask your primary for a referal to a different specialist.
The cortisone will probably work for awhile, but it will wear off and subsequent shots will be less effective as the body builds a tolerance to it. You gotta remember, the biggest thing doctors are worried about is malpractice lawsuits. They are very hesitant these days to give you any good pain medication because you "might get addicted" It's a hard road, but unless you are completely disabled by this, I would suggest toughing it out. I have some bone and joint problems (due to an unfortunate accident) doctors said would require surgery in order for me to walk. Alternatively, they offered cortizone and pain pills. I refused it all. It took me 2 years of intense personal effort to walk again, and another 10 yrs to regain most of my natural gait. I am still sometimes in a lot of pain, but I have developed a tolerance for that . I smoke a lot of pot though, but no booze or pain pills. Good luck man! ZW
Nice, Zombiewolf, I can respect that. You are a must stronger human than I. Who's the hottie in the pic^? Hoping it's not a daughter, if so, "who's the elegant young lady in the pic?" lol. OP, you need to tell your doc those 5/500 ain't cutting it at all and you aren't able to maintain a functioning life b/c of the pain..
I had an EMG done last year and again this summer, horrible. Sometimes you have to search to find a doctor that cares about helping your pain problem. Ive worked with the same major hospital ever since Ive had problems so all my info all the doctors can see. In my experience pain management doctors have always sucked. Ive had 5 operations on my lower spine just from the L4 to S1 levels and Im likely heading into my 6th. Luckily Im on enough of something very good that I can keep my pain under control most of the time, but it took 18 months of hell to get to this point.
I dont think the injections hurt at all. Ive had maybe one out of many Ive had to have that was uncomfortable and the needle caused pain, but they usually numb the area and shit good enough, you will feel a bit of discomfort though. By the way I never had an epidural steroid injection that has worked.
move to florida bro. you'll be able to get enough medication for the rest of your life in one visit. i'm not kidding either.
