I have been told by my very unfriendly and uncaring doctor that my l4/l5 herniation with annular tear should not be causing me pain and if it is I need to live with and learn how to deal with the pain for the rest of my life. And he says he is a doctor? I thought they are supposed to help you heal and become well. Does anybody know of a good doctor in northern illinois? One that cares and is knowledgeable? Please help.

Did he made provocative discography for you?

Does he even know what sinu-vertebral nerve irritation means?

Visit another doctor, urgently !!!

I went for my cortisone shots last week, and still not much relief. It felt great the first few hours, until the local anestetic wore off. I'm still on the Vicodin, and my insurance wont pay for Lyrica, which used to work VERY well, but I ran out. So they put me on Neurontin for the nerve pain. I can't take Neurontin because it makes me want to kill myself and MOODY and very hostile. I have to stop taking it. I just don't know what to do anymore. I am scheduled for another injection August 18th, but I don't know if it's going to help or not.

Fran or anyone who has suggestions,

I too have an annular tear at L-4 L-5. I am being told that the BEST guy in the area (who has a great reputation) does NOT believe in sedating because he feels it is more dangerous and less effective. Apparently he wants patients to be able to let him know what they feel and believes if you are sedated and can not give feedback it is not as accurate and successful. He feels there is a greater risk to put someone under becuase without the feedback, he may not be as acculate on the location of the injection.

I definitely WANT to be sedated if possible, but am torn between the two different points of view.

Do you know anyone who has done this with just a little lidocaine vs. sedation? This guy is suppose to be GREAT, but I honestly don't want to feel anything if possible and the likelyhood is that I will if I go to him.

Suggestions???????

Actually, in response to your question, I had a cortizone injection, and it's really not that bad. They numb you up and a nurse sits with you to make you feel more comfortable. The whole injection takes like less than 5 minutes, and the worst part is a little pinch when the needle goes in. After that, you feel a tiny bit of pressure while they push the medication in, but really, it's nothing major. If you've ever given birth, this is NOTHING compared to it! LOL. I was really scared right before the needle went in, but once it was over my exact thought was..."OK, that was it?" I think you'll be fine!


Kristin.