Mixed feelings

After today I really have mixed feelings. When I found out that I have a herniated disc at L5-S1 my first thought was vindication. See, it wasn't all in my head - there really *is* something wrong with me! Second thought - immediately following the first - was, oh shit, this could really change my life - forever.

I started the day convinced that I'd opt out of IV sedation. Then I found that my ESI would include 2 blocks right above my buttocks. That it was a tender area & they strongly recommended the sedation. Ok, I caved. I'm pretty sure that the blue chair in the fluoroscopy room moved - it was fun to watch & focus on.... It just took a second. Then I rolled onto the stretcher & we headed to recovery. My feet felt tingly - like when they have been asleep. I thought that was just due to positioning. Ha-ha! And my butt felt numb. Again, I thought it was due to positioning & the ice on my back. Nope, my ass really was numb. Like so numb that I couldn't control the muscles in my bottom. I mused that I couldn't pee, fart, or poop even if I wanted to!!! :) Fun times.

I slept the day away as I worked the night prior. I'm no longer numb & just feel a vague aching in my low back, but I can raise my legs without pain. So that's good. But everything I read online says that ESIs can be great - to mask the pain. But it's temporary & usually once they wear off the pain will be back & be worse - as the patient goes on with normal daily activities the trauma to the disc worsens.

Sigh. Sometimes I hate being right.