The Shot Heard Around the World (actually, the Hospital)

I do not believe in confrontational engagements with doctors, nurses or hospital security. They have a job to do no matter what kind of discomfort it may create, cause or inflict on your body and soul. Like education, it can sometimes be a thankless venture. Notwithstanding, Dr. K, an MD in the Pain Clinic at Saint Joseph Hospital is a marked man. Even as all men with wooden legs do not behave like Long John Silver, so hopefully, not all doctors with a needle, behave like Dr. K.


After having my back surgery on my 2/3 disc in mid-August, I have not improved to a satisfactory point. I still have had a LOT of pain going down my left leg. My THIRD MRI, and THREE doctors opinions determined that there was no new damage, just scar tissue pressing on the root nerve thus creating the (albeit lesser than before) pain down my leg. So… almost eight weeks out of surgery, the doctors suggested I get a steroid shot in my back.

I went into the Pain Clinic thinking they would put me out a bit, but they needed me awake during this procedure (torture). First a numbing agent was administered (numbing what I am not sure) and then the exploratory needle painfully searched for the root nerve and then Dr. Death pulled the needle back just a smidge. It was at this point that dear Dr. Demise said, “Now this is going to give you some discomfort and pain but it will only be for about 5-10 seconds.” Here, I refer you to the title of this article. It was at this point that the steroid was injected into my back and EVERYONE (including St. Joseph, himself) in the WHOLE HOSPITAL knew, without a doubt, that Mr. Michael E. Munier, III was getting steroids injected into his system. My yelling was slightly interrupted by two nurses, one each on my starboard and port sides of the operating table, holding me down and whispering encouragement in my ears that the pain would subside within the decade. All I could do was believe them and imagined I was Jack Bauer in the TV Series “24” who ALWAYS seemed to survive his torture and punishment.

You ask, “Was the shot successful?” Yes it has been, yet not without some major side effects. I am walking without any significant pain right now, yet the first five days after the injection were quite difficult. Steroids and I do not get along. I had significant neurotic reactions to the drug, did not sleep for nearly two days and finally was given an anti-anxiety drug to counteract the drugs systemic effects. I am still CRAZY as a loon, but at least not ROIDS induced anymore.

My hope is the “roid” will give my body a chance to heal and I will be back to normal in another month or so. Frankly, I think it is a band-aid and I am probably headed into surgery again to clean up the scar tissue that is causing the distress. So, the intended catharsis from this unpleasant experience is very much a mystery at this time.

Your devout prayers to God would be much appreciated. Also, please supplicate for me if you pray to St. Joseph for any reason……I have not had the most pleasant thoughts towards that particular Saint for the last two weeks.

Sidebar: Have you ever wondered why some hospitals are named after saints? Maybe only half the hospital should be named after a saint… where all the compassion of wonderful nurses and doctors takes place and the other half should be named………oh, maybe….. after a world famous heavyweight fighter or a Ultimate Cage fighter or an alien predator. Can you envision the two doors and the two marquees? BTW: DR. K is really a nice guy doing a great job!
Hope to be running again………..soon,
Mikie