Cortisone Shot for Lower Back Pain

Three years ago at age 57, I thought I was the picture of health. One day I was sent to the hospital because I could not mow more than two or three swipes of the yard without stopping, nor could I carry boxes up the stairs to the attic. After a heart cath, I underwent a six way bypass the next day.

In addition to that, fifteen years ago, I was helping our pastor move. Three of us tackled a grand piano on a second floor. I picket the piano up wrong, and hurt my lower back around the S1-S2 joint. Over the years, it has gotten worse and worse. One of the medicines I have been taking was lortab for the back and the sternum that did not heal correctly. Finally, after a doctor's advice, I got a cortisone shot. It takes 24-72 hours to relieve the pain. It has been less that 24 hours, and I feel better than I have in years.

I would appreciate any experience anyone has had with similar shots. How long did it last? If you were on pain medicine before the shot, did you stop or reduce the medicine? How often do you take the shot? Have you tried any different types of shots?

Thanks again.