The day has finally arrived.  This afternoon I am going to get my ESI (epidural spinal injection) that will hopefully provide some pain relief.  The docs are going in under Xray guidance and injecting steroids, anti-imflammatories and pain killers directly to the affected area in my back.  

 

(To quickly catch people up - I’ve been having nearly constant lower back pain since mid-February.  MRIs have revealed a degenerative spinal condition resulting in deterioration in my three lower discs.  Two of the discs are bulging and pressing on nerves, causing the pain.)

 

The ESI sounds like a fairly routine procedure so I’m not too concerned, though it is a bit troubling that they will actually put me out with some local anesthesia for the procedure to guarantee that I don’t move because they will be getting so close to the spine.  I have a standing agreement with Dennis (made when we were in HS) that he will “put me out of my misery” if I ever get paralyzed.  I’d like to revoke this agreement now, please.  

 

Even so, I have actually been REALLY looking forward to this.  My back has been much worse in the last two weeks after I spent three hours standing at a work function.  The pain meds and other pills haven’t done a thing.  I am SO looking forward to being pain-free  (or at least significantly improved to the point where I can start some physical therapy - but really pain free is the hope.)