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| Spinal Facet Injection |
I'm off to the pain doctors office this morning to find out what he's going to do for his next pain relieving trick. Sometimes I wonder what the hell! I do! I wonder what the hell are they going to dream up next to solve my pain problem. Fuck, just pull my nervous system out below my belly button and be done with it.
I just want things to go back to the way it was. Me, earning a living, working hard and feeling good about it. Not popping pain relievers all day like they were M&M's. I'm running off at the brain again. I'll let y'all know what happens when I get back from my doctor's office. Ciao.
Okay, I'm back. David and I went to see my pain doctor and I'm going to have another set of RFA shots. Yes, on next week Monday afternoon I will be getting another bilateral radiofrequency ablation (RFA). That's both facet joints on L5 on both sides of my spine will be getting zapped so to speak. The above video is exactly what I endure during the procedure. You are aware of everything going on when you are getting this done. There really is no pain except for the initial stings of the needle delivering the drugs to anesthetize the small area where the longer hollow needles will be inserted into your back. They line up those needles, using x-rays to almost touch the nerves. Then the doctor inserts the electrode needles into the hollow needles, these will be delivering the radiofrequency heat that burns the nerves so it interrupts the delivery of pain sensations to the facet areas. All I will feel is a little bit of a pressure sensation when he inserts the hollow needles into my back. I don't feel the burning from the RFA at all.
When I go to recovery, I'll have some juice and maybe some crackers while I get to where I can walk without being dizzy. Then David will take me home. At home, I will have to put ice packs on my lower back for the first 24 hours to keep the pain down for that time. I will mostly sleep too. The next day I will still have a little bit of pain but then by the third day I'm fine as frog hair split four ways. My pain is gone.
Last time I had this done, it only solved my pain problem for 8 months. The MRI showed that I had two slightly bulging discs and that the arthritis in my spine is getting worse. It has taken over the L5 and L4 portion of my spine. The pain doc said there is no cure for my spinal arthritis except having RFA'a every so often. He said I won't end up in a wheel chair anytime soon if ever. The arthritis will make the pain worse as I grow older. So that's what I'm having done next week Monday. Another RFA and I should be pretty good for 6 or so months.
Okay, I'm back. David and I went to see my pain doctor and I'm going to have another set of RFA shots. Yes, on next week Monday afternoon I will be getting another bilateral radiofrequency ablation (RFA). That's both facet joints on L5 on both sides of my spine will be getting zapped so to speak. The above video is exactly what I endure during the procedure. You are aware of everything going on when you are getting this done. There really is no pain except for the initial stings of the needle delivering the drugs to anesthetize the small area where the longer hollow needles will be inserted into your back. They line up those needles, using x-rays to almost touch the nerves. Then the doctor inserts the electrode needles into the hollow needles, these will be delivering the radiofrequency heat that burns the nerves so it interrupts the delivery of pain sensations to the facet areas. All I will feel is a little bit of a pressure sensation when he inserts the hollow needles into my back. I don't feel the burning from the RFA at all.
When I go to recovery, I'll have some juice and maybe some crackers while I get to where I can walk without being dizzy. Then David will take me home. At home, I will have to put ice packs on my lower back for the first 24 hours to keep the pain down for that time. I will mostly sleep too. The next day I will still have a little bit of pain but then by the third day I'm fine as frog hair split four ways. My pain is gone.
Last time I had this done, it only solved my pain problem for 8 months. The MRI showed that I had two slightly bulging discs and that the arthritis in my spine is getting worse. It has taken over the L5 and L4 portion of my spine. The pain doc said there is no cure for my spinal arthritis except having RFA'a every so often. He said I won't end up in a wheel chair anytime soon if ever. The arthritis will make the pain worse as I grow older. So that's what I'm having done next week Monday. Another RFA and I should be pretty good for 6 or so months.
3 comments:
Good luck and I hope they have more success in giving you relief this time!
I am so sorry for all that you are going through!! Wishing you much success!!!
Oh honey I am so sorry!! I pray for immediate relief!!
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