Herniated disk symptoms and conditions

I started taking Lipitor on April 10th and have been waking in the middle of the night with severe calf and thigh cramps. Although I do have a herniated disk between l4 and l5 at first thought it flared up. Then I started to wonder about this drug and my high blood pressure medicine. Looking up side effects it seems that Lipitor may be the cause.

I live on a tiny island in the Caribbean so the Dr. will not be back till tuesday but I think it is worth not taking it until I chat with him.

I am 19 year old and I recieved a series of three epidurals of kenalog for a herniated disk. So far it has relieved pretty much all of my pain, but periods are completely unpredictable. Before I started the series, my periods were regular. I had just finished my period the day of my first injection, one week later I started my period again. Needless to say, I was a little shocked ...not to mention that it went on for nearly three weeks. I have been off of it for about two weeks now, but I am five days late (and not pregnant). I never know when to expect it now. I am a little upset that my doctor never mentioned this side effect to me!

I had been taking topamax for 4 years for complex migranes and then stopped cold turkey after feeling like there was a tight band across my waist and watery diahrea and soreness in lower back , burning itchy pain..... went to the emergency room 14 times for them to tell me that I was crazy. I had a feeling like water was running in my head, normal cat scan of brain. water feelings throughout body... they still come and go but last a couple of seconds.... feels like sensory or nerve damage of some kind.... don't know if this is a side affect or not..... Doctor finally is getting something done. she checked my heart becasue I have MVP... and I am shedualed to get a mri of brain... I have a herniated disk in lower back, scoliosis, degenerative disk disease.... nuerologist checked for nerve damage due to herniation. won't hear back anything on that till after mri of brain. won't hear back about the heart till april.... Just found out that I am borderline hyperthyroidism... and the doc is sending me to a specialist. thyroid is inflammed and big.... My bones are crackly and pop alot and sore.... The water feeling and burning and tingling hands and feet scare me alot but I try to not think about it... Try to stay positive.. I am only 29.... I feel like I am 70 sometimes...... Does anyone have these symptoms after taking topamax...????? Yes I do have the thinning hair but that could also be the thyroid... and fatigue... problems sleeping and hot flashes. palpatations..... any help would be nice... Thank you,,,, love and light to all, jess

I have had dizziness, rapid heartbeat, headaches, intolerance of caffeine and alcohol even in small amounts.

Also, menstruation for over a month and exhaustion due to an epidural of kenalog to treat a herniated disk.

Has anyone had prolonged periods as a result of same and did you take progesterone to stop the period?

I am reluctant to take any more medicine as I usually prefer physical therapy and other natural means if at all possible but I am getting very drained as the days go on and I continue to menstruate. I have taken a blood test which shows "normal "ranges for everything although I am on the border line of anemia.

My back pain is better but had I known how poorly the cortisone would affect me I would never have chosen this procedure.

The doctor says that I just have to wait out the side effects.

I have been suffering for what is amost 2 months and I am anxious to return to a normal state so that I can regain some strength. I have been greatly weakened overall despite the moderate relief acheived for my back pain.

In reference to Liz's post. Liz, where did you get your shots? Did they recommend that you take prometruim to stop your period? My shot was given to me for a herniated disk as well L5 S1 but it was given to me in my upper arm, hence the disfigurement. My back felt good for about 2 months but It is starting to bother me again. I also felt Very moody. I could have screamed all day. Were you told of any of the side/adverse effects before the shot? Did you have to sign a waiver? I have not had any ringing in my ears. thanks

Ladies - I am 41 yr old female. Took kenalog 1-2x yrly between 16 and 22 yrs old for extreme hayfever. Yes, it was a miracle, but I did experience non-stop bleeding. (about 9 months worth - spotting) Noticed that this happened if I got the shot while on my period. When I received a shot when NOT on my period, I skipped several at times. Now, I have a herniated disk (L5-S1) - and what a total miracle this was. I was in excruciating pain for 2 months, got a shot and within days the pain was gone - except for little "reminders". This shot was an epidural (directly in my spine) SCARY stuff, however, I'm not a big fan of surgery. Anyway, the first shot, I was just finishing my period and it went on for 2 weeks longer. This shot, I am mid-cycle, so we'll see what happens. As far as other side effects, after a shot, about 2-3 days later, I am very tense & irritable, quick tempered, but that fades. My appetite wanes and I get supercharged - get a lot done, but I think I re-injured my back because I was feeling so good! Does anyone have a problem with ears ringing constantly????? I'm wondering if this is a side effect as well.