Epidural Question

[monik7]

My Rheumatologist has recommended an epidural at the top of my spine to administer cortisone and pain reliever for rapidly advancing difficulties with head and neck movement in regard to my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). I'm apprehensive about the procedure and was wondering if anyone has undergone an epidural for anything other than childbirth. I sure would appreciate any information you might be able to provide.
Sandi

[sharon]

Yikes! Nope, sorry sweetie, didn't even have one for childbirth. I'll check with my niece the nurse and see if she has any insight. Frankly, I trust nurses and veterinarians more than doctors! LOL!

[bikerchic777]

I have had 3, total. 2 for my lower back (L4,5, & 6) and 1 in my coccyx. They all helped immensely! I had an awesome pain management doctor, who do the 2 in my lower back. He took his time, so wasn't bad. Just a bit of pressure. The last one I had did cause me increased pain for a few days, then good. I do remember when my ex was going through all his neck problems, eventually opting for surgery, which he regretted. I think his best relief was when he tried accupuncture and massage. If you can afford it or it is covered by your insurance, I would try that first. JMO.

[bluepinecones]

Ouch!
Hope you find some relief. I'll check with a friend who has RA to see what she says. She gets some type of monthly infusions.

[MandysMom]

The infusion is likely Remicade mixed with the steroid called Decadron. It is one of the class of drugs called Biologics which also includes Humira and Embrel. They shut down the rampant immune system which is causing the inflammation which is arthritis. rheumatoid and Psoriatic arthritis are both treated with Biologics. Biologics do have side effects, including causing cancer, usually lymphoma, but also others. The Decadron itself can raise your blood sugar by itself or mixed. Why do I know all this? My husband has suffered from Psoriatic Arthritis for many years, which is when the skin Psoriasis goes internal due to the persons dysfunctional immune system and attacks joints and organs. He began taking Biologics maybe 7 years ago ending with Remicade infusions. He stopped them about 14 months ago. Because he hated the side effects and one by one they stopped helping his psoriasis anyhow. Then a year ago this month after a couple of years of a constant runny nose, which the VA deemed was allergy and treated it with antihistamines, he had a new symptom,which at the time we did not know was connected, a ulcer on the roof of his mouth. It was biopsied near the first of May and ten days later we learned he had a very rare cancerous salivary tumor seen almost exclusively in smokers (he is a non smoker). The tumor has only been diagnosed about 80 times world wide ever. No one could explain why he got the tumor other than the Biologics. He was operated on last June, had radiation in August/September and continues to recover with very little sense of taste or smell, missing teeth on the left upper side, which were removed to allow for a skin graft for repair of his removed palate on the left. He was doing pretty well until he broke a right tooth which means he can't chew. So has had hyperbaric "dives" in a chamber for nearly 30 days (5 to go starting Monday). Then they hope his jaw can receive an implant or three tooth bridge so he can start eating something besides puréed food. You might be surprised what you can purée! So, my message, if ever offered Biologics, don't take it as a simple solution! As to steroids, it was large amounts of Decadron during neck surgery in 89 which permanently damaged his pancreas, which led to insulin dependent diabetes. So don't take steroids lightly either. Your life may be much better after treatment, but be informed and know the risks and choose carefully.
Velda

[monik7]

I started on Enbrel in 2006 because if I didn't, I would have probably been in a wheelchair. I switched to Remicade infusions when I became eligible for Medicare. There is no way I would have been able to afford Enbrel, and I pay nothing for the infusions. I guess there's a decision each has to make weighing any possible negative side effects against the quality of life improvements offered. It was easy because there was no question as to what I would choose - wheelchair vs. RVing on my own with my two wonderful pups. So this is why I'm trying to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the epidural.
Sandi

[JudyJB]

My elderly mother had a difficult time with severe lower back pain, and they did something called Radio Frequency Ablation of the nerves in her back. Basically, they killed the specific nerves that were causing her pain.

First time through, they would identify the nerve and just shoot it with novocaine. If she could still walk and had no loss of control in bowels or bladder, they would go in a few days later and kill the nerves. Took a couple of years for them to grow back and then would repeat. The novocaine wore off so no permanent damage if she had some loss of movement.

Good luck with the procedure, whatever they do, but do asked about radio frequency ablation. My cousin had it also for neck pain.

[Rufflesgurl]

Sandi - have you had the epidural for RA treatment before? Are your infusions no longer working? Bill has had epidural treatment for lower back pain but the pain seems to return when the epidural wears off. Like mentioned above, do your research!!

Linda

[mtngal]

Sandi, so sorry you are having these troubles! My experience with epidural has been via my Dad who has spinal stenosis. It was very effective for him; his first try was successful to address the pain. I think he had one more; and then for whatever reason, the pain has been manageable for a couple years without additional epidural. Now, again, for whatever reason, it has returned and he hopefully soon be getting another epidural. All this is to say, while I think everyone's experience is different (and not always successful I've heard), I wouldn't hesitate to get one, in fact, I'd go for that over stronger meds. My opinion only! Good luck with what ever you decide!