epidural block yesterday

June 1, 2000

Hello all,

Yesterday I had my epidural block for the buldging disk problem that I

have been dealing with and in pain with for 3 months. It was about a 15

minute procedure at my favorite hospital in Santa . Other than 1

very small, small needle for the local anesthetic, I never felt the

second needle with the 3 medications go in. When the medications were

'squirted' inside the epidural area, I did feel a 1) dripping sensation

and 2) a slight burning. One of the medications I got was Depro-Medrol,

another was Lidocaine and I forget the 3rd one. I had to lie in a curled

up cat type position with my back sort of cradled in the Dr.s hands.

When he told me to curl up like a cat, I couldn't think of how to do

that (hey, remember I have dogs! lol) anyway, the nurse got me into the

cat shape, chin tucked, knees to chin, shoulder in. When the injections

were over, I just had to lie still for 1/2 hour. During that time the

Dr. and I had a chat about pain, CMT, soccer, animals, you name it. He

has a great personality, bedside manner, an excellent handshake and

looked me in the eye the whole time we were talking. He is a trained

anestheiologist with speciality training above and beyond in pain

treatment and management. He speaks 10 languages and has lectured all

over the world. Quite an interesting man. And I feel so lucky to get his

care. And I mean he really cares, I can tell.

This whole visit to the hospital took about 1 hour. The tiring part was

driving round trip four hours, but I rested well when I got home.

It hasn't even been 24 hours since I had the block and I can already

feel results. For one thing, pain has definitely subsided and I could

actually 'jump' fast out of bed this morning! He said I would be further

able to tell 3 - 5 days after about how this works. He will be calling

me Monday to check in. And this is a Dr. who calls when he says he

will!

So, everyone who was keeping me in their thoughts and prayers, just

wanted to give you this update and say 'thanks'!

Gretchen

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