FACET/ESI INJECTIONS - Pain Management Message Board

conguard · 07-13-2002, 11:38 PM

Hello Group,
My name is Scott, and to put it bluntly, I'm going through HELL!! I just had my second round of Facet injections and am now on my third set of ESI injections. Guess what? THEY'RE NOT WORKING!! I just told my Pain Management Doctor...NO MORE. I think they are doing more bad than good....I spoke with my Ortho DR he also said to stop because they can make it worse even if they do help by creating more scar tissue. So now I am stuck with nothing but medication and my R/S medical machine to try to get rid of some of the pain. Anyone here of anything new to try to try to take away some of the pain from damaged nerves. I'm already on Oxycodone and Neurotin......PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Scott

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You are not alone and get what you can from "THEM"......

mel333 · 07-14-2002, 06:24 AM

Hi Scott,

What is your injury? You mentioned Facet blocks have not helped. I just had my second lot in c5/6 and have found them great for reducing the neck and nerve pain. It is interesting you mentioned the possibility they can cause scar tissue. This makes sense and I wonder if that is what is reducing their effectiveness for you. Have you tried accupunture? it can help with pain and may help reduce some of your medication. Have you had nerve block injections? I was thinking of trying one but I don't know much about them yet. I wish there were more answers and I guess everybody does here. Take care,
Mel

davidc66 · 07-14-2002, 12:53 PM

Hi Scott,Me again,, You really need to find an aggresive PM doc. I'm not sure if your RF machine is like TENS but I imagine they are for nerve pain/leg pain.They do help some folks to some degree.

If the comp system gives you strong enough pain killers to help it's like admitting there is something wrong with you. Personally I would look for a PM doc outside of your comp network to get an unbiased opinion. If Nerontin isn't working there are other meds, Topamax, Dilanatin,Klonopin, etc. Managing pain with meds takes some time to find the right combo so hang in there and keep complaining untill you find something that works for you. Take care, David

Igottabigpainintheneck · 07-16-2002, 10:54 AM

I have had several different injections and any relief was only temporary.

LKAHMS · 07-18-2002, 08:48 AM

Most of the time these shots are diagonstic first to see if this is your pain generator.
I have had facet diagnostic injections 2x's and both times I had no relief. The pain was so intense after the first injection I thought possibly some damage was done but I came out of it fine........so I do empathize with you and the pain.
Good for you for saying NO more! I did the same thing.

Kimmy