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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

Should I have an epidural (no this shouldn't be in childbith...)

26 replies

Katymac · 10/09/2006 13:25

I go sciatica on Monday evening & by Wednesday am I was in such pain that I needed the Dr to give me stronger painkillers.

He suggested doing an epidural on Tuesday afternoon, but now my back is "not too bad" so should I have it or not?

Has anyone had one?
Is there a down side?
How long will it last?

tia
KMc

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SpaceCadet · 10/09/2006 13:32

ive never heard of being offered an epidural for sciatica, if the pain is bearable i personally wouldnt have it done, the possible side effects of an epidural are, lowered blood pressure, very rare but occasionally there is leakage of spinal fluid which causes severe headache, some people have reported back problems after the epidural, possible allergic reaction..or it just doesnt work.
the ggod side is that you get total pain relief, as it numbs the area, imm guessing hes suggesting a milder, mobile epidural, but im a bit confused..are you in hospital?

Scoobydooooo · 10/09/2006 13:34

I had severe sciatica a few years ago & could not move from my bed it was such agony, i was given pain killers which did not really help but never offered an epidural.

I did however have an epidural in childbirth it will totally block the pain thats if the epidural works on you because it does not work on everyone, but it wont last longer than a few hrs because you are suppost to keep having it topped up when it wears off.

If it was me i would not bother, an epidural can be risky because of where they have to put the needle.

Katymac · 10/09/2006 13:34

No - on Wednesday I couldn't move - but with regular pain releif I now can

It does seem to be easing but i still need a lot of painkillers

I cannot find a comfortable place to sit/stand/lie and moving from one to another is so painful

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SpaceCadet · 10/09/2006 13:36

the reason i asked is because you really need to have an epidural inserted in a hospital enviroment by an anaesthetist, and as scooby said, it needs to be topped up and you usually have to have a drip as well in case ofg drop in blood pressure, with an epidural in placve you need careful monitoring.

Scoobydooooo · 10/09/2006 13:37

Oh yes don't remind me of the horrible drip, ewww i hate needles.

Katymac · 10/09/2006 13:56

Well apparently I get taken (by a friend) to the Dr's - he does it - I lie there for 20 minutes - then I get taken home

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Yorkiegirl · 10/09/2006 14:15

Message withdrawn

Elibean · 10/09/2006 14:23

I suspect your doctor was talking about what Yorkiegirl had, as opposed to teh same kind of epidural the rest of us had during childbirth...from what I've heard (which isn't much) the kind for temporary pain relief wouldn't stop you from walking around, but the one I had with dd would have done!
Can you ask your doctor for more info?

jabberwocky · 10/09/2006 14:27

A friend of mine had this for severe neck/back pain. She said it worked beautifully!

Katymac · 10/09/2006 14:46

Still not decided yet

Hmmmm - thanks for the good advise guys - It's just that I am unable to make decisions atm

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3littlefrogs · 10/09/2006 14:56

Have you seen an osteopath?

Katymac · 10/09/2006 15:21

Not recently - I just don't know what to do [exasperated in pain emoticon]

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Yorkiegirl · 10/09/2006 17:31

Message withdrawn

Katymac · 10/09/2006 17:33

Last time I saw this Dr he did Acupressur....I couldn't move for three days after I got up the next morning.........tho' it was pain free for the day

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Katymac · 10/09/2006 19:44

Oops I meant Acupuncture

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tissy · 10/09/2006 19:50

epidural for back pain is completely different to the sort given for labour!

It is a mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid, and is injected into the base of the spine (just above the bum crease).It does not have to be given in hospital, or by an anaesthetist, but your GP should have the usual resuscitation equipment on standby in case of (rare) allergic reaction. Spinal fluid will not leak because it is injected below the level where the spinal fluid finishes, IYSWIM. If it works, it should last anywhere between six and twelve weeks. That is often enough to allow your back to recover from whatever it was causing the pain in the first place.

Katymac · 10/09/2006 19:52

Wow Tissy - that sounds fab

I am suffering with the ibuprofen/codiene/IBS mix atm

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SpaceCadet · 10/09/2006 21:24

didnt realise you were referring to epidural injections as opposed to standard epidural,and was half asleep when posting.
ive never known anyone to have epidural injections for back pain, have only cone across the cortisone one myself..also as a sufferer of severe back problems ive never been offered it...
i have had acupunctire for sciatica in the past and found it fantastic.

Katymac · 10/09/2006 21:57

Neither did I

I don't really understand it all

I just want the pain to go - it can't be good taking all these tablets

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Yorkiegirl · 10/09/2006 22:00

Message withdrawn

Katymac · 10/09/2006 22:03

I just keep hoping that when I wake up tomorrow it will have gone away

At night it doesn't hurt

Oh poo

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ChicPea · 10/09/2006 22:04

I had a slipped disc last year without knowing it and saw an osteopath 2-3 per week for 9mths until it was so bad. Had MRI, was then refered to physiotherapist who sorted me out in 2 appts. Got one of the girls in my office to see him after back pain for 5 years, she saw a physio on NHS twice weekly and then was given the epidural which didn't work. Was then booked in for a back op. She went to see my physio who sorted her out in 4 sessions. Told her she shouldn't have had the epidural let alone be booked in for op. I have referred so many friends to this man and highly recommend him. Everyone has thanked me profusely. If you live in London, cat me and I will give you his details. He is a life saver.

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Katymac · 10/09/2006 22:05

Thanks Chicpea - I'm too far away

I see the Physio on 25th

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SpaceCadet · 11/09/2006 12:20

katymac, i would recommend the epidural injections then if you are in that much pain.

Katymac · 11/09/2006 15:18

Thanks Spacecadet - I do think it's odd that it doesn't hurt in bed

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