Question re an epidural for sciatica

feria9

Hello. Has anyone had an epidural for severe sciatica? 
Three months ago my back went. We were on a motorcycle trip in Turkey and just as we exited to go home, my back went in Bulgaria. The disc herniation was so severe that for the first 3 days my body was in such a spasm, I wasn't able to get off the floor. I ended up spending two weeks on the floor of a hotel room and eventually got moved to a hospital where I spent three weeks before being repatriated home (thank god for travel insurance). During the two weeks on the hotel room floor, I was getting daily IV and IM anti-inflammatory, painkilling and steroid injections and that continued for about a week and a half in the hospital. The steroid injections did not work very well as there wasn't any significant improvement. 
So my question is around that... If IV steroid injections did not really help me, what are the chances an epidural injection would? I have an appointment scheduled in a Pain Clinic and would like to be prepared... I haven't had much luck in finding real examples (on the internet) from people with disc herniation and severe sciatica having epidural injections. I should add that it happened at the beginning of September and I am still walking mostly on crutches. The sciatic pain is significant but it is getting better, although very, very slowly. I would love to avoid surgery so I'm looking at trying anything and everything! 
Thank you for reading. 
Have a lovely day 🌼

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @feria9

I'm sorry no one has answered your query yet. Did you manage to have the appointment with the pain clinic yet? How did it go if you did?

From my knowledge an epidural is a numbing agent, but there are risks with it. It's best to speak to a medical professional about those options. 

Is your injury something that Physiotherapy would help in the long run? or help ease the pain? 

SueHeath

Evening @feria9 I so feel for you the pain is awful, as Hanna has asked have you had your appointment yet at the pain relief clinic. I have never had the epidural for pain relief, but i have heard of it's use. Have you been to the physio yet, i found some of the manipulation  i had years ago a major help with my back, if their still offering this at the moment or if your in the position you can pay. 

Jo_2022

Hello @feria9! Good luck with the hospital appointment!  I hope you do get some pain relief for your sciatica pain as it sounds like a huge challenge for you at the moment. Perhaps another steroid injection or epidural may help to dissolve some of your pain? Also I have heard some people find acupuncture, chiropractic and massage treatments beneficial. I am not an expert although I have had back pain in the past myself and attended a Pain Management Program. I feel asking the specialist about all available options will help you to make an informed decision about which treatment you would prefer to have. Do let us know how the hospital appointment goes!