Epidural symptoms and conditions

I started taking 20mg of Simvastatin on 10/17 due to high cholesterol. Five days later I came home from work feeling very tired and fell asleep. I woke up feeling severe flu like aches and pains in places I didn't know could hurt and then got the chills. I stayed home from work the next day and it's a good thing I did. I awoke with a severe cramp in my upper right thigh. I have always been prone to calf cramps so wasn't too concerned. However I stopped the meds on 10/22. This continued on a daily basis and I went to the dr on 10/27. I had an x-ray done which showed a bulging disc and some uncushioned discs. She put me back on the meds BUT with a COq10 am and pm and cut the pill in half. Do you think she knew it could be from the med? I foolishly restarted and by 11/4 took myself back off, had an MRI and such severe nerve pain in my right leg that I thought I would die. It was a bolt of lightening starting at my upper thigh and coming out the bottom of my foot. It felt like a hot poker running down my leg. The episodes were on a daily basis, would come every two hours, and could last as long as 45 minutes with no relief. I am now going for pain management and had an epidural a week ago which got rid of the nerve pain but I am still numb down my right leg to my right ankle. I have been healthy for years and feel that this was all brought on by Simvastatin. Any idiot can figure out that your nerves are running through your muscles. I am angry to think that this could have caused me permanent damage.

On Sept. 2, 2009 I had a cortisone shot in my back for L4, L5, C1 disc problems. The shot was painful but brief and I went out of there with no particular symptoms. It was done in a hospital by a neurologist. On Sept. 4th I woke up and the whole room was spinning. I threw up and this continued for awhile. I could hardly stand and went to the hospital emergency room where I spent the next twelve hours getting all kinds of tests. My blood pressure was 185 over 110. Finally, they told me they could find nothing physically wrong and dismissed me with meclizine for dizziness. This is now Oct.27th and I had these vertigo symptoms for seven weeks! I was sent to an ear specialist and underwent vesicular therapy for benign position vertigo several times a week at a rehabilitation center. I had brain MRI and a neck MRA which showed nothing. Last Saturday I passed out for a few seconds. Every medical specialist insists that the Cortisone shot had nothing to do with all this but I am still undiagnosed. Yesterday (Oct. 26th) the dizziness ended (7 weeks). I don't know if it is gone for good. I cannot believe that it is just a coincidence that all this happened two days after the cortizone shot. Does this strike a bell with any of you?

My horrible experience is finally over with Mirena as of today and I’m SOO relieved. I had Mirena inserted after my daughter was born because I liked the idea of not needing to remember to take a pill (esp with mommy brain). For the first few months, it was fine because I was breast feeding and did not have a period at all. However, once I stopped breast feeding, Mirena kicked it and it was awful. Granted, I think I’m in that 10-20% that has annoying side effects and does not like it. But, I would feel nausea a few days a month (and I did not have that when I was pregnant), I would have cramps 3 out of the 4 weeks in a month, spotting all the time, periods were all over the place (which would have been okay, but the spotting was really annoying), more headaches than normal and I felt tired all the time. Yes, it is tiring taking care of a toddler, but I was sleeping 9 hours a night and I was still tired. I basically felt like I was pregnant when I was not. No thanks.

So, I called the doctor’s office and they said they have heard of headaches, but not cramping. The doctor never called me about it (I spoke to the nurse), so after doing my own research, I decided to just get it out. So, I go in for the IUD removal. The doctor comes in and brings in a nursing student to view how easy it is. I guess that cursed me since she could not find the strings. It was sooo painful. The doctor has the student try to look to see if she can find the strings (I was mortified, just want I want, is someone else looking down there). She can’t find the damn thing, so she asks for an IUD removal hook. Just want I want to hear is the work hook and my cervix. So, she finally gives up after I’m ready to bite her head of because I’m in so much pain and screaming for an epi (the only pain I could compare it to was getting an internal exam during labor before the epidural).

The doctor sends me for an u/s to make sure the IUD is in there. Thank goodness it’s in there. That was also not fun since I had to had an internal u/s and that was a bit painful. The tech says it’s in there okay, the string just curled up.

So, fast forward to today. I went to the doctor’s office to have it out via a scope. Starting last night, I had to insert a tablet into my vagina so that the cervix would dilate. Waking up this morning, I felt really weird and had cramping from my cervix being dilated. Once at the doctors, they did a pregnancy test to make sure that I was not pregnant. Luckily, I was not. They then took my blood pressure and O2 level. My o2 level was fine but my BP was high because I was nervous. No big deal since it’s usually low and I’m quiet healthy. I then get a shot of toradol in my butt and have to wait about 20 minutes to kick in. I just felt kind of woozy. They then bring me in the room and the fun begins. Legs in stirrups, 2 nurses and a tech (who did not know what she was doing and was making me nervous). They gave me a shot of lidocaine in my uterus before the procedure. That was moderately uncomfortable, but luckily, a nice nurse let me squeeze her hand during that. The doctor then sends the camera up there and also sends water up my vagina so that she can work the camera. That was really weird to have water flowing out all over. The doctor got soaked, but I’m sure she’s used to it. I had lots of cramping going on and she see the IUD, grabs some kind of instrument and pulls it out. When she pulls it out, she noticed that the strings were all twisted, so that’s why I would not come out. I actually saw it out and was very relieved. The whole procedure probably lasted about 5-8 minutes, but it seemed like forever. They then cleaned me up and told me I’ll have cramping today. I’m still crampy now, so I’m taking advil every 4 hours. Hopefully, I feel fine by tomorrow.
The doctors office did give me the option to take valium and percocet for the procedure, but then I would not be able to drive home. So, I did not take it since it was hard enough to get someone to babysit, let alone drive me home. But, if you are the nervous time and have a ride, I say go for the other drugs! I was fine as soon as it was done and got out of there ASAP! I hope I’m not back in the office for a very long time. I’m going on the pill as soon as my cycle returns to normal since at least I did not have problems with that before.
I know I’m in the minority with these problems, but I wish I knew all the complications that I could have had since it would have saved me a ton of time, stress and money. I can only imagine how much it would cost to have the damn thing out, thank goodness I have decent insurance.

I have been given three procedures with kenalog injections. First was in May when I has an epidural for my work related back injury. Though I received little pain relief from the epidural, I began to have menstrual spotting only a week after my regular period ended. This spotting continued every day for about three weeks. I had a normal end of June, beginning of July period. I started my next period the Friday before my first SI joint injection with Kenalog which was Wed. Aug 5th. Well from there my period never ended. Since then I've spotted everyday and all day long. I am sore from having to wear pads all the time. I went next to my f/u appt where they gave me another SI joint injection. I did tell them about this bleeding, but they weren't concerned. So here I am still spotting until today. This morning I woke up feeling fine besides my usual spotting I've had. Got to work, was working for about an hour to so and began to cramp. Went to bathroom and passed a clot about the size of the palm of my hand. And then consisted to have heavy bleeding soaking a pad in about 1.5-2.0 hour time. During the whole spotting I've had, I took preg. tests, with most recent one a week ago and was neg. My other concern is I have an IUD-the copper Paragard. Called my OB-GYN and she wanted to see me right away. Left work and on my way there (45 min. drive) I began feeling lightheaded and weak. My mom ended up driving me the rest of the way. Anyway, everything checked out fine-IUD ok, neg preg test, no chance for tubal preg. Was told must be side effect of the Kenalog. I've been bleeding for like 6 weeks and am soooo sore from pads all the time. I am on light duty due to my work injury and I feel I should be covered for today and tomorrow because OB-GYN wants me on bed rest to stop this heavy bleeding. I feel I should be paid under Workers' Comp since these missed days are related to a complication from the treatment of my work related injury. Any suggestions or comments from anyone?

Prescribed Bactrim for MRSA skin infection on my arm that I picked up at my local gym. Day 1 OK, Day 2 severe headache at the base of my skull. Day 3 continued headache, general nausea, gas. Day 4 I began to develop a low grade fever and dizziness. Almost passed out after walking just a half mile. Still a severe headache, weakness. Day 5 Headache, consistent fever of 103, chills and muscle aches, light hives visible, weakness, unable to sleep. Day 6 early am, couldn't sleep all night, went to the ER with the worst muscle aches and fever I have ever had. Hives now very clear and pronounced all over my torso. I was tested for the flu. Said it was not, but was a viral infection that was attacking my muscles. Muscle breakdown found in both blood and urine samples. ER physician changed medication to Clindamycin HCL. Told to stop Bactrim, but thought what I had was viral, not a reaction to the Bactrim. I continues to feel bad for a couple more days, but hives started to reduce, fever diminished and started to feel halfway human after being off Bactrim for a couple of days. Still not 100%. New med has it's issues too (have to take every 6 hours, can't lay down after taking it) and a nasty taste in mouth and stomach upset, loose stool. After 5 days of new med went back to my doctor. A secondary infection had set up in the Staph area. The fungal infection needed a different med. Now is 4 weeks later, after finishing all meds, still have an infection. Blood cultures taken to see if the infection is the staph or fungal. I have lost 8lb, have no taste buds, loose stool, severe stomach cramps/burning (now taking Activia to put back good bacteria in my stomach...no one told me to do this before!!). If Staph not gone, need IV antibiotic for a month. I am 50 year old female, but note I had taken this in my 30's without any problems. You can develop an allergic reaction to medicines previously OK for you. Beware of Bactrim. It kicked my behind!

Hi, had two epidural shots..first one went fine..worked really well..after the second one..my face has been swallow for over 3 weeks now..rash all over..water weight gain..back of my neck is all swelled up..there are days that i can barely walk on my leg..due to the swelling..i have been to 16 doctors and no one could figure out what is wrong with me..im thinking this is some reaction to the epidural shot that i had..I also have been bleeding..period i guess for over 3 weeks..spotting..does anyone know when and if this ever goes back to normal..what doc i need to be seeing to correct this problem..if anyone has any information that could help me..im 27 female mother of one..that has never had any medical conditions like this ever..so i have to assume that this is from the shot..i tried calling the doctor that did my shot and he said its not because of him and now will not return my phone calls..im at a loss on what to do..please email me at ****** if anyone has been through this and knows if this goes away on its own..what i need to do..anything thank you for taking the time to read my story.

D.
long island, NY

There should be warnings about this! The doctor should have told me that this could happen..it is not worth what we all have been through!! sorry just venting.

Hello, I have been on Lamictal 25 mg 2 times per day for mood stabilizing since Sept 2008. For the past five months I have had extreme lower back and hip and leg pain. I have been being treated for the pain and so far no one has been able to find the cause. I am currently going to pain management because I am in drug and alcohol recovery, pain meds are not and option for me and just had my 2nd epidural spine injection with no relief. I am so GRATEFUL I found this site. God works in his own way. I am calling my doctors now. Thank you all and God Bless.

PS I have never even looked up my drug side effectives before let alone post on a site.

have to agree with Mrsbarrett's post right below mine...I have been a lurker on this board for the past couple of months and thank God for it or who knows how crazy i'd be right now!! Here is a list of my side effects and pertinent information:
DOI: October 2008
Side effects were gradual and most evident around the Christmas Holidays:
Dizziness
Weird eye/vision disturbance where i'd lose focus for a moment and then be okay.
Constant spotting of "old blood" nothing much but did require pantiliners 24/7
Anxiety
Hypertension (more than ever, like when I was pregnant, 150-170s/100)
Panic Attacks
Face Dryness
ZERO SEX DRIVE
No "natural" lubrication, but who cares when you have no drive, are spotting all the time, and it hurts to have sex
Vaginal Odor
Mood Swings
Depression
FATIGUE to the point of wanting to stay in bed despite having to care for my 7.5 year old.
Chest pains (kept thinking maybe I had heart trouble, had cardiac workup that came up PERFECT and bloodwork was perfect, Thyroid test was perfect)
Nausea (morning sickness type, would get slightly better in evening but not so much)
IBS symptoms (diarrhea)

DOR: January 23, 2009
2 days later heavy bleeding for a couple of days.....had somewhat of a "crash" the first week where I was still not better. By the 2nd week post removal I was still nauseated in the morning but improved in the late afternoon and got energy boost in late afternoon.By the 3rd week I was totally back to normal!!!!! (well what's normal for crazy me! hahahahha)

My husband came with me to the doc, and she had no problem with removal. I went back for a follow up this past Friday and she saw how normal I am and that I have lost several pounds as well. She realizes I am extremely sensitive to hormone changes but says i'm the only one that she has seen like that. (how many have problems that don't think it is the Mirena...that's what I want to know???)

Anyway, that's my story and i'm sticking to it!!! If anyone would like to chat or share please let me know. I will also add that I have a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (just not practicing since becoming a SAHM) and so I looked up tons of information to figure out what was wrong with me, I really am thankful to have found this site....medical mumbo jumbo is NOTHING when you have your body telling you something and all you fine ladies......Thanks again!
~G

Hello everyone: Just let me say that i feel relieved to know that i am not the only one going through hell with the Mirena. When i first heard about this birth control I thought it was too good to be true, and after talking the side effects over with my dr I was assured that this was the right choice for me. I have two beautiful daughter 3 and 1, I do want a third child but not until i finish my Masters. So i decided to have the Mirena put in after the birth of my second baby, she was born in Aug07 and i had the Mirena inserted in Oct07. Keep in mind that i had already lost all my baby weight by this time. Well a couple of months later i had already gained 15pounds, i exercise, eat healthy and those 15lbs did not budge. I began getting these awful headaches and by back feels like i am getting an epidural all over again. Acne is a major issue, i thought that maybe it was stressed related, i have never had a issue with my skin until now, i recently discovered dry patches on my arms. I have a regular period every month, but I have a awful discharge with a horrible odor. I have to wear panty liners every day. I feel dizzy all the time and i have to pump my self up just to clean my house. This is not my idea of living a healthy life. I think a lot more research should have been conducted before this product was put on the market, or maybe we are the research? Depression and anxiety attacks are major for me, i don't sleep and when i do i wake up having an anxiety attack. Memory loss is bad i can be in mid sentence and completely forget what we are talking about, that scared me to the point to where I thought i was going crazy!!! I went ot my doctor and told him everything that was going on and he just put me on an anxiety med and did blood work to make sure my thyroid was functioning properly. All test came beck ok!! So I need an explanation of what in the hell is going on. I had none of these issues before i had mirena, but now i feel like I am someone else. I am calling my doctor on Tuesday to schedule an appt to have this evil device taken out of me. My health is far more important!! And I would rather use condoms and prayer as my contraceptive!!! Good luck to all you ladies and i pray you all make the right decision concerning your health~!~

I too am one of the many women who wishes that she would have seen this site before getting the Mirena! I thought that I was dealing with some sort of postpartum depression. My MD had me convinced that NONE of the side affects that I am experiencing are Mirena related. Now after reading all of this I know I'm not the only one!
I had my son May of this year. Before I had him my MD had talked to me about the choice of a birth control after birth. Well I knew very little of Mirena, but once my MD had explained it I was SOLD! No kids for 5 years (not looking to have my next one until about that time) and "little to no side effects." What could have been better. He was singing music to my ears about Mirena. 6 weeks after my c-section I went in for my follow up and was given the ok to get it. I was told that the procedure shouldn't hurt. Liars. I can't believe that they don't numb you for that. Hello.....YOU ARE MANUALLY DIALATING MY CERVIX!!! I bled that day and afterwards and the cramps were out of this world! The doctor just told me to take the left over vicodin I had from my c-section. Two weeks later the craps were still in full throttle!
A few weeks after the insertion I was starting to to become this other person. Mood swings and a total bitch came out of me. My poor husband got the bad end of it. He thought it was postpartum and just let it be. A while after that I began to feel bloated and I started to gain the pregnancy weight back. I wasn't eating any different so I know something was not right. Fatigue was another effect that set in around the same time. I thought it was just trying to adjust with a baby in the house but here it is 5 months later and I have no energy. I promised myself I was going to start going to the gym and I can't muscle up the energy to do that. I'm wiped out by the day's end with taking care of the baby and getting simple house chores done. Also my back hurts ALL THE TIME. I thought that it might have been from the epidural but now I think not. I've always had some breakouts but not that bad. Now I break out all the time, and they are bad. Not to mention that I'm getting breakouts all over my neck, chest and back. I've never broken out like this on my body before. Not even when I was pregnant. Even more recent is my hair that is starting to come out in alarming clumps. I can get a good fistfull in the shower when I'm ringing my hair out, another good one when I blow dry it, and then just randomly during the day. For the most part I've always had thick hair and I'm noticing a DRAMATIC difference!
I've made several calls to my md about the cramps and the things I'm going through and he asked me to just give it a few more months. I'm going to call ASAP and demand that this thing comes out!

Thank goodness it is not all in my head. For the past year, I have been feeling as strange as the comments I have just read. Life is hard in the first place, but since having this IUD, life has been hard and very overwhelming. I have had constant mood swings, at least 3-4 days out of the week. Not only do I feel extremely nauseated 10 days before my period, even after it has come and gone, I feel nauseated again a week later. I had hoped that this new method of birth control would give me new freedom to have relations with my husband without being overly concerned about getting pregnant due to the less likelihood of the device failing. Boy was I wrong. I don't even think about sex. Nothing for the most part that he does turns me on. I can't even concentrate on feeling sexual when we are having sex. I just want to hit him or flip out on everyone. I feel a flush of anger go through my body that makes me think of very dangerous ideas, such as harming myself or others that are not really doing anything to deserve my anger. I have been very paranoid about everything and feel that I can not trust anyone, especially when I am telling them how I feel. I think that they just think that I am crazy. I have had extreme pain in my back near my spine, which I had thought before reading your comments was perhaps a side effect from the epidural I received during my child birth. I also have extreme pain in my sacral and hip areas that I never had before. My stomach is bloated with more stretch marks than I had when I was pregnant, my feet hurt. And I have an uncontrollable hunger at times. My short term memory is passe'. In fact, I took off my engagement and wedding rings in the house and can not for the life of me remember where I might have put my engagement ring. I am going to have this thing removed as soon as I get on my husband's insurance, before I go completely mad and hurt myself or my family. In closing, who cares if our doctor doesn't believe these things are not side effects. The truth is that God created all of us with common sense to know if something is blatantly wrong with us. We need to be wise and take care of our bodies and minds. This is something that God expects us to do. We have to live up to our obligations and commitments to our families like we promised we would when we got married.zfcII.

I have had the mirena for 7 months now..
I never realized that I was having all these symptoms until reading tons of websites..

I'm constantly suffering from severe sharp stabbing pains, and my migraines are back are like hell now.
I'm having crazy lower back pain(to which I believe only 1/2 of it is to be blamed on mirena.. other half is to be blamed on my 9 attempts of an epidural)..

I'm going to get it removed today so we can ttc #2(Presleigh our daughter is 1 yr and 2 weeks old:)) I'm terrified of what it will be like to get it removed.. anyone been through this?

I am a 33 year old mother of 2 and i just been diagnosed with disk protrusion from L5-S1. as i worked for an ortho froup my doctor advised me to get an Epidural injecting which has relieved a lot of my pain especially in my legs and feet. unfortunately 2 days after receiving the injection i have started a menstrual that has now lasted 14 days ( i just finished my cycle a week prior from getting the injection). im also experiencing anxiety attacks whereas i cannot sleep at night. My husband and i are considering having another child and this whole situation is very frustrating. Im going to physical therapy 2-3 time a week for 3 weeks and i hope it will be of some help. My surgeon doesn't feel i should have back surgery he states im to young...help!!!!!

i had a cortisone epidural in my L3/L4 lumbar about 2.5 months ago.
30 seconds after procedure, i had severe dizziness and then fainted. Got up about 15 seconds later, i had no idea what had happened. My heart was racing and I felt out of it. I had the procedure in major hospital in Winston-Salem, NC, and they kept me for observation. I immediately felt different, i felt very anxious, nervous. Blood pressure was high. They admitted me to ER and they observed me for several hours. I had several bad 'panic attacks' where my heart unexplainedly increased to 130-150 bpm standing still. I felt extremely dizzy and light headed. They released me from the hospital and said i had a vasal vago reaction. I thought it was strange as i have had shots before with no problems. (doctor did hit a nerve with needle during procedure, very painful so i thought maybe that contributed to the fainting). For two weeks after the procedure i had trouble sleeping, irritability, nasaeu, stomach pains, bloating, chest pains, heart pounding, headaches, depression, dizziness and light headedness- thought i was dying at times. doctor's put me on a beta blocker to keep my heart rhythms under control. The meds made it even worse. Stayed on for about a month and a half then weened off. Nearly three months later, i still have extreme nervousness ,bloating. All the while doctor's all along said that it couldn't be the cortisone. I have not had any of these issues ever in my life, i knew it was the cortisone shot. This has been one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. Glad to see other people with similar experiences from this drug. I have seen neurologists, and cardiac surgeons, general md's about this and they all couldn't connect the shot to my symptoms. Cardiologist wanted to put me on a calcium channel blocker when i was off beta blockers, if it were there choice they would throw more drugs at it. I don't wish this effect of cortisone on anyone!!!!!!!!!!

I had the Mirena inserted in May of 2008. I had the normal bleeding and horrible pains after insertion. Had to go to the hospital because the pain was so bad. Now, 3 months later I have been dealing with extreme fatigue, some bloating, headaches, horrible mood swings, and extremely bad backaches. I figured that the backaches were from past issues (a wreck, pregnancy, epidural, and lifting a 30 lb baby everyday), but I think now it's because of Mirena. My back pain has been the worst part of this thing. I'm only 20 years old and when I wake up in the morning, I can't even bend over to pick something up without wincing in pain. Tonight I have been having bad stomach cramps. It feels like period cramps, with no sign of bleeding.

I have a friend who had the Mirena for about 14 months. She had to have it removed about a month ago because it got infected. She was in the hospital for 2 days and out of work for a week. They couldn't find any reason for the infection. She is now on about 9 medications including Percecet for pain.

I'm now considering having it taken out. I noticed a few weeks ago that I was always tired and I can't seem to get enough sleep. I just realized that it may be due to the Mirena. I'm going to make me an appointment with the OB/GYN to discuss the issue. Thank you all for informing me of these problems.

Oh, and my doctor never gave me a pamphlet when I had it inserted.

Jackie

I am 56 years old and have gone thru Menopause and have not had a period for 5 years. I just had 2 epidural injections of kenalog for my L4, L5, S1., I just had a period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The doctors say it's not from the steroid shot. I take a sleep aid pill to help me sleep. Good news is my pain is gone.

These posts about contacting a bad viral infection while the immune system is suppressed by Singulair are particularly worrisome. This was from 2007 so it has nothing to do with the FDA investigation. Epstein Barr causes some really bad illnesses including lymphoma.

The scary part is that children are the most susceptible to viruses. They need to develop immunity at a young age that will build up over time to levels that will protect them for the rest of their lives. Why are we giving children a drug that will suppress the leukotrienes? Why do we think that it is okay to take away one of the bodies defense mechanisms? Wouldn't it be logical that a drug that suppresses the immune system is a last resort option not handed out like lollipops?

www.iddb.org/drugs/singulair/ - 243k
.
Anonymous Immune System Dysfunction September 13th, 2007

Do users of Singulair and Advair understand how these products work? In order to understand how they work, you must first know what happens in the body during an allergic attack.

Allergic response is a function of the body's immune system. When an allergen enters the body through the nose or the lungs (e.g., a bit of pollen or cat dander), it is recognized by the body as a foreign substance, and the immune system then produces histamines to fight the intruder. Singulair and Advair work by disabling the body's immune system, so that there is no allergic response.

I too thought these drugs were wonderful. I was on both Singulair and Advair to combat asthma from my new husband's cat. I took high strengths of these drugs for approximately three years.

During the time I was on these drugs, some disease entity, most likely a virus (e.g., Epstein-Barr, Herpes Simplex I, HTLV I). I have been sick with a fever for the last four and a half years. My immune system seems to have been permanently impaired, and every organ in my body is now compromised. I have a fever, night sweats, liver and spleen enlargement, digestive problems, skin infections, hypertension, rapid-onset insulin-dependent diabetes and other endocrino;ogical problems, blood cell abnormalities, and neurological problems (e.g., tremors, myoclonic seizures, muscle cramps and weakness, vertigo, incoordination).

I am about to undergo a spinal tap and other tests, looking for the causative entity. Whatever it is entered my nervous system when I had an epidural anesthetic while on these immune system depressants. I have not been the same since. I have been too sick to work. This has ruined my life.

As we have all learned from recent reports of heart damage from Vioxx, the FDA no longer has the money to fully test new drugs entering the market. The "clinical trials" are a drug's entry into the population. If it kills or sickens too many people, they withdraw it. However, the drug companies define "too many people" as a number that could potentially ruin profits through lawsuits.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Don't rely on the government to protect you. Before putting any drug into your body, do the research into how it works. Read comments from other users. I wish I had done that.

I had a Kenalog injection in two trigger points (one on the right side of my spine in the shoulder blade area and one on the right side of my spine in the lower neck) on March 27, 2008. Prior to the shot, I was suffering from numbness in my right arm and leg, shooting pains and loss of motor skills in my right arm, severe muscle spasms in my back and neck, tightening in my chest and back, severe migraines, night sweats and hot flashes, vertigo/dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pains to name a few. Since the injection, I have noticed an increase of heart palpitations, dizziness, severe migraines, blurry vision, excessive weight gain, severe hot flashes, tiredness, and have had trouble sleeping. In the last two weeks, I have noticed a quarter sized indentation where I received the shot in my shoulder blade area and a baseball sized indentation where I received the shot in my lower neck area. I was not made aware of ANY side effects to this shot and will DEFINITELY not get another one. It is only a month later and I have not felt any improvement in my symptoms that I had before or after the shot. I received the shot, as my doctor felt it would help with what they think is a spazzed muscle in my back shoulder blade area near the spine. The doctor who gave me the shot stated if it didn't help, they would try giving me a cervical epidural, which has its own set of scary risks! I am beginning to think I will have to live with my symptoms for the rest of my life!

I had the MIRENA IUD inserted on January 11th, 2008. 10 weeks after my sons’ birth. It is now February 18th I have went over a full month of consistent bleeding. After 13 days of non-stop bleeding, no breaks in between, called the doctor just to get advised to take ibuprofen for menstrual cramps. That was not of my concern, how long was I to be bleeding for, however was. Never got an answer, and now the cramping too are of big concern. Just yesterday, while I was at Wal-Mart, I had cramps so bad they stopped me dead in my tracks. I have never, never ever had a menstrual cycle longer than 3 days and cramps so bad I couldn't go to work. Just over these past two weeks my skin has become so horrible, I do not get acne ladies, and I now have acne all over my back, chest, arms and patches on my face. Also, in odd places, who gets acne behind their neck and ears? I don't know, do you? I had breast tenderness for about 1 to 2 weeks; still have dizziness every other day. I have 2 kids, had an epidural with both and had no issues with lower back pain. Think I do now? Well, of course I do! Funny thing too, I didn't know that mood swings were a side effect, and my boyfriend says to me the other day, "you have been real mean for like the past month!" The only thing I can say that has not been a problem is my sex drive. Even though I have been bleeding for over a month I have had some very, very light days. This IUD has not interfered with my interest in sex. I actually want it more now than ever... but that’s probably because I am so in love with the man that gave me the two loves of my life!!!! And not the MIRENA IUD... lol!!!

I got it installed yesterday (we call it the cell tower) and it was definitely more painful than I'd been lead on (not by my gyn who warned me to take pain reliever). I told him I should have gotten an epidural for it. (Trust me, I was glad I did a C section over natural birth after that)
I cramped but it wasn't anything worse than when I got my periods pre Pill. It wasn't until after I got breakfast then went to pick my son up at preschool that it hit. The pain was intolerable. The nausea was horrific. I was praying for death, fetal position in my SUV. I was getting horribly gassy and feeling gross. I managed to get my son and bring him home but just barely.
Once home, I got my son out of the car, into the house and ran into the bathroom. Once there, everything that I had eaten or drunk in the last 24 hours exited my body. My son, two years old, seemed to understand that Mommy was under duress and was very gentle with me. Which is highly unusual for him. But, I was there, shaking, for a few minutes while my body was doing all out, no waiting.
After that, I felt a lot better. My son went down for his nap 45 minutes later and I did also. That helped tremendously.
Twenty four hours later, I feel all right. I'm not as aware of it being in me. I am very aware of the strings they use to remove the Mirena from me being 'hidden' behind my cervix. But, it's only been 24 hours. We'll see. My doctor wants me back in two months to make sure I'm doing good with it.

I've had Mirena IUD since July 06. Since then I've had incredible mood swings and have been so emotional. I basically was forced to quit a dream job b/c I had trouble being "professional" - that is keeping my cool and not having temper tantrums and snapping at people. Now, with no co-workers, I am doing it to my in-laws. I yell at my kids like I've never yelled at them before. They are scared of me at times. I was forced to see a counselor on 2 occasions when I had incidents at work and was suggested to see a psych for medication for my depression. I am against doing that. I had been trying so hard to lose weight and just wrote it off as being 35+. Just this summer, I started having pain in my right upper thigh and groin area which would radiate all over my leg, knee, shin, hip, low back - just depending on what I was doing. They couldn't figure out the prob so I went through a series of epidural steroid shots which have not helped much. Also, in the past year or so, I seem to not be as mentally sharp. I have trouble recalling names and facts that I should know. I feel like I have early Alzheimer's or something. Also, have that issue with my eyes where I sorta need reading glasses. Eye Dr. said I was a little young at 36 to have that. Have trouble getting things done and staying focused. Feel like I have adult onset AD&D. Other things that are more occasional include: not healing as quickly from minor scrapes and such, some drop in sex drive with some discomfort during sex, some hair loss but I've had that in the past from time to time, dizziness at times, shortness of breath, a cyst which I've never had before. I called my ob/GYN today and I am getting this out of me ASAP. I will definitely miss not having a period but we naturally have a period and it must be for a reason. I would rather deal with that.

I have had 7 injections of Kenalog, and if I knew of all the problems I would have I would have never agreed to it. I am having them for pain management all recommended by my workmans comp nurse. I never questioned the treatment as we have sought others witn no success. I first was miserable with stomach and menstral cramps I believed brought on by the first series of shots. My "pain doctor" said that it was not from the medicine and to keep taking my medicine. I am also taking Baclofen a muscle relaxer to help with the cramping the injections may cause. I am so miserable with leg cramps, dizziness, tiredness, arm cramps, stomach cramps, feelings of disorientation, and now a never ending period (I am on day 15). Again the doctor denies any of this relating to the injections. I am going to see my family doctor just to rule out anything else, but after reading this site I am sure that I am right assuming it is from the injections. I am 37, so the pain doctor said I could be starting my "change". I am sooo tired of the denial and as I notice my doctor is not the only one in denial. I am glad I started doing research I just hope it is not too late. I could really use some legal help now.

i recieved 3 kenalog epidural injections for herniated disc, 2 weeks apart, followed by a decompression nucleoplasty, also with Kenalog injection. after the first epidual. i began having extreme irritablity which i reported to the pain management doc. he said he couldn't prescribe anything but could refer me to a psychologist, which i declined , realizing i was having a reaction to something. after the 3rd epidural, my irritabilty had increased to the point where i was shouting and screaming, and had completely lost my patience. my face had blown up, and cheeks were hard to the touch, and my neck skin was swollen and hanging down. i described my appearance as "looking like a blowfish".

on the day of the nucleoplasty, i agreed that the doc should go ahead and use it again, since it was important for the procedure, and it was not a "true (anaphalctic) type reaction.

after this last injection of Kenalog, i had a terrible terrible reaction. my face became even larger, with big dark circles under my eyes, and my eyes partially closed, appeared like slits. i was frightened by my reflection in the mirror.

my feet, ankles and legs swelled up to the point where it was painful and difficult to walk.

i also i developed insomnia.

at the same time i was "off the wall" with irritability, anger, impatience, and could not stop crying.

during the day i had a general ill and sleepy feeling, and fell asleep driving, without notice.

throughout this period of Kenalog adminstration, i also had flu like symptoms every morning. sore throat, laryngitis, loose cough, muscle pains. i noticed black and blue marks on my extremities as well.

now i have a full blown flu and full blown bronchitis, and i feel so very very ill.

my feet and calves, hands and fingers are experiencing very painful cramping, intermittantly throughout the day and night. it's happening right now in my left hand, so i have to stop typing. i wait for one minute and try to continue typing, but that causes the painful spasm to return. i try again 2 more times, waiting a minute in between spasms. finally it stops and i can continue typing.

there are probably more symptoms, like the irregular heart beat, and these little bumps on the skin of my right cheek, but i need to rest now.

generally, i feel sicker probably than i can ever recall feeling in my life.

would appreciate hearing from anyone with similar symptoms, and especially how long before my face returns to normal. i live with the fear of what will i do if it does not?

My husband had back surgery in June of 2005. They were suppose to operate on L4,L5, and S1 but instead they operated on L2 and L3. After surgery mu husband was referred to pain management. They did epidural lumbar injections with 80cc of Kenalog every 2 weeks for 6 months. The doctors just told us that we are going to give you injections. They didn't tell us anything else. These injections were given in the L4,L5 and S1 region. On top of all of the injections my husband has heart disease and high blood pressure which the doctors knew this before the injections. NOW we have been told by 3 different doctors that there is nothing that they can do. Also, they have told us that my husband is on limited yime and they only trying to make him comfortable. But we can't get no doctors to put this in writing so I can get help at home for my husband. My husband on only 52 years old. My husband has developed a rash, skin flaking off, muscles lost, weakness, can't walk, and etc.

Last resort, sent to new pain clinic where for chronic sever low back and leg pain began rec'ing epidural steriod injections. Results were good, but side effects of severe, ex-cruiating charley horse cramps to feet and calves of both legs I felt like cutting them off. Brought it up to doc and he say oh yeah, and prescribed quinine which is helping. But its another pill to take! Its awful to feel like your feet bones are crossing over each other and calf cramps that are so tight your legs feel like splitting open. The pain and soreness lingers for a week or more. Never has steriods of other kinds affected me like this. Its the first time rec'ing kenalog.