MPPotter

Went in today, and despite some confusion as to where I was actually having the injection (epidural steroid or nerve root steroid) the radiologist reviewed my previous MRI and decided to go with the nerve root injection with CT guidance (sorry if I’m unclear on the technical terms, but to be fair so was everyone else I spoke to at the clinic other than the radiologist, who seemed a calm and competent man).

The procedure itself was thankfully painless other than the initial local anaesthetic injection, and a small swell of leg pain as the anaesthetic/steroid was injected, I assume from the pressure on the nerve. The radiologist assured me that that was a good sign that they were at the right pain generator.

Pain reduced immediately sitting in the hospital bed, and on your advice I made sure to keep a pain diary over the next few hours while the anaesthetic was in effect and attempt a few common problem tasks like sitting on the sofa and riding in the car, all with much less discomfort. I still had some neurological symptoms such as pins and needles after rising, but so far so good.

Some of the frustrations of our public health system aside, it was nice to walk out of a timely procedure with no insurance and nothing to pay.

Still feeling considerably better now, 10 hours on, Lord willing the steroid will kick in quickly and make a big difference. Feeling optimistic!

Thanks Dr,

Really appreciate you taking the time, you are a scholar and a gentleman.

I stumbled across your strength test page after originally posting and have been amusing my colleagues my stalking the halls at work on my tippy toes. My heel doesn’t seem to drop at all, though I do seem just very slightly slower doing 20 stationary heel raises in a row on the effected leg than my other. I was able to do several sets in a row though.

Just one other question regarding the leg pain I’ve noticed – when I get up at night after lying for few hours, I have minimal initial pain or anything while remaining lying, but after standing for a about a minute or two I get a rush of pins and needles and bad sciatic pain that I need to “walk through” for 10 minutes. This is the worst my pain gets. Just wondering what prompts that response, is it something I can prevent through sleeping position or just a result of increased inflammation over night while stationary?

The ER tip is a good idea thanks. I don’t have a lot of faith in my GP, he’s the one always available for appointments at his practice. My sister is a great GP but sensibly is hesitant to treat or refer family.