This afternoon, I had the first of what will likely be two epidural steroid injections for my herniated lumbar disc. Aside from some aches in my lower back and feeling a little tired, I feel just about the same as always — for better and for worse. The real test will be tomorrow, and then more so again in two weeks after the next injection. This procedure works for most, but not all, patients in relieving the swelling around the pinched nerves. So ideally it will prevent the sciatica that’s been the real issue while I continue going to PT to strengthen my spine. But it’s not guaranteed, and neither is the length of time I’d be pain-free if it does work. Again, ideally I’ll get the second shot, the pain in my left leg will vanish, and by the time I need a new injection — there’s a limit to how many they can safely do in a year — the PT and my own home exercising will have gotten my body past the need for them.
Anyway, that’s the hope.
Feel better, dude.