Going back in for the nerve root test tomorrow and Fri. Have decided that ablation and/or fusion is the only option. Wasn't allowed to get my steroid shoulder shots as they would interfere with test results, so shoulders not happy.

Is looking like C7-T1 is main culprit and may require a fusion. They don't know if they can go in from the front, as they did for my other two cervical fusions, but will x-ray my neck to see how long it is, otherwise entry will be from the back.

What's weird about the diagnostic nerve block test is it sounds like they're not looking for pain reduction when I'm given the anesthesia in the shots, but they want to know how long until I feel the anesthesia wearing off. Rather odd, I think. Would think they'd want to know about reduction of pain/symptons, not what exact time the anesthesia wears off. Will have to ask them about that tomorrow.

Will keep you posted as I'm able. I do think that being on the computer makes it worse so have not been on much at all.

Pooh: I know a person who has a pain pump and I think you would be able to continue your regular duties after recuperation time. She said that she's on tinier doses of medicine compared to what she need to take beforehand as the medicine goes straight into the spinal system and does not need to go through the stomach, etc., where it looses some of its efficacy.

Well, had two nerves tested. Looks like C7-T1 (dr. actually refers to it as C8) is the culprit. The test at C4-5 didn't give me any relief. He says he wishes I didn't have these leads as he could get a better idea of what's going on if I could get MRI. He said he's not sure where the problem is occurring on that C8 nerve...could be coming from the fusion I have above it and if it is then not sure what could be done about it short of a revision. He said in the end that he just does the nerve testing and it's up to my neurosurgeon to interpret the results and determine where we should go from here.

Not sure if I'm allergic to the contrast dye, but have been having all over body itching since getting the nerve tests

I see my neurosurgeon later this week so will have to wait and see what he says. This dr. commented that he didn't think the cervical SCS was doing me much good and at this point I'm wondering if he's right. Seems to have worked great in the beginning but pain reduction has not been as helpful after the first 6 months or so. Been in now well over 2 years. The cervical SCS trial made all my cervical pain go away and felt great. Pity I didn't get that kind of permanent result with the cervical SCS when it was put in. Scared to turn it off to see if it is helping or not in case I feel worse.

I don't know much about spine ablations. I was a back/neck virgin before these scs implants. However, I had an ablation where they removed an offending little pathway causing major troubles with my heart. Sounds like they do the same thing except it's bones, nerves, or tissue. I don't have any advice, but hadn't a chance to say luck and prayers due to my own little whizzy surgery. I hope things go well.

TK

Thanks for your prayers...appreciate them!! The possible ablation they're talking about in my neck is at the very end of the nerve (it's called a facet nerve because it's not the nerve that is the big one, but is at the end of the big one where it branches off into little nerves outside of the spinal column, if that makes any sense). Have read mixed reports on the success of this procedure so very hesitant.

Hi Pooh and Fiona
I had RFA in Dec. 2012 on the right side and in Jan. 2013 on the left side on my facet nerves.
I hurt my back twisting and lifting May 2012 and had a series of 4 steroid injection which didn't help at all. The pain just kept getting worse. At first I didn't think the RFA helped but over time I have gotten tremendous relief. I have heard the relief can last from a month or two and up to two years. At this point I get the feeling my lower back gets stuck and kind of locks in place when I reach or bend but it only lasts a few seconds and then releases but no real pain. I hope it lasts!
I do know of someone who has it done every three months to control his back pain.
During all this I learned that the steroid injections can cause spotting for some women. This side effect wasn't mentioned until I mentioned it to my Dr.

Good luck. I hope you find relief. Nursing is such hard work with out pain, I don't know how you manage with the pain.

Sandy Kay

Nothing seems to be helping me tonight. Heating pad on high, SCS turned up to its own ouch, Lortabs taken as often as I dare and more Motrin then is good for my liver and kidneys.
I see the man tomorrow. Don't have any options but to try the ablation. Talked with our CRNA (the man with the goodies to make you sleep and not care during surgery) A man I respect and trust. I would allow him to "put me to sleep" any time. I feel that is saying something for a cynical old nurse to say. Said he felt like the ablation would be worth a try. I am so torn. I see/hear anything and everything from: "It did no good"..."It hurt more then my pain before" to "was wonderful and no worse then a block" there is also the return of the pain anywhere from three weeks to 2 years.
I know all to well that the pain returns with a vengeance when it returns. Not wanting to repeat that "fun" EVER AGAIN! Not sure I can handle that again. But I am not sure how much longer I can do "this". Frustrated that I can relieve others pain at work, but do not seem to be able to control my own
Well enough whining from me.

Sending you positive thoughts and prayers this morning poo-a.c..

Good luck at your appointment.
Sandy Kay

I did not get to see "the man" he and his normal PA were out with the crud Not sure about the new PA. We talked about changing my Lyrica and doing a couple of different blocks to decide if I am even a candidate for the ablation. Must fail both of the blocks to get s pain pump. I set up the first set of blocks for Friday. when I got home several things had hit the fan. So in the morning I must reschedule my appt. Will probably be better as it is my weekend to work the weekend in ER. I was worried if the blocks did not work that the big nasty biting me back

I gotta say you handle frustration quite well.
I have been wanting to jump in on tis conversation although my keyboard on this laptop is really wierd so bear with my typos and I hope this does not get erased.

My nerve injury from a MVA is at L5..S1...after al the PT etc. I went ahead with 'facet injections". They work wonderully for 5-7 weeks and after 3 successful procedures I went forward with "rhyzotomies"which gave me wonderful releif for 4 months. These procedureres were done in the huge back center with no anestesia. I could drive myself home.

due to family obligations I had to move and change doctors...the new doc also did rhysotomies although I had to be put under...so now I had all the drama that goes with that and they lasted 4 months also.

So I started to look for what might give me longer results as they would not due the rhyzotomies more than every 6 months so that left me in severe pain for 4 months of the year and at month 3 I would start to cry knowing the pain is coming.

I was NOT a candidate for the SCS and had it anyway (long story). I am a year post op...I have finally named it the "Alien" as I feel like it is going to just bust out of my back any day. It does very little for the original injury pain. I take now twice the meds for pain from the SCS. I am begining to doubt if I will ever completely recover from the SCS and it's surgery. I cannott afford to have it removed for another two years. ...when Medicare kicks in for me.

I am going to just post this...my desktop should be repaired soon so I can be more active here..
missing everyone and always praying.

Johanna*