Hi guys,
I had that facet inject done in my cervical spine, and I am very pleased so far. It feels much better already,and they said i wouldn't feel the full effect of the steriods for several days! One question though, anyone had microwave radiofrequency shots? they said that is another option that works very well.
-Donna

Hi Donna

I'm from VA too!

I am having facet joint injections in a week for some neck and spine issues (arthritis and pinched nerves). I haven't heard many success stories yet, so your post interested me. Can you tell me a little more about your history, and any advice you have for me going into the procedure? Thanks!

Hi fellow-virginian!
Well, unfortunately, I hate to tell you that the relief was short-lived. I don't know if they just didn't get all of the spots that were painful, or if now I have other new painful spots, but I'm having quite a bit of pain again. The doc said maybe i had a placebo effect. Dag! Well, my history is have had osteoarthritis of the cervical spine at C1 and C2 for the past year. Have tried various pain meds, and wanted to do something to try to avoid having to take pills. I hate taking pills. But I'm not sure if they'll want to do more facet injections, I'm waiting to hear back from the doctor. I really hope you have better luck! As far as advice re the procedure, it's not bad at all. You barely feel anything (after the local anesthetic - which stings just a little). After that tho, all I felt is some pressure when the needle went in, and a few little pin pricks (which I'm guessing is when he got close to a nerve). My only advice would be to try to relax. I got a little nervous, and started to feel like I was going to pass out. But it was all unnecessary, coz it was mainly painless and over with very quick. Best of luck to you!!!
-Donna

Thanks Donna! That was very helpful advice.

Good luck to you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif

I've had facet joint injections for three years for my arthritis and spine disease. They are short lived most of the time but I will say after living with cervical pain 24/7 for over 25 yrs it was a relief even for just awhile. I'll be starting them back up again in a few months(can only have so many in a 6 mo period)as for pain, it's not near as bad as the pain you are living with anyway!

Hey Hiking Fan - guess what? I figured out why I am not getting as much relief as I had hoped from the last facet injection. They didn't do the C2 section, which is where i needed it most. They doctor only did C3 and C4, because he had trouble seeing C2. But another doctor who has more experience doing C2 is going to do the C2 section for me at the end of August. (apparently the C2 is a tough one to get to, since it is so close to the skull). So, i'll keep my fingers crossed. Hey, let me know how yours works out, ok? take care,
Donna

Hey Donna-thats great news for you!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif
I sure hope the C2 injection works. You are fortunate to have found a good Dr.

My procedure is on Tuesday, and I will definitley let you know how it goes. I'm having quite a bit more pain than usual in the last two weeks, so I sure hope it works. I am so incredibly frustrated with my PM doc right now b/c they aren't returning my phone calls to refill my pain meds...grrrrr... Apparently, in my HMO the doctors are free to go on vacation without leaving any instructions about what to do with their patients if something happens. I've been waiting by the phone all day to hear back from them, and just finally put in another call (which is how I found out the doc is on vacation!) grrrr....sorry to vent, but isn't it majorly irresponsible to leave a patient who has been on consistent opiate therapy without meds??

Anyhow, I'll check back with you guys on Tuesday to tell you how things went. Thanks again for your support!

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

PS- How is the Virginia weather? I moved out to San Diego a year ago, and have to admit, I don't miss the humidity one bit!


[This message has been edited by HikingFan (edited 07-10-2003).]

gee, that's a shame you're having trouble w/your doc, yes, i think that's awful. hope you get some pain pills soon! and good luck with your procedure too, we'll be waitin to hear!
As far as the VA weather, yes - it sucks. hot humid hazy hell is here. hate the summers here. this spring we had nothing but rain, rain, rain, and now it is the 3 H's. oh well. i'd like to move to AZ or Colorado, actually. anyhow, take care and have a good day! -donna

Hey guys

I got my facet joint injections done yesterday, and might be hopeful that this is working...I am still pretty sore from the injection sites (I counted something like 9-10 shots total...they told me I was going to be given fentanyl and valium to relax me, but I swear to God I was well aware of everything that was happening!) I noticed already today that I am able to swivel my head around from left to right a little smoother...I can differentiate the soreness from the injections and my usual pain. I could just be overly hopeful, and was told by the doc that I should evaluate the full effects in 3 days, so I'll continue to keep my fingers crossed.

Hope everyone is doing well today!! I'm off to ice-pack my neck again.

hey hiking fan!
i'm glad to hear that it went well. i really hope it works for you. i can't wait to get my second one done. take care and have a great w/e!
donna

Hey Donna~

Did you have the facet joint injection done this week? I thought I remembered you saying it was on the 29th (or something close to that?)

Let me know how you are doing!

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Sara

No, they could not get me in until the 27th of Aug. Oh well. Thanks for asking! How are you feeling after yours???
-Donna