gretta collins

I was diagnosed with sacroiliitis in September last year. Pain control was difficult and inadequate for some time. I had my back first injected in early December with only "some " relief. The next time was on March 2, 2005, and I got almost instant relied and so far so good. I am not sayting that I don't have any pain but now I feel good enough to do what ever I want to do and I take usually one Tramadol in the morning and in the evening another. And I think this is wonderful and I finally feel like myself. Fortunately I didn't have the bloat problem but face gets fiery red for several days. My doctors and P.T.'s were both very cautious about any surgery being successful and neither recommended it. Maybe another opinion before having something done that would be permanent. Just wanted to mention that I also started taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin and while I know that probably doesn't have any effect on the inflammatory part of this--I feel better than I did for over a year and I am so grateful for this. Good luck.

I was really scared too (I've only had it done once) but the doctor who did it was great. And I started sleeping better that night. It's starting to wear off and I will have it done again around March 1st. Unfortunately I may not be able to have the same doc because of the HMO. I was a little disappointed today because she said that for now this is probably all there is and that I would have to live with and deal with it. She said I can have the injections every three months and will have me see a physiatrist for P.T. evaluation and guidance for me physical therapist. I am to go back in 6 months for reevaluation. I really appreciate knowing you were praying for me. I will do the same for you and pray that you are able to work without too much pain ----and that you can do the things you want to do. Let me know if you decide to have the injections.

Couldn't find a date. But today is January 29, 2005. Sacroiliitis is not fun! and it definitely affects the quality of life. I was diagnosed in the fall and my primary physician sent me to Mayo Clinic Rheumatology for evaluation and treatment plan. So far I have had tests, P.T. and SI joint injections under CT with Kenalog and Marcaine(sp) done at Mayo. My next appointment is Tuesday, 2/1 at Mayo. The injections and P.T. helped a lot. Right now I'm pretty good. I use Tramadol 50mg at night and this really helps me wake up in the morning without so much aching and I can walk better. I slept better right away after the injections. I used to get great relief with Vioxx and other NSAIDs but can no longer use them after a bout with colitis. I've been e-mailing another nurse too. You can e-mail me at: [email protected] Will look forward to hearing from you.

I too recently was diagnosed with sacroiliitis. What a shock! How do I handle the pain? I had approximately four months of PT and am now on a maintenance program. Also had SI joint injection of a steroid (Kenalog)through Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN which improved sleep quality tremendously. Additionally I use Ultram 50mg at bedtime if I've had a miserable day and usually wake up feeling better. Some days I also use Tylenol 1000mg and Ultram 25mg. I'm still trying to work full time and some days wonder how long I will make it. I don't have a long range plan yet and am to return to Mayo Clinic on February 1 for that. How do you handle you're pain? How often do you have pain? Do you have more involvement such as spondilytis? I too would like to hear from you.