Refusal of epidural cortisone injections.

BadKarma86

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Hello all,
-
I was diagnosed in 2009 for DDD. They did x-rays and a MRI, I was given physical therapy, meds and a P2 permanent profile. I only took the meds when needed and went on from there.

I PCS'd to FT Knox and my primary care provider wrote script for a couple of times,because I only took meds when I was in drastic pain. I was on my way to SLC en route to Germany, I went to get a prescription refill, I ended up having a new provider stated I needed a MRI (Told me I didn't have one in my records) before they would treat me.
I sucked it up, went to school and PCS'd here to Germany, My new provider ordered me a MRI, and I received my results Friday in Landstuhl. The PA said I had different back issues, but was only covering a bulging disk in my L5. The PA was a total prick, treated me like crap because I didnt follow up at Knox. Insinuated I was a pill popper but told me my disk is screwed up and they want to give me a epidural cortisone injections.
He stated that it was only a temp fix and I would never really get better. He referred me to Pain management for these injections.

I have been reading on the internet, that these injections can last for a week t a year with possible side effects.

For a temp fix, I am not ready to take the risk.

I was asked if I wanted a P3 profile and I stated I would get back with them. I know with a P3 then the med chapter process will start.

My pain has gotten so bad that I cant suck it up anymore like a good Soldier. I am thinking since I didnt run to sick call like I should have to have my condition documented, then it is going to hurt me.

I am looking to start the Med Board process but I want my ducks in a row and I don't want a temp fix.

Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post!
 
First, if they found bulging disks in your MRI, you should get a referral to a nerosurgeon. He will evaluate what course of action to take. The shots are one direction to go, continued pain management works as well. He also may look at surgery. My point is a PA is nowhere near qualified to decide what to do based on positive results on an MRI.

Work at getting your back fixed, then worry about the P3 and Med board.
 
Thanks for you response!

The way the PA talked, I am to call Pain Mgmt then the will inject me. He sounded like he was the shot coller!
 
Trust me brother I know where your coming from! Im a medic and didnt go to sick call to often until my daughter was born...then i was tired of sucking it up and talked to My doc, had a few x-rays..then a few MRIs the next week it was so bad. However i knew the MEB doctor would want to see that i tried to make it better i have had 2 steroid injections 2 in my c-spine and 2 in my T-spine, but i started with physical theropy have done everything except surgery. i havea total of 11 herniated discs. Look now it is time you take care of your self! if you have to go to a TMC or aid station you Can get referred to another doc at a clinic or in the hospital who can deal with your situation.
 
Here is my 2 cents, ask neuro or PCM
For a tens unit there great for back and neck
pain. The injections are ok, had mine for the
first time a few weeks ago. I have had some relief!
 
Trust me brother I know where your coming from! Im a medic and didnt go to sick call to often until my daughter was born...then i was tired of sucking it up and talked to My doc, had a few x-rays..then a few MRIs the next week it was so bad. However i knew the MEB doctor would want to see that i tried to make it better i have had 2 steroid injections 2 in my c-spine and 2 in my T-spine, but i started with physical theropy have done everything except surgery. i havea total of 11 herniated discs. Look now it is time you take care of your self! if you have to go to a TMC or aid station you Can get referred to another doc at a clinic or in the hospital who can deal with your situation.

Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

Best Wishes!
 
Hello all,
-
I was diagnosed in 2009 for DDD. They did x-rays and a MRI, I was given physical therapy, meds and a P2 permanent profile. I only took the meds when needed and went on from there.

I PCS'd to FT Knox and my primary care provider wrote script for a couple of times,because I only took meds when I was in drastic pain. I was on my way to SLC en route to Germany, I went to get a prescription refill, I ended up having a new provider stated I needed a MRI (Told me I didn't have one in my records) before they would treat me.
I sucked it up, went to school and PCS'd here to Germany, My new provider ordered me a MRI, and I received my results Friday in Landstuhl. The PA said I had different back issues, but was only covering a bulging disk in my L5. The PA was a total prick, treated me like crap because I didnt follow up at Knox. Insinuated I was a pill popper but told me my disk is screwed up and they want to give me a epidural cortisone injections.
He stated that it was only a temp fix and I would never really get better. He referred me to Pain management for these injections.

I have been reading on the internet, that these injections can last for a week t a year with possible side effects.

For a temp fix, I am not ready to take the risk.

I was asked if I wanted a P3 profile and I stated I would get back with them. I know with a P3 then the med chapter process will start.

My pain has gotten so bad that I cant suck it up anymore like a good Soldier. I am thinking since I didnt run to sick call like I should have to have my condition documented, then it is going to hurt me.

I am looking to start the Med Board process but I want my ducks in a row and I don't want a temp fix.

Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post!

First, if they found bulging disks in your MRI, you should get a referral to a nerosurgeon. He will evaluate what course of action to take. The shots are one direction to go, continued pain management works as well. He also may look at surgery. My point is a PA is nowhere near qualified to decide what to do based on positive results on an MRI.

Work at getting your back fixed, then worry about the P3 and Med board.

Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

In my opinion, ranger2992 provided good sound insight. You should take advantage of all of the medical treatment programs to see if any improvement is gained. As a last resort, lumbar surgery may or may not fix your medical condition.

To that extent, keep in mind that the lumbar surgery may fix your current medical condition, but it may start residual medical problems associated with the surgery.

In retrospect, I have Lumbar DDD combat-related issues resulting in ALIF L4-5 disc fusion failed surgery; PTSD, mild TBI, etc. for mental health conditions; and numerous other physical medical conditions. That said, I comprehend your concerns in reference in symptomology of medical conditions.

In reference to not going on "sick call" to have your medical condition(s) previously documented; now is the time to obtain proper documentation of all of your medical conditions. If proper medical documentation isn't performed, then it's more likely than not that the DoVA will issue either a proposed 0% rating and/or proposed non-service connection for disability compensation.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
I would stay away from the Injections. When I went through the process I would get them ever 3-4 months, Pain Management telling me I was only allowed to get them 3 times a year. The injections only helped while I was in the process of getting them! Because they numbed my back! The drive home felt great, the next day I woke up with pain again! I then opted to have them burn my disk, lots of pain no comfort from it. Mind you I'm doing physical therapy the entire time I'm getting seen for my back. Another year goes by, finally I get referred out to an orthopedic's doc. He wants to remove the herniation in my L5-S1. I agree, wake up from surgery feeling great. Stayed over night, went home. Still feeling ok, but I was on alot of pain medication. Went to sleep one night, not waking my self up 4 hours after my pain meds wore off and leaving them down stairs..BIG mistake. I couldn't move the when I woke up with out EXTREME pain. Had to call my wife begging her to hurry home from her walk and get my meds to me. Contiuned to be in pain the entire 30 days of convo leave... forward 6 months of PT, still not help.. Pain got a little better but started to come back worse and worse.. Originally my ortho doc told me he did not want to fuse my back because I was only 26 at the time, after the first surgery he finally agreed to fuse it. I went with a disk replacement instead of complete fuse. Trying to keep some range of motion. The surgery went great, I felt great after surgery, I enjoyed my 30 days of conv leave rather than laying in bed taking pain pills. Pain was reduced by 40-50% easily at first.. Did some PT, still had pain in the lower back.. moved to my hips now also. Doc's said it was due to swelling in my back. Wait 6 months to decide if I wanted to MEB for it.. stating I would only get 10% for my lower back issues. Well 6 months later my back pain was pretty much were it was before the disk replacement.. More MRI's, no idea's why. I believe my ortho doc is just fed up with seeing me anymore. I request the MEB. Was found unfit right away, 40% DOD 60% VA.

Sorry kinda long rant. Anyway I would maybe get 1 injection to see if it helps... I had a tense unit I would wear for hours at a time just to keep pain away... kinda helped, doesn't any longer. No NSAID meds help with pain. I take ultram now it, kinda helps but not so much. Hopefully when I finally get out of the Marines a civilian doctor back at home may be able to help me more.
 
Hello all,
-
I was diagnosed in 2009 for DDD. They did x-rays and a MRI, I was given physical therapy, meds and a P2 permanent profile. I only took the meds when needed and went on from there.

I PCS'd to FT Knox and my primary care provider wrote script for a couple of times,because I only took meds when I was in drastic pain. I was on my way to SLC en route to Germany, I went to get a prescription refill, I ended up having a new provider stated I needed a MRI (Told me I didn't have one in my records) before they would treat me.
I sucked it up, went to school and PCS'd here to Germany, My new provider ordered me a MRI, and I received my results Friday in Landstuhl. The PA said I had different back issues, but was only covering a bulging disk in my L5. The PA was a total prick, treated me like crap because I didnt follow up at Knox. Insinuated I was a pill popper but told me my disk is screwed up and they want to give me a epidural cortisone injections.
He stated that it was only a temp fix and I would never really get better. He referred me to Pain management for these injections.

I have been reading on the internet, that these injections can last for a week t a year with possible side effects.

For a temp fix, I am not ready to take the risk.

I was asked if I wanted a P3 profile and I stated I would get back with them. I know with a P3 then the med chapter process will start.

My pain has gotten so bad that I cant suck it up anymore like a good Soldier. I am thinking since I didnt run to sick call like I should have to have my condition documented, then it is going to hurt me.

I am looking to start the Med Board process but I want my ducks in a row and I don't want a temp fix.

Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post!
Very old post but did anything bad happen for refusing to get the injections???
 
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