Do you have any weakness in the leg. Is the pain in the leg only or in the back as well, if so where?
Does the pain get worse in certain positions or doing certain activities?
Can you get a second opinion from a more senior surgeon or consultant?
Thanks for taking an interest Michael, it is so kind of you.
I have only really started having pain and neuralgia down the legs since the epidural really, I wasn't too bothered that way before then. Really hoping and believing this will settle. The pain can get worse if I'm doing too much or just doing anything really.
Yes planning to get a second opinion from another consultant, need to wait a few weeks for that though.
Thanks again and hoping that you are doing okay with your back problems at the moment too.
Craig
Hi Craig I don't think you should wait to see a dr about this. Have you got any numbness in your bottom or any problems passing urine?
Sorry to ask but if you do you should go to hospital to rule out caudae equinae.
u
Craig I have PM you with a link to caudae equine. I suggest ringing 111 and getting a health assessment on your back. I am sure they will advise hospital or at least a visit from an Out of Hours GP to examine you. You really do need a rectal exam asap and MRI scan to exclude caudae equinae . You are not wasting the time of 111 etc. Pls pick up the phone . Sorry to be so pushy . Been there done it worn the T Shirt .
You have pain in BOTH legs?
Where exactly?
If you google “spinal nerve dermatomes” and look at the pics does the pain fit one nerve path or across multiple ones?
Pain in both legs would not fit with the injection hitting a nerve as that would only effect one side.
Have they told you if the bulge is one one side or the other, or in the middle?
If it’s on one side then it will only hit that leg. If it’s in the middle (which is less common) will effect both legs, but it should exactly match one nerve dermatome. L5S1 should manifest in the mid buttock, down the back of the thigh on on the back outer part of the calf, sometimes on the heel and outer sole of the foot.
craig Can you elevate your legs onto a chair or sofa , lie on the floor then elevate each leg slowly to seprate the verterbrae and take the pressure off the spinal cord/sciatic nerve, my physio taught me to do this. It is similar to traction. Please get examined as well.
Have u got any pain killers or diazepam to relax the muscle spasm? Magnesium is good for this too but careful using it if you have kidney disease. ice packs, TENS machine, try gentle exercise such as standing up and adopting the laughing policeman stance . This will help to maintain the alignment of your spine and strengthen the core muscles at the same time. Do exercises VERY gently and VERY slowly.
The S1 problem is painful but caudae equine is an emergency abnd needs urgent examination.
.
THE MECHANISM OF PAIN .
When in spinal pain certain chemicals are released and gather around the painful area causing a chemical irritation and pain. Increasing the blood flow to flush away these chemicals can be achieved using the TENS machine. This can be left in situ for several hours even overnight my physio said.
It needs to be used reguklarly. The poain should ease albeit it seems to drag on forever.
Thanks guys for the info and advice.
I visited a and e a few days after and they did a rectal exam and also had mri no one has said anything like caudae I know that’s a serious one.
Yes trying to do some gentle exercises and just trusting God with healing for us all. Thanks for your concern and info has been useful and informative.
Craig
Hello Craig
I hope you get to see my message. Did you recover from your symptoms? I ask because my situation is just like yours (I googled it and your post came up).
I had sharp shooting/stabbing pain on lower back/buttocks. After I had a caudal epidural, about 10 days later I started having a horrific burning pain down my legs and feet. This was 9 months ago and I still have same burning symptoms.
Did you recover? Did you find out how your symptoms changes from lower back pain to the burning down legs and feet?
I am so incredibly depressed and in pain for 11.5 months and I too wonder if the injection caused this, and if not, how did the injection changed the pattern and location of the initial lower back/stabbing pain to burning down legs/feet?
I would really appreciate your response and of anyone who has experienced similar situation i.e. burning pain down legs and feet after caudal epidural?
Thank you very much
Mary