I must say that having patience is not a characteristic that I would readily associate with myself and I absolutely despise waiting long for anything. So, I truly was pleased that I began to feel REAL, NOTICEABLE relief after just a few days. The best part was that it kept getting better and better. For so long, I have been in pain from my neck, shoulder and arm, that I forgot how it felt not to have the burning, knife like pain constantly with me. But, I happily report that I quickly got used to the pain-free feeling! I was truly amazed that this time, my cervical epidural worked like a charm! I did not experience arm pain, shoulder pain, neck pain or anything. I could sleep on my stomach again! I could turn my head easily to look over my shoulder to back the car out of the driveway. I could watch TV and not be crippled if I held my head in one position for too long. I could lay on my husband\’s chest in bed and not feel shooting pain when I did so. This was astounding to me…how much of my life that I had changed, or how I had to make accommodation for my herniated disc and the pain. I never really realized how much my life had been negatively impacted by its effects on things I normally take for granted. I felt very blessed to have found something that helped me without having to resort to surgery. I felt peaceful in the knowledge that I could be helped. That was an amazing thing to feel.
My last EPI was on May 24th of 2011. Until the end of October, I was almost completely pain free, unless I really did something to cause my neck to ache. Around the first of November, I began to feel twinges again, in my neck and upper arm. Drats! I know that many other people have regular EPIs to maintain their pain free status, but I had hoped mine might last longer. However, I am grateful that I was able to get 5 months of pain-free time and now, even though the pain is there, it is manageable. I DO know that I will be returning to have another EPI soon; however, because I want to be pain-free again. It really is astounding that I would be looking forward to having another injection into my spine. After 47 years, I guess I am finally growing up and facing my fears! Imagine that!
I\’ll keep you posted on my continued progress. Take care everyone!