Booked for Anaes & Steroid Injection to get diagnosis?

[caz72me]

Have suffered from pain in one buttock (when sitting/stretching/running) since last October, this then went on to cause nerve problems in the same side leg and all around my pelvic area. I have the actual pain which seems to be in a specific area of my buttock which feels like an ache/muscle pain, but when I sit I start to get painful stinging/prickle pain all down the back of my thigh and around my pelvic area, and clothing isn't comfortable touching the affected areas. Anyhow after a clear MRI (Spine nice & healthy) & Lyrica meds were tried by my GP she finally referred me to Pain Clinic at the local Hospital. I seen a Pain consultant last month and he has given me 4 possible diagnosis's : Piriformis Syndrome, Sacroilitis, Ischial Bursitis & Pudendal Neuralgia - I have now been booked to attend his day surgery clinic in September for a Local Anaesthetic and Steroid injection into the Left Ischial Bursa area of my buttock under xray & ultrasound. He tells me this is more of a diagnosis procedure rather than a solution. Just wondering if anyone else has ever had similar diagnosis's suggested that are causing pudendal or sciatic nerve problems and whether they had these injections in order to make a diagnosis. Not sure how many of these injections I'll have to have until they find the right culprit - hoping they get the right one first time

Any similar problems out there and how were they diagnosed/treated. Am now on Naproxen & Tramadol, don't think the Naproxen is helping but Tramadol does help a bit - although I'm extremely wary of taking it and only take it if travelling in a car and can't get up to walk round regularly.

If anyone has had the injections - were they able to go back to normal straight after (well I mean as normal as I was before the injection, ie standing most of the time instead of sitting), I have told work I'll need to take one day off work to have the injections as I assume I'd be able to come back to work the next day. Not alot of information out there on these.

[Violet M]

Caz, I've read of people having steroid injections for ischial busitis. It may or may not help, depending on whether you do have ischial bursitis. That's a long time to wait though. In the meantime, you might want to get a referral to a PT who is knowledgeable about the pelvis and pudendal neuralgia. Honestly, my pelvic floor PT knew more about the pelvic anatomy than many of my docs did. Not saying your particular doc doesn't know the anatomy but I am saying that many of the PT's are very knowledgeable about it too and may be able to help you with some physiotherapy.

Best,

Violet

[caz72me]

Hi Violet,

Yes I was added to a long waiting list I am seeing a Physio, he has given me exercises to do every day and I go back to him once a month. I can't find that the exercises he has given me have helped, although they have strengthened some muscles that were not previously used alot

I am in the UK so very limited expertise in the NHS over here and very long waits for any treatments, my Consultant did seem to have a good knowledge compared to anyone else I've seen so far, not sure whether my Physiotherapist has much of a clue though, hoping once I've had the injection that my consultant can guide my physio in the right direction.

[nyt]

Boy, that is a long wait. You might want to check out the UK section on the main board forum page as there are quite a few individuals who could give you advise who are the best people to see in the UK.

[Richard1969]

Hello-

I'm a male therefore, my pain is often different than females. My primary pain for two years now has been:

-Burning Pain at the glans of my penis (right side)
-Pain in the coccyx
-Tight right piriformis muscle

Today my pain management specialist did 3 different injections:

-Piriformis muscle injection in 3 spots
-Ganlion Impar injectioin
-Pudendal Canal Injection right side

I'll keep you all informed of my progress.

-David

[Violet M]

David, can't remember hearing of anyone getting all of those injections the same day. Since the injections can be partly diagnostic, how is your pain specialist suggesting you tell which one helps?

At any rate, I hope you get some good lasting pain relief.

Best,

Violet

[Richard1969]

My pain has stayed away. Honestly, I don't care if I don't find out where is was/is coming from if it stays away. I'll have the same three late September if the pain comes back. Maybe having all three is the trick.

[Violet M]

You might be onto something, Richard. Hope you continue to feel better.

Best,

Violet

[caz72me]

Richard, thats fab news - gives me a little more hope

Are you going to be having physiotherapy whilst the injections are working?

[Richard1969]

I had extensive travel this week. Coccyx was sore from time to time. Therefore, I did multiple stretching. Pain at glans is still reduced. Will update accordingly.