Epidurals and Spinal Surgery

[Guest guest]

I am going to try to cover two birds with one stone in this email.

An epidural injection is done directly into the spinal canal which is inside of

your vertebrae. They go into it at the disc angle.

Bi lateral injections go in at each side of your spinal canal where the nerves

come out.

Now depending on the goal of your particular doctor who ordered them will

greatly depend on what they use in these injections.

Some will use a steroid which masks the problem but usually and I use that term

loosely usually reduces swelling, and inflammation that is what steroids are

supposed to do.

Some will use a numbing compound lidocaine or similar drug to literally numb the

region for a period of time.

Sometimes they will use a combination.

{Problem with steroids even though in low doses they usually help, in long term

use especially in a shot format if they are used alot around bone they will

eventually start breaking down that very bone they are working around} NOT a

good thing.

Now I've seen a lot of folks on line whom have had these injections and not

gotten a lot of relief. I'm one of them I had injections done 11 days ago and

woke up this morning right back in the same pain as before. So each person

reacts differently to these injections.

I am pending a 3rd spinal operation where they will remove scar tissue from the

first 2 and then they will remove a disc and then put in a carbon cage where it

was which will actually give me a little more height. I don't know if they will

do this on one or two of my discs right now, but after the cage is put in they

will fill it with my own bone so that there is no rejection.

Then they will place two rods on each side of the spinal column and then put in

screws to hold it in place this will be a permanent situation. Yes there is loss

of the ability to lean over as far from my back but I will still be able to bend

over from my hips. With a lot of stretching.

Now not everyone who has surgery will get the rods they are a last resort for me

as my discs and vertebrae are both breaking down and they have no other choice.

Discuss with your physician what your options are and if you are unclear about

anything ask. They can't read your mind.

If you have brain fog, then get note book and write down questions as they come

to you and take that in with you. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

Also you should talk with your anesthesiologist prior to your surgery the day of

the surgery and remind him of any drugs your on and reactions you've had in the

past. With me I am a extremely shallow breather as my diaphragm is damaged from

a birth defect so I don't wake up right. They have to keep me on high level

pressure oxygen longer than a normal person. Because I don't take deep breaths.

Being informed is the best avenue. Some spinal operations they will release you

the day of the surgery they did that with me on my second one. Others like the

one I'm to under go this next month I will be in the hospital for 4 days.

Just remember no two people are alike, each of us responds differently to

medications, and operations.

Sincerely

Mist

[Guest guest]

Please remember to consult with pain management during and after your

stay. Ask for an epidural for first three days. And if you are used to

pain meds and are tolerant, make sure that there is a plan for extra

meds as you will need then. And also remember to manage your bowels

with miralax and softeners from the beginning.

I just helped a friend go through this same surgery and it was very

challenging , to say the least.

Warmly,

Anne in Tx

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