New here, ? on Facet joint rhizotomy
 

Hi, I just joined the site yesterday to chat w people other than doctors who have gone thru what I go thru.
I have many issues w my back and have had epidurals, facet joint shots, all of which worked. I am schedueled for a Faccet joint rhizotomy or radio frequency burning? of the nerves. if you had this done can you please tell me your story because I am scared to death to get it.
Thanks so much and nice to meet all of you.
Shorty 2 U

I've had the nerve nuking (ablation or burning of nerves) and, for me, done bilaterally at, generally, 4 levels during each procedure.

The worse part? The unfamiliar... if never have undergone the procedure previously. The unknown is the most frightening, and, quite rightfully so. I liken it to going through childbirth: I have never been through it, and can only empathize with friends whom have delivered children. To me, it is just so scary.

It - the nerve nuking - sounds a lot worse than it is (at least as far as my experience has been). I was so out of it: Conscious sedation with Versed, or, as some term it, laa-laa land. The reasoning? So the doc can do evocatives, but without the patient carrying away memory of any pain evoked during the procedure.

I would never have RF (nerve nuking) done if the doc is not using a C-Arm or live-guided x-ray. If the doc is not doing so, it means, may as well take a blindfold and a Black & Decker to yourself. It's akin to hit-and-miss. The live-guided allows for accurate and precise placement of the needle used to heat up the nerves, which do not "die" immediately; it takes some time for the effects to take place - up to a couple of weeks.

You may feel increased pain or a temporary worsening of symptoms for a time. Those feelings, however, should dissipate within a couple of weeks.

Be sure to follow pre-op and post-op instructions to the letter. It will help immensely.

Also, surround yourself with positive thoughts or influences (people, media, etc.) in the days prior. You want to set yourself up for success.

I'd also not take any aspirin, if you may, for a least 5 days prior. I'd hydrate well for at least 10 hours prior to when fasting is slated to commence. I'd also eat soothing foods beforehand - such as pasta. Anything likely to cause a stomach upset I'd avoid.

I'd also wear loose clothing (slip-on type) and sandals, along with taking a blanket and sunglasses - for the return trip home.

I would just kick back for a couple days following, and have ice packs to help ease pain.

If you've questions about other ideas that may help, I'd be sure to ask the doc doing the procedure.

And, still, the big thing to remember, is: You might feel worse before feeling better.

P.S.: The nerves are not permanently "deadened"; they will regenerate with time (usually or most typically within about 18 months). The procedure, if deemed helpful in terms of pain reduction, can be repeated.

I had the facet rhizotomy done cold turkey on Friday. Thought it was nothing, just like getting shots. I have ok results on the left so far, but its early yet. I get the right side done at the end of the month, I hope it works on that side for long because thats my worst pain side. Thanks for your answers and advice.
Hugs
Deb

I'm having this same thing done in July, lower lumbar, and too I don't know much about it, only what my doc. has told me but would like to know more. Thanks Bobbi, for the info. I remember you from BT, I used to post there, but always have trouble getting on, so I'm here now.
DaisyMae

DaisyMae, while the procedure definitely is not a "walk in the park" feeling, if the doctor doing the procedure is using state-of-the-art technology, the doc is basically guided straight to the area where to perform the ablation or nerve nuking.

I'll be candid - just remembering how scared I was of the unknown and wanting info.: Lumbar nerve nuking was not a cozy feeling once I got home. The symptoms, for me, did worsen temporarily and I also had insomnia (likely due to how much I slept immediately after I got home).

The best thing I discovered very quickly, and on my own, was the importance of reducing negativity. Just surround yourself with positive or happy thoughts the days leading into your procedure. Don't worry about how others may take it; that's not your prob. and you can choose to explain later why you might isolate or insulate (from certain influences); you don't have to but only if you might want to.

You gotta take care of number one: That's YOU :). Everything else can and will wait.

Before your procedure, also make sure to have an area, for rest, set up for when you return home.

Just take it easy :).

Have a soft place to rest, ice for pain, and don't worry about being polite toward people whom may phone to check up on you. There is always: Later. When you need to do what's right for you, you can go into it more if you want later.

The worsening of pain or symptoms can last around 14 days, for some. That's not saying you will feel crummy that duration, only that it might be worse for a time before you feel relief. The relief, however, can last for many months, like 18 :cool:. It'd be super if you get the max. relief! I hope you do.

P.S.: Get some comfort foods to have on-hand following; grogginess and just plain feeling tired at times, you might not feel like cooking (and I don't know if you have others around whom also extend help). Happy foods, that's what I call them. Salads are number one on my list, but I also love Mexican food. The idea is, just get some foods on hand that will make it even easier for you but won't pack on pounds. (If your doc is using Steroids, weight gain is also a possibility.)

How long to know if Lumbar RF worked?
 

Hi... I had the RF procedure done one week ago (after diagnostic block previously.) HOW LONG UNTIL THE NERVES DIE? if in fact, they do die?
It's 9 days... and my back feels a bit worse than before... I'm hoping that the reason is because the nerves are trying to die... but that may be wishful thinking... Any thoughts on this... My doctor said one week... but the nurse said 'longer'.
Many thanks, Ellen

rhizotomy aftereffects
 

Hello all

I had a lumbar rhizotomy almost a month ago. I had had the spinal injections in April and I tell you, they were fantastic. I went from a high level of pain to no pain. That lasted about a 1.5 months and it was starting to come back. So I was referred to a dr. for a rhizotomy. I was told I was the perfect candidate. Hey, sign me up. I read a lot ahead of time. Then I had the procedure. I was very nervous as well. It didn't seem too bad. They said lay low for a couple of days. A sheet of post op instructions said no lifting more than 10 lbs for a week (followed that). Also said no yard work, gardening or vacuuming for 2 weeks. Well, after a couple of days, I felt pretty good and potted a couple of plants. My back got sore so I backed off. Two days later, felt ok, so I pulled a few weeds. Then I backed off. The day before the 2 weeks, I washed one of our dogs. Boy, then the back got really sore and I really backed off from thing. I just had my follow up check up and was honest with the dr. of what I had been doing. He didn't seem too concerned but did say that sometimes it takes a month for things to settle down but we were almost there. He suggested some physical therapy which I've set up but not started yet. I told him I fully realized that I may have done this to myself, but again, he didn't seem too concerned. I must admit, I'm a little disappointed. I was so excited after the injections, that I was expecting the same from this. Don't get me wrong. The pain is not incapacitating, but it is uncomfortable and about the same as prior to the procedure. I'm really trying to be positive about this and hope that maybe I've just slowed the recovery down. But I am surprised that since the nerves have been cut, why do I feel anything? Has anyone else noticed this length of time for recovery? I guess I could always go back in and get the spinal injections again since the facet joints haven't changed, just the nerves.

good information
 

Hello, I am brand new hear and am set up for an initial physical and discussion in 2 weeks. My major pain is down both legs as well as in back. I am also scared to death. Thanks for the information. I will keep reading. Turtle12

Go For it!
 

Trutle12-

I had a rhyzotomy last spring and it was the greatest relief for my back pain! It is sore for a few day after the procedure,but then the benefits greatly outweigh the temp. discomfort! Also, the way I looked at it was I had gone through so much, that it couldn't be worse than some of the other stuff (ex-MANY EMG's:Sob: and all the back tests). It lasted 4 months for me, and i amd scheduled to get anpther one.
Y0u may have had it by tthe time you read this post, but I hope it went well and you get as much relief as I did.

rhizotomy
 

I am due next month for my second lot of rhizotomys. The previous was two years ago and it worked well and lasted for 18 months. The operation was done in the lumbar region, the top of my back and my neck. My mobility improved immensely as did the pain. However, I am hearing stories of a side side effect of possible loss of some bladder control from other people and wondering myself if this could be so. I do not know if this could be so. midgley

takes time
 

I had rhizotomy in my right buttocks/sciatic area two weeks ago and it's still numb in some areas and very sore especially when I sit. My family has had this done on many occasions and say it can be pretty sore for up to 6 weeks because of swelling. I see a small bruise which is normal as well. I've been taking it easy, but its hard to take it easy when that requires sitting! I'm trying to think of a future with less pain and that helps me be patient, as my family members who suffer from neuropathy/piriformis syndrome say it's well worth it.

:eek:I just got approved for the facet injections. I had 2 epidurals which sound like the same kind of procedure. I have had C5-6 and C6-7 fused in '07 with the pain getting worse every year. :confused:It doesn't look like the pain is coming from other disks. Hope this takes care of it.
I feel less anxiety after reading these posts. Thanks.:D

I also am scheduled for this procedure this week. Talked to another doc who does Prolotherapy, and his explanation about facet joint rhizotomy was this. There is a red light. One can heed the light and stop, or one can crush the light. In other words, the rhizotomy cancels out warning systems, which are our nerves. I too have considerable pain, have tried all the other modalities. Question is if I cancel out the red light (a warning system of sorts,) what am I missing or doing to my body that I need?? Am confused.

Question is if I cancel out the red light (a warning system of sorts,) what am I missing or doing to my body that I need?? Am confused.[/QUOTE]

I had the radiofrequency nerve ablation procedure (also known as rhizotomy?)last week Friday - after having every known procedure to man concerning the lumbar spine for 20 years.

I too have the same concern - I am very athletic and because of 100s of surgeries I have to stay active all day long or my body becomes like a rod of cement and I cannot move -

My concern is best described as this: I liken it to my torn rotator cuff in my shoulder - once the cortizone shot wears off in 6-8 months I actually get to the point that the pain is excruciating just sitting or standing - and it feels like it is just hanging there....I hide in bathrooms and weep during work and when I am with friends it is that bad!

But get another shot and I can exercise with the shoulder - albeit there is some pain but nothing like when the shot wears off....

So while I have these lumbar nerves deadened - they say exercise as much as possible - yeah and then end up permanently ruining your spine or paralyzing yourself because you can't sense that something is seriously wrong.

I guess for me it is wash - quite frankly I have studied the procedure (I am a research scientist as my day job) and the results in general of this procedure are not good - I was told less than 25% chance of improvement even if the trials went perfect. (And research shows high potential for additional symptoms long term after procedure.)

I think it is good to do your homework - although I would try anything at this point.

Even if I had just one chance that it may work - I would have done it -

I did start to exercise two days after the procedure and developed increase symptoms and severe spasms (new to me) and crazy nerve pain in legs and feet that I didn't have prior to procedure....

Not sure if it is cause and effect due to exercise or swelling or what - i was told to exercise as much as possible - as I said - however they said to rest if necesssary.....

So - I would be careful depending on what is wrong with your spine - use common sense -

K from WI

Facet rhizotomy side effects
 

I had the procedure performed one week ago. I have not experience any back pain just tightening of the back muscles for which I take flexiril 3 times a day. However, I have one problem that occured since then. I have very frequent urination. I wake up two and three times a night to urinate. This morning was the last straw, I slept late and when I woke up the urgency to urinate was so bad that I coughed and urine ran down my legs. Has anyone had this problem?

I had a 5 level RFA yesterday. It was the first one of 4 that I have had under local anaesthesia only. I was totally awake and able to tell the Dr. if the pain was going down the leg or contained in the buttocks. The first 4 levels went well or so he told me. (They were painful) I can tolerate pain after 11 years of shots and the whole shebang. The problem was with the last one. My spine isn't only curved but twisted and the nerve was not very deep under the skin. After several attempts he finally got the needles positioned and I am now home resting. On ice but don't remember being this sore from the last one 2 years ago. Woke up feeling better but have worn down as the day has moved on. Praying for some my h needed relief. He started at S-1 and moved up all of the Lumbar levels. Thanks for all of the information on this post. Campwalk..I have not ever had the problem you are having and would call Dr. for advice there. Hang tough...

Day 2 after RFA
 

Yesterday I had a 5level lumbar facet nerve ablation. All 5 were on the right side. I have had this procedure 3 times under "twilight" but was awake for this one. The first 4 levels went well but the Dr. had trouble placing the needles positioned for the last one due to my spine being rotated as well as twisted. After completion and it was more painful than being under. I am home and on ice. Today I am in quite a bit of pain. I think I feel better..try to do something then fade fast.
I have not had the problem with frequent urination mentioned above and would advise you to call Dr on that for their opinion.
Just wanted to ask how long the needle pain lasts. Usually by day 3_4 I am better.Trying to hang in there. Been fighting this back over 12 years with every tool offered. Thanks for your posts as it helps to hear from other ppl who are going through this too.

1week after RFA
 

I felt really sore for a couple of days after surgery. Then great for 2days due to long lasting local anaesthesia. As of day 5through 7..today..just surgery pain inside. My normal back pain seems much improved already but still just bruised inside. This is normal from everyone I have spoken to and is supposed to lesson in another week to 10 days. After having 5levels done wide awake with local given after nerve test and tap was complete. I was able to give the Dr. feedback that we were not on a nerve that shot pain down my leg. I think I got a better burn because of being awake and aware of needle placement. Will check in and let you know when pain lessons. Ice has been great where I usually love the heat.

Did nothing-
 

This is a heavy response, so I apologize in advance if it's too much.

I'm one week after radio frequency and having a very, very painful day. Only did one side and I'm so sad it didn't work. Other side this week. Pain is at the base of spine and averages btw 7-9 out of 10 every day day of my life.
Not a candidate for surgery. I have alot of life left. I'm only 32, used to to be fit. Now I'm still thin, but weak. Have to drop out of grad school. Looking at leaving my job.

After 5 years of back erosion, the quality of my life is such that I'm having serious thoughts about the continuation of my life. This is not a case of hoping I'll get relief and just staying alive long enough for that. It's a matter of being able to live with this kind of pain for the rest of my life. I do not have family or friends to help me so some days I can't leave my bed.

How do others here deal with their pain? Especially interested to hear from people who have similar problems to mine, that being, tried everything over the years and now have only a long life of guaranteed pain.