Epidural Steroids

The epidural steroid injection to the left lumbar nerves 4 and 5 was complete on Tuesday at an outpatient surgical center in Houston.  It was performed by Dr. Doctor! He is a spine pain specialist also trained as an anesthesiologist.  They injected the steroids and local anesthetic while I was heavily sedated, so I don't remember a thing.  When I woke up, my left lower quadrant was paralyzed, from the anesthetic.  Over a couple of hours, I got so I could at least walk as long as I didn't bend my knee.  If I tried to put weight on anything but a stiff leg, I would collapse.  But there was no pain.  By about 6-8 hours post procedure, I was moving about pretty normally. The next day there was no more affect of the anesthetic, but there was still no pain.  Today (Saturday) I remain free of the type of pain that I have had for months.  It is really exciting.  


I asked him about physical therapy and he discouraged that.  He said that what physical therapists do is often not good for spondylolisthesis. I need to avoid extension of the back, which is one of the common things done in PT and in Yoga, which I am also going to stop for now.  I can use a recumbent bike but not swimming (extension again) and moderate walking is ok.  No heavy lifting, twisting.  Anyway, so far I feel better than I have in a long time.  Hope it lasts--duration of relief is variable they say, but the procedure can be repeated. 


On target for June 2 travel to Carlsbad!  Val will come out and join me a little later.  She is selling her house and hopes that will be done soon.  Her neighbor wants to buy it (without a realtor) so it looks like a done deal. Keep fingers crossed that the pain stays away.