last thursday was the last of the series of 3 L5-S1 epidurals for me.  i'm
still walking, 99% of the time, without a limp (barametric changes
notwithstanding).  so, i'm still a happy camper with the result.  sitting is
easier now and i can actually stand long enough to cook a real meal--i mean,
a real meal with a complicated recipe<smile>.  i'm still managing to sleep 5
hours in a row, though the lower back gets a little cranky in bed once in
awhile, (but my upper spine is cranky all the time anyway), so that's not a
huge issue.<smile>

FYI - found out that there are NO limits to the number of spinal epidurals
one can have during the course of a year, in the same area/spot (unlike
cortisone injections into my thumb or knee).  some patients even have an
epidural once a week, or 52 injections a year (was also told that one of dr.
alex's patients actually only needs the 3 shot series once every 3
years---now, that's cool and wouldn't i love that<smile>).  the reason for
that lack of limitation on the number of epidurals is that because cortisone
is applied directly to (bathes) the offended spinal nerves, a very small
dose is necessary to accomplish that process.  however, he said when one
reaches the level of 5 or 6 injections, then it is advisable ("required" by
him) to have one's pcp or rd or neuro more closely supervise the patient's
adjunct pain management to make certain it is adequate.

immediately after my second epidural, i coughed upon rising from epidural
table and my left fist immediately went to my upper spine to press my fist
against it.  it's a habit i've developed.  dr. noticed that and asked me why
i did that.  and i told him it was because coughing or sneezing causes pain
in my upper spine and if i didn't use my fist in just the right spot, muscle
spasms would follow.

he said he noticed that i brought both lumbar and thoracic mri's (because
they were done at the same time) and decided to look at the thoracic films.
said where i put my fist is exactly where i have a ruptured disk that's a
little worse than my lumbar disk.  (T8, i think he said.)  anyway, he said
that because the epidural  helped my lower spine so much, he felt we can
also deal with my fist/coughing/sneezing issue.  sooo, i just have to get my
pcp to write the doctor's order so we can tackle that one with an epidural
series.  now, how cool is that?!  i haven't had a chance to call my pcp and
arrange for that yet, cuz things have been a bit hectic here, with company
(sil and bil up from nevada) and all.  but, i'm soooo looking forward to see
if that helps!

i have a bit of migraine aura beginning, so things a little difficult to see
on the screen at the moment.  but i guess i don't need to write a
book.<smile>

kate