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.

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. 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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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.