Spinel steroid injection

[taraj]

I have Ddd in my back and had steroid injections this morning (L3-L5).
Hopefully help with the pain, the idea being once it has settled I can crack on with some strengthening exercises which will help support my spine in the long run.

If anyone has had these how long did you wait until got back to mucking out/riding? Surgeon just said take it easy!

 

[Kirstd33]

I had them done at L4/L5 and S1 approx 5 years ago as part of my investigation when I first suffered a bad back and was eventually diagnosed with spondylolothesis. They did work for a short while and I was able to exercise about a week afterwards. Unfortunately they didn’t help long term for me and I had a fusion in Feb 2020, long recovery and unfortunately for me I’ll never run long distance again (I was a marathon runner) but now pony owning and riding as much as I like with no issues. Good luck I hope they help.

 

[Birker2020]

I have Ddd in my back and had steroid injections this morning (L3-L5).
Hopefully help with the pain, the idea being once it has settled I can crack on with some strengthening exercises which will help support my spine in the long run.

If anyone has had these how long did you wait until got back to mucking out/riding? Surgeon just said take it easy!

I had a large prolapse with disc sequesta (floating disc).

I was given facet joint injections I had four in the pattern of a dice showing four dots (if that makes sense).

I went to Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham, Dad drove me and we were one minute over the hour long parking leaving, that's how efficient and quick the procedure was. I was so happy i was having it done I literally skipped through the door of the theatre excitedly. The first three injections barely hurt but the last one made me jump. Consultantcreckoned he must have hit a nerve.

I was told to take it easy. But like a complete idiot I went to Your Horse Live the next day and over did it on the shopping and ended up carrying lots of bags around the venue which didn't help.

I think I might have got better results if I'd taken it easy and regret it now.

When you return to riding I would suggest you buy an acavallo seat saver. They are like giant crumpets with holes through them made of the same material that wheelchair users chairs are made of, so super comfortable and shock absorbing.

I also treated myself to some of those shock absorbing stirrup irons. Anything that you can reduce the shock through your back is ideal.

I would also buy yourself a little trolley to carry your water buckets and haynets. I got mine off ebay and its brilliant, it fits two of the water buckets with the straight side that you can hang against your stable wall.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Oo Birker I like the little trolley idea…..

 

[Lauraback]

Hi I had 8 epidural lumbar steroid injections just last Tuesday for spinal stenosis L3/L4 L4L5 I went back to mucking out on the Thursday I don’t ride as mine is retired and the other a companion. So far it’s made a massive improvement to pain I just hope it continues good luck with yours I’ll be keen to hear how you get on and also hear other’s experiences of the injection’s! My consultant is seeing me again in 5 weeks he did say if it helps a lot but only short term it proves surgery will help the pain for me I think it’s a laminectomy type of procedure would be next if the pain returns.

 

[Sprout]

I had L4/L5/S1 spinal injections last year … was only told to take things easy by the Consultant, but my Physio ( also a horse owner) told me not to poo pick or lift for 3 weeks. Sadly they didn’t work for me, and I am having surgery soon. I hope you get some pain relief with yours. xx

 

[Kkst14]

I have Ddd with bulging discs and facet joint disease. Have had facet joint injections and steroid injections L3/4 L4/5 S1 which did work but not for long. I was told to rest for a few days and gradually increase activity over the next week and do what is comfortable.

I have since had radio frequency denervation which has made such a difference. Good luck.

 

[Lady Jane]

I had them done at L4/L5 and S1 approx 5 years ago as part of my investigation when I first suffered a bad back and was eventually diagnosed with spondylolothesis. They did work for a short while and I was able to exercise about a week afterwards. Unfortunately they didn’t help long term for me and I had a fusion in Feb 2020, long recovery and unfortunately for me I’ll never run long distance again (I was a marathon runner) but now pony owning and riding as much as I like with no issues. Good luck I hope they help.

I was diagnosed with spondylolothesis Nov 23 and had c3/4/5/6 fused mid December 23. I know we are all different but did you have loss of use of limbs and how long did it take to come back so you could ride? I'm much improved but still much weaker in my right leg

 

[taraj]

Thanks for the detailed replies, and some good tips, surgeon was pretty laid back about it all so nice to hear different opinions.
Back to mucking out/hacking Monday (as I work on a yard) but no poo picking and will try and be aware of lifting.

 

[Kirstd33]

I was diagnosed with spondylolothesis Nov 23 and had c3/4/5/6 fused mid December 23. I know we are all different but did you have loss of use of limbs and how long did it take to come back so you could ride? I'm much improved but still much weaker in my right leg

I had no loss of limb before the surgery although I used to get terrible shooting pain down my calf, into my foot and my toes used to regularly go numb. Then at its worst I did have some bladder retention, which was the final impetus to have surgery in the end. The recovery was very long and 1 step forward and several back so not linear. I’m not 100% still, can’t run (which for me is awful) but I’m not in the awful daily pain, which made me very depressed and unable to take care of my 3 kids and providing I live within my limitations no-one would think there was anything wrong with me. Riding wise i rode again in about 12 months, possibly could have sooner just daughter wasn’t regularly riding then either. My right leg isn’t as strong and I know I’m not as balanced as I could be but for my level of happy hacking, low level stuff I cope just fine and thankfully my pony looks after me, although he’s out of action now for several months as he’s damaged his annular ligaments

 

[Lady Jane]

I had no loss of limb before the surgery although I used to get terrible shooting pain down my calf, into my foot and my toes used to regularly go numb. Then at its worst I did have some bladder retention, which was the final impetus to have surgery in the end. The recovery was very long and 1 step forward and several back so not linear. I’m not 100% still, can’t run (which for me is awful) but I’m not in the awful daily pain, which made me very depressed and unable to take care of my 3 kids and providing I live within my limitations no-one would think there was anything wrong with me. Riding wise i rode again in about 12 months, possibly could have sooner just daughter wasn’t regularly riding then either. My right leg isn’t as strong and I know I’m not as balanced as I could be but for my level of happy hacking, low level stuff I cope just fine and thankfully my pony looks after me, although he’s out of action now for several months as he’s damaged his annular ligaments

Sounds like you have done well although the time scales are worse than I hoped. I had very little pain, just general weakness and fatigue before the real numbness and start of paralysis. And it all happened really quickly (feeling a bit weak and tired to couldn't ride in less than a week). My consultant told me improvements can continue for a year or longer post op and I'm at less than 4 months, I hope your horse recovers so you can get back to riding and having fun x