Shots?

Last post I told you about getting an epidural in my lower back. I got it to help heal the nerves that wrap around my hip and down/across my right thigh, causing the thigh to feel sore. I was very hopeful that it would help, but thus far it hasn't made much of a difference. Some days my thigh hurts less, sometimes the same. The nice thing is that some days there is no pain. However, it is inconsistent, like before.

I must admit that I am disappointed. I really thought that this would help more. It's not that my thigh is in pain, but it certainly isn't comfortable.

I meet with the doctor in a week. Hopefully we will come up with another plan.

Shots!

Today I had an epidural in my lower back. It was not comfortable but necessary. The medicine is supposed to help my nerves heal. My nerves have been making my thigh feel as though it is constantly sore, which is no fun. Thus, an epidural was recommended.

Let me tell you about it. Don’t read if you’re squeamish.

It was not comfortable. The first part was a local anesthetic in two places. At first it hurt as a shot does: big pinch. Then the anesthetic was injected, which hurt. THEN came the medicine, which hurt and felt like pressure in the area. I could feel the medicine being injected and flowing to where it was supposed to go. It was like a worm moving through my back. I was lying there mentally chanting, “Relax. Relax. Release the back muscles. Relax.” It’s not fun having to will yourself to let go, but the alternative is more pain because the muscles are tensed.

Luckily it didn’t take long. When it was done I felt nauseated and uncomfortable. I moved to another location and they put an ice pack on the area for a bit. A physical therapist was going to put e-stim on the area, but I told her not to. I was already uncomfortable and the procedure had caused enough tension and I knew e-stim would not be good.

Now I’m just lying around on the couch. The area is feeling better, in that my back, butt, and leg don’t feel like they are being clenched unwillingly. My leg feels slightly numb, slightly tingly, and mainly uncomfortable. Almost as if the muscle was sore and then fell asleep and didn’t want to wake up. I’m resting it and hoping the medicine will sort things out by the time I work at four.

Hopefully this will help a lot. It’s supposed to, despite the discomfort now. I'm confident that it will help, but I hope it starts helping soon...