As many of you know my spine was greatly hurt from an epidural injection. Since then its been very difficult if not impossible for me to do many of the everyday normal things I used to do, one of which was washing our cars. Car washing on a nice day in the fresh air was always great therapy for me and since I'm very fastidious it was also very satisfying. Once I bought the Jag I was thinking about how I would keep it clean. My dealership offered to hand wash it once a week for me but they did a so-so job.

Well I spent some time looking around for solutions on the net and found you can buy a special micro fiber wash mit that is attached to an adjustable pole with a special swiveling head. This thing is great as no bending is needed and I can wash the whole car reaching everywhere I normally would due to the special head. For the wheels I bought a super soft car wash brush on a pole which easily cleans the wheels with a bucket of water and car wash shampoo. The only things I can't do is apply tire dressing, clean the inside back window and vacum, but my gal does that for me. After every wash I always used to use Eagle One Wax as You Dry which keeps a freshly waxed car buttery smooth and extra protected. This stuff is wonderful and works as you dry the car; still haven't figured a way to do this step without pain though but she'll do that too

I washed the car this way for the first time on Sat and it looks amazing and I almost felt somewhat normal again, well almost. I'm still suffering from Sat but boy it sure felt good to clean my own car again, even if it was just partly.


Hope this can help anyone with a bad back, neck etc and everything can be bought at Pep Boys.

 

Man, I hear you. Suffered bad spinal damage when my new (then new and now ex) CTS-V hydroplaned into a concrete wall @ ~50 mph. Thank god for modern engineering, airbags, and Onstar. But for years, no pain medication in the world helped much and I had to drastically change lifestyle. Thankfully in time things have improved and I'm close to normal with only occasional bouts of nerve pain down my legs.

Listen, of all the pleasures of life you'll struggle loosing, the joy of putting a sparkle on the Jag may be one of them. Find a good mobile detail guy and try not to push it. Easy for me to say, but I found that the slightest bad twist or bend (or sneeze) would set off CRAZY pain, and washing a car introduces plenty of straining, reaching, and bending.

Try to get in the mode of enjoying having someone ELSE make it look perfect, that worked for me a bit, though deep down I know there' s a loss in satisfaction for you.

Glad you've found ways to keep up on it, but I worry that you'll aggravate and make things worse.

After all, there's always the pleasure of strapping yourself in and leaning on the throttle with the roof down Though I had to learn restraint around the twisties, I aggravated my condition cornering too hard more than once.

Best,

Skeeter

 

Thank you very much Skeeter, it's just over two years for me since that fateful day. How many years did it take your spine to calm down? I'm very happy for you it did, you're very lucky and you must be very careful to avoid any invasive treatments to your spine, even a bad slip or falls can set your spine off again.

My condition is called arachnoiditis and it's caused by epidurals, failed back surgery or trauma. Arachnoiditis is a very dark secret of the medical world as it occurs much more often than what's reported, as it consequences can be so grave; there is no cure and most pain meds don't put a dent in it. This has been a major learning experience as we've consulted with the very best in the world.

This article tells the story:
Arachnoiditis - The Deep Dark Secret of the Medical System

Here's a link to a very recent article in Bloomberg: Bristol-Myers Warning Ignored on Steroid Shots Tied to Deaths - Bloomberg

Ive enclosed an excellent news video below done in England from back in the mid 90's exposing the madness; some top neurosurgeons are interviewed; what they reveal is simply shocking. I've been told a new video is being produced especially now that the FDA is looking into these things.

Another top US Neurosurgeon Dr Charles Burton wrote the Burton Report which is a fascinating read; he states millions of people are walking around with silent arachnoiditis and if they have an accident, epidural insult or failed back surgery (blood getting into the thecal sac) they can easily progress into adhesive arachnoidits which is beyond painful liked to terminal cancer pain but you don't get to die. Adhes Arach Home Page.

This is a must watch: Epidural Steroid Injections with Depo-Medrol - Did It Harm You? - Main Story - YouTube

They do about 8 million epidurals a year at +/- $700- $1500 per session,,, the numbers are staggering and once again $$$ gets into the way of the patients best interest. In most MRI's arachnoiditis is rarely even mentioned unless its so severe it can't be disputed. I was taught how to read MRIs locating arachnoidits and I can assure everyone here a third grade child could point out the difference.

FYI, epidurals are not FDA approved; my ortho doc never once mentioned this, not once (most don't and it's usually buried in the release paperwork) if he would have mentioned it was not approved i would have run out of there as fast as I could.

There are many people who get epidurals that do fine but they are truly playing with fire.

Warn your family and friends as this condition is horrific.

Thanks for listening everyone, I took the time to write this all out to try and help and warn everyone here so they don't end up like me or worse.

 

I may have arachnoiditis from epidural steroid injections. Is that how you go it? Can you tell me your story? How did it happen? did something go wrong with the injections? Please tell me your story. What type of steroid was used? what happened after? How long did it take to get a diagnoses?
Han

 

I hope and will pray you don't. Yes the there was a problem with the injection. If you read the links and watch the video it will tell you all you need to know about how epidural steriod injections of either Depomedrol or Kenalog etc can cause arachnoiditis.

As far as getting a diagnosis, very few radiologists will admit this on their reports unless it very severe and even then many don't. After you have done your homework please feel free to pm me and I'll put you in touch with 3 of the top neurosurgeons/arachnoiditis experts that can look at your films and give you a proper diagnosis.

You can also Google arachnoiditis and epidurals but I've already provided the info in my thread...please review it thoroughly.

Best,

RJC

 

I dont know how to PM you. But can you tell me some nuerosurgeons or orthos that I can send my stuff to. Thanks. Also how many injections did you get, did something go wrong during injection? if so what? how long did it take to get diagnoses.? Can you pm me with these answers please. Please tell me your FULL story. thanks. did you get a dural tear?

 

Again, you need to read all the links and watch the video I've provided, they will answer your questions about what happens during epidurals, back surgery or trauma that can/may cause arachnoiditis. I made this very easy for those here by providing the links etc to start researching this condition. I encourage everyone to do their own research by googling arachnoiditis/epidurals to draw your own conclusions and of course ALWAYS consult with a qualified spine specialist/physician

I had two injections one week apart; life has been hell ever since. It appears you're in Minn and one of the links is to Dr Charles Burton a neurosurgeon, of the highly regarded Burton Report who happens to be located in Minn which should be very convienient for you to visit; if Dr Burton hopefully says you don't have it I'd feel very good about that.

Not everyone that gets an epidural, has trauma or back surgery will get arachnoiditis but it does happen and is an underreported complication so it's not discussed much. Arachnoiditis is a devastating diagnosis and can turn your life and then your loved one's lives upside down...hopefully you don't have it.

Pease do your own research and then draw your own conclusions after meeting with a qualified neurosurgeon that is not afraid to discuss and admit how this condition may occur.

Be well.

 

I did read what you said. But I am wondering did you have complications with your epidural? What happened? did you have a dural tear? Thanks

 

Also- how long after injection did it take for you to be diagnosed?

 

I've already told you there was a complication from the injection. It can take up to a year to see if you have arachnoiditis from the date of the insult and it can be a progressive disorder. If you watched the video you would have seen what happens when an insult occurs from an epidural injection.

Please seek appropriate medical care...you're on your own from here on out.

Very best of luck to you.

 

thanks. wow it can take that long? did yours take that long? I do not mean to ask so many questions but I really would like to know. After the injection did you have a horrible headache? what was unusual? In my injection I just remember an increase in pain quite a bit after the injection. It lasted for about a week- the bad bad pain lasted about 3 days or so but then there as an ache in my leg that lasted longer. I really do not want to have this, but I would like to get some answers and hear from others who have this. I am really curious as to how long it would take to show up on MRI. I had an MRI done 4 months after injection and it did not show up... should I wait for a year and then get another one and see? Or would it show up on an earlier MRI? WHen did yours show up??? so many questions- I will seek medical attention but sometimes they push you away and do not care.. I just want to speak to someone who has it- like you.
Hangirl

 

Unfortunately for me all the classic symptoms of an insult occured after the injection followed by the horrific symptoms/pain of arachnoiditis which have worsened over time. I told you earlier it can take up to a year for it to show up (on an MRI) and as I also previously explained to you even if it's there, many radiologists may not report it. I gave you the name of a world renown Neurosurgeon to see in your state that specializes in arachnoiditis...Go see him, have him review your MRI images, get some new ones (with contrast) and please ask him all of your other questions.

Good luck to you.

 

Dr.Burton no longer sees patients unfortunately. So now i dont know who to see would you happen to know anyone else? is Mayo clinic a good place to go? How long after YOUR injections was it seen on an MRI? I know I can ask these questions to a professional, I just want to hear someones experience other than a professional. if you can share that with me I would appreciate it. thanks,
Hangirl

 

That's very unfortunate if Dr Burton is no longer seeing new arachnoiditis patients.

My suggestion to YOU is to join some arachnoiditis forums on the internet and ask all your remaining questions to the members there; they may even be able to recommend another specialist close to your area. I have helped you as much as I can.

Here's a few to get started:

Inspire
Cofwa
The A word
Spine health
Arachnoiditis support
Or just google arachnoiditis forums.

 

Actually, the truth is clear... epidural steroid injections mostly benefit the bank accounts of the doctors performing them. After extensive research we've concluded that only 12% of those who get ESI's receive some short term relief from the treatment, but all studies conclude that in no way are ESI's a "cure" nor do they eliminate the need for back surgery. Of that 12%, 90% are mainly composed of former back-surgery patients whose nerve roots are severely compromised by scar tissue as a result of their surgery(ies). So it's no wonder they get some benefit. On the other hand if your doctor inadvertently injects the steroid compound into a nerve roots, or feeder arteries that surround your spine, the result can be devastating and just as painful if not excruciating! (Nerve damage & Sensory Nerve Disruption) A feeder artery injection could and has killed many people. But if indeed your doctor punctured the dura layer of your spinal cord while performing your ESI, (regardless if fluoroscopic guidance was used or not) the chances are good you will develop Arachnoiditis. The process is quick (1-10 weeks) but the progression is slow over the lifetime of the victim. If indeed you are truly suffering from Arachnoiditis, you would know it without a doubt. Most who feel they are really aren't until a board certified neuroradiologist confirms the diagnosis. Most have suffered other severe nerve damage as a result of their ESI treatments. (Damaged nerve roots etc.) The links above are from my postings and those of the campaign since 2001 and picked up by many other groups. You may wish to view this one as well. Good luck to you both.

Epidural Steroid Injections With Depo-Medrol - Did It Harm You? - Part One - YouTube

 

Dennis, pease pm me your contact info as I've actually been trying to reach you but the msn email address I had was not active, thank you.

 

Contact info for the EDNC is simple... either contact us through the YouTube site, or via email, EndDepoNow@verizon.net

Den

 

Will do, we have alot to talk about and I might be able to significantltly help with the fight to stop this insanity; just give me a few days.

Thank you,