I am getting a spinal injection today

It's the big one, Thea. I used to get the minor ones and they weren't too bad, they hurt but nothing like this one, the minor ones also stopped working for me. This if the big fat needle that punctures the sheath surrounding the spine.

That's what I thought. Take a rethink Kitty. I had one about 7 years ago in the top of my spine for herniated discs, done by an aneathatist and it worked for much longer than yours did, for two years in fact. When the problem reoccured I had a second surgery on the next disc which didn't work and at various times since I have practically begged for another epidural and no one in Greece is prepared to do them anymore as the risks are too great. Even the National pain centre in Athens would not do it, despite knowing the amount of pain involved. Long term they are dangerous and of course mask any further damage you may be doing. I still wanted it though until finally this year I met an American doctor who I would trust with my life and he told me never to have another one, they weaken the discs and nerves still further. It is unbelievable but after 2 operations, epilepsy tablets to numb the nerves, intensive traction, practically everything you can think of, he has sorted me so that by working on my spine every day the pain has gone for the first time ever, and this is since this Easter. It's not a fluke but it's hard work with slow intensive stretching exercises to strenghten the spine. Also he started me on a mega dose of ibrupofen to kick start the nerve endings into being in a position to fight. It was 3 x 600 mg for 3 days which believe me makes you feel real bad but after that you reduce to 3 x 200 every day. I'm sure you'll go ahead tomorrow, I certainly would in your position, but be aware you cannot keep having this treatment or it will cause damage, so take the shot, I know, 15 mins to go in, then start researching into somewhere you can get proper instruction on how to do the necessary exercise. I spend nearly an hour each morning on them and at first noticed my neck was stronger and then the whole back. I'll come back if you want to ask anything Kitty because I know how bad it is

Hi coolcoder, if you haven't seen my response in box 1 it may be useful.