Kenalog and epidural

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 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.

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 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.

I have recently (one and half weeks ago now) had an epidural spinal injection to help alleviate severe lower disc and leg pain. I was not told what steroid was used but have recently learnt that it was probably Kenalog.

The pain has almost totally alleviated which is great and long may it continue but I have had some very strange side effects. I seem to have a permanently salty taste in my mouth and I cannot easily tolerate caffeine or alcohol in any small quantity (one glass of wine). I have also been feeling very tired due a constantly heavy menstrual period that has now lasted eleven days which is very unusual for me as I am pre-menopausal and they usually last around 3 to five days max. I have also had a couple of dizzy spells and feel quite nauseous sometimes during the day. I have not been able to sleep very well at night (insommnia) - my sleep patterns seem to be all out. I get tired during the day and am wide awake until four or five a.m. in the morning. I also had several hot flushes just after the injection (far more than usual and of longer duration) but these do seem to have alleviated now. I have lost some weight and have little appetite although I do try and eat as I am not overweight at all and need to keep to a normal weight.

All in all, even though the pain has gone, I seem to have acquired different problems which I was unprepared for and not informed about from my consultant or hospital staff. They just said I would feel tired from the sedative for a few days I had at the time when the injection was administered.

Does anyone have any idea how long the menstrual problom will last???

I have had a fusion in my C5-C6 discs, but I still suffer from pain in my neck and down my arm, the doctors told me to quit looking and just manage my pain. My 1st injection took the pain away for about 1 month, but I did bleed for a month, there has been weight gain also, they would not do my 2nd injection because I was still bleeding. I did eventually go in for my next injection, I still have some of the pain, my breasts have hurt for a couple of weeks, and am bleeding again. Not sure if I want another epidural because of the side effects, I can have 3 in a six month period of time. They did give me a paper that listed the side effects, but they did not look too serious. Just wish my pain would go away!

I also got an epidural with kenalog and did not know the side effects could be so severe.I was weak and all my body hurt. i had insomnia, palpitations, anxiety dizziness. i felt like I was going to die. To stay upright took every ounce of strength. I had a holter monitering and tsh done because I did not know it was side effect i was having.It is six weeks later and i feel like I am going to pass out when i stand up.I have lower back pain and my knees are weak. I hope it passes soon because I have to work

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.

Epidural Cervical Injection in January. Immediately: Migraine headache, extreme excess salivation for many hours, BP 150/100, trouble breathing. Dr. told me I was having "stress" from the procedure. Bulls_ _ _! and lies. Menstrual irregularities for 4 months. Had to have uterine ultrasound and endometrial biopsy to rule out more severe conditions unrelated to Kenalog. PLEASE - EVERYBODY READ THE BURTON REPORT which relates to informed consent. I had nothing that even looked like INFORMED consent. I was told no side effects. Be careful for the fluoroscope patients: WHAT TYPE OF DYE WILL BE USED??? VERY IMPORTANT. MANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THAT AS WELL. I have more frequent migraines, food sensitivities, caffeine intolerance, etc., etc. These doctors suck. Funny thing: another "pain" doctor wants to shoot me full of Botox for the muscle spasms. Yeah, right. Let him shoot himself full of (himself) whatever! BE CAREFUL. THIS IS A SERIOUS DRUG AND THEY DON'T TELL US THAT!

I received an epidural shot of Kenalog in my cervical spine (C-7). Within 5 minutes after the procedure I had a burning cough and coult not take a deep breath; a problem with extreme excess saliva which lasted hours; a migraine headache; blood pressure of 150/100. Later that evening, I was so high I felt like I drank 20 cups of coffee. I could not go to sleep until I finally took valium at 4:00 am. I woke up a few hours later and once the valium wore off I was still higher than high for almost the whole next day. The doctor claims "you were having a stress reaction". I don't think so. Watch out for this stuff!

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.

Hi:
I received a kenolog steriodal epidural shot in my neck for a C6C7 hernaition with level 10 pain that could not be assuaged by any NSAID, or even oral streroids. The impingement of pain from the bulge onto my spinal cord was debilitaitng and casuing nerve damage. So, after two months of agony, I went for the cervical epidural. Ten dyas later, I have been menstruating non-stop for two weeks, even though I had just finished a period right before the shot. Good news, the shot worked for the pain, for now, the pain is gone. But I am bleeding constantly. So, a tough trade off.

I was recently diagnosted with 2 bulging discs in my back after being in constant pain for 7 months. My doctor suggested tht I get a series (3 shots) of epidural steriod shots in my back to see if it would help. I had the first on 02APR05 and felt great after 3 days. I was basically pain free for 6 weeks and then the pain started again. I just had my second shot yesterday and I'm just waiting for the soreness at the injection site to go away. The only side effect that occurred is slight muscle cramps in my hamstrings occasionally. I've had two different doctors give the injection and neither talked about side effects of the steriod (Kenalog 40). They only generalized steriod side effects such as possible weight gain, fluid retention, increaded appetite, increased blood sugar and a few other symptoms. There was nothing about the actual medication itself.

Hi Just wanted to let you know that the patient information sheet from the Drug maker of Kenalog, has every one of our symptoms listed. I have had 3 steroid epidural shots, and my menstrual cycle is so off. I have had my period for 40 days straight now.
The doctors obviously have not read the statements made from the Drug manufacturer, or this site would not be here. It clearly states in bold: MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES-- all female patients should be notified.
I also have had severe joint pain, high blood pressure( I was always very low b4 shot), severe panic attacks and mood swings. Our Dr.s are doing us a grave disservice. My Dr actually suggested that I may have Lyme Disease! Which I do not, I had the test just in case!
But ask your Dr.s for the Patient information sheet from the manufacturer of Kenalog, Bristol Meyer Squibb. And know that you are not alone!

In December 0f 2002, I badly herniated L4-L5 and bulged L5-S1. The pain in my low back and left leg was almost unbearable. I received my first Kenalog epidural on January 28, 2003. There was some relief but the pain was still severe. I was coping with it via two Hydrocodone 10/650's, four times a day. The second injection on March 26, 2003 produced a great deal of relief and I cut down on the Hydro's considerably. On June 10th I received another Kenalog injection and it waslike a miracle. As the steroid was being injected, i felt instant relief and was pain free for a considerable time. As the relief wore off the Hydrocodone regimen had to begin again. I have now begun another cyucle of Kenalog epidurals and I am looking forward to the same relief. I have noticed no side effects, only pain relief.

I just finished three epidural injections for pain & numbness due to herniated & bulging cervical discs. Kenalog was injected.
I have felt just terrible since mid-week of the first injection ! I have had severe fluid retention. In addition to the retention I also get up 4-5 times per night to urinate with no change in the fluid retention! My abdomen and stomach are distended and very uncomfortable especially after meals. I now have an uncontrollable appetite & eat incessantly. I feel huge! My thirst has increased. I have night sweats. My breasts have been very sore. I am irritable, fatigued, bloated. I have moon face! My neck pain is now constant at the base of my skull with intense pressure, especially when I lie down. Obviously, I do not sleep well. My legs, ankles & fingers are especially swollen.
I wish I had never had the injections of Kenalog. Compared to the side effects I am experiencing from Kenalog, I would have lived with the discomfort and numbness!
What is the time this takes to get out of my system & I can expect to get back to normal?

My husband had 3 epidural injections of Kenalog 10 80mg for a herniated disc in the neck. A few days after the last injection he has muscle weakness, insomnia and severe fatigue. Can this be due to the injections? His doctor said that she had never heard of this happening before. I am really concerned. Also I have read that the patient should eat a high protein diet, and to let the Dr know if you are on a low sugar diet. My husband has been on a low sugar diet also and I am not sure if this is affecting him along with the injections???

It's been about two months since the last of my three epidural injections. And, although all of my back pain and sciattica, related to my two herniated discs is gone, I am left with moon face, acne, irregular periods and a bloated stomach. One dr told me the symptoms would go away a few weeks after the last injection. They only seem to be getting worse. Any one else with a similar situation?

I had a series of 3 epidural injections of Kenalog for back pain. After the first one, I experienced increased blood pressure, hyper-irritability, insomnia. After the last one, my period was 2 weeks late and when it started, it was heavy. I have now been bleeding for 18 days. I have severe abdominal swelling and moon face. Medication doesn't seem to help any of these effects, including blood pressure. Anyone else have these problems?

I was born with cystic Spina Bifida in 1956, this was succesfully repaired and I led a full working life until in 1998 after a cosultants assurance was given that it was perfectly safe procedure for me to have an epidural, having since admitted that he had no knowledge of this type of Spina Bifida, I was misdiagnosed as having a prolapsed disk.
This was later diagnosed as a facet joint problem, by that time I was in continual pain, I am told the damage is irrepairable and will never improve and I am now on crutches, my doctor has now diagnosed this as Arachnoiddis which can only get worse