Sacroiliac joint injections
Hi, I met with a chronic pain consultant, haven waited 8 months for my appointment. I’ve had severe right leg pain due to moderate to severe spinal stenosis. This has caused what physio calls neurogenic claudication, where as well as the nerve being compressed, its blood supply is also affected, causing severe cramping pains in the leg. It has eased, but the right leg, hip and buttock remain tender to touch, and painful sitting. She is going to do a sacroiliac joint injection as well as a hip bursa injection. She asked if I wanted local or sedation, I said local but now questioning myself. I’ve had the hip bursa done previously and have no worries with that.
One of my concerns is lying flat on my stomach for 20 minutes or so. It’s being done with X-ray. My other concern is I have severe adrenal insufficiency, and produce no cortisol, so if the procedure is very painful, my cortisol levels are likely to plummet, leaving me feeling very ill and at risk of a crisis. How have others found this procedure. Wondering whether to contact her and change to having the injection with sedation.
I’ve had injections without any sedation with just the local and it was a horrible experience for me and the doctor. She said going forward I would have to have sedation which she did not offer so I had to be transferred to another pain management office. What a blessing in disguise. I’m having the best experience with this office than I’ve ever had with any pain management. And the sedation has helped me immensely with the procedures I get. I’m getting ready to have my very first trigger point injections on August 26 and I don’t know what to expect from this but my neck and my muscles are in really bad shape so it’s really necessary according to my pain management doctor. My muscles in my neck, shoulders, and cervical spine area have been locked and guarding constantly for three years since I had a neck fusion back in 2023. They’re gonna start with the trigger point injections and then go with more treatment after that. My fingers are crossed. My doctor has recommended sedation for this procedure as well. Has anyone had any experience with these trigger point injections in the neck?
It sounds like you’ve found a pain management team you really trust, which is wonderful after everything you’ve been through. I actually came across an article from another community member who shared her experience with trigger point injections for muscle spasms in her neck and shoulders. Everyone’s experience can be different, but I thought you might find it helpful to read about someone else’s experience before your appointment. https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living/pain-management-procedure I’m hoping some other community members who have had trigger point injections in the neck will chime in, too! Sending you all the good thoughts I can. Please keep us posted on how it goes if you feel up to it. -Kimberli (Team Member)
I would recommend getting the sedation. It’s made a huge difference for me. Everyone is different for sure but the stress, anxiety, & trauma from some of my treatments were causing flares. The sedation has helped me with all of that. I wish you well.
Warm regards,
IngridThank you for sharing this, Ingrid. It sounds like sedation has made a meaningful difference for you, not just during the procedures themselves but in helping lessen some of the stress and anxiety surrounding them. And I think your reminder that everyone’s experience is different is an important one. Wishing you continued strength. -Kimberli (Team Member) I was prescribed pills to take prior to a procedure and have the same experience as you, the pills did not work until after the procedure. The IV sedation is instant for me. It’s much better. I’ve had no problems with that.
I know this is a major decision for you
, so we appreciate you sharing and bringing your questions here for input. I completely understand why you're giving this some extra thought. It sounds like you're trying to make the choice that will help you feel the most comfortable and prepared. When is your procedure scheduled? I hope everything goes smoothly for you and others can share their insight. Warmly, -Latoya (Team Member) Apologies, I seen this a number if nights ago, but it was late and I was tired. I intended to respond the following morning and forgot. I don’t have the date yet, she just said it wouldn’t be long, and should be within a few weeks. I was hoping to find people with experience of having it done under local. Thanks for your kind reply though 🤗
