Ablation for lower back pain L4-5 S1

I had my lumbar ablation yesterday and as soon as the IV medication wore off, I was in excruciating pain. it was so intense. All I could do was walk back-and-forth in my house. I could not find a comfortable position whatsoever. I had a few pills of Dilaudid left from my lumbar fusion surgery and took one of those, and it offered me enough relief that it took the edge off the pain and I could get comfortable and keep water and food down.
Today, my back is still very sore, numb, I’m still having a lot of pain and am limited in the ways that I can move (bending, stretching, turning etc) even more so than before the ablation.
My doctor told me to expect to feel this way over the next few weeks. He also said it would take 5 to 6 weeks to feel any pain relief from the ablation.
Did you experience what I went through post ablation? How long did that last, and how long did it take for you to feel any pain relief from the ablation?

Thank you so much for your feedback. Below is an update on my procedure that I posted to another member. Please let me know if you had the same experiences. Thank you!

I had my lumbar ablation yesterday and as soon as the IV medication wore off, I was in excruciating pain. it was so intense. All I could do was walk back-and-forth in my house. I could not find a comfortable position whatsoever. I had a few pills of Dilaudid left from my lumbar fusion surgery and took one of those, and it offered me enough relief that it took the edge off the pain and I could get comfortable and keep water and food down.
Today, my back is still very sore, numb, I’m still having a lot of pain and am limited in the ways that I can move (bending, stretching, turning etc) even more so than before the ablation.
My doctor told me to expect to feel this way over the next few weeks. He also said it would take 5 to 6 weeks to feel any pain relief from the ablation.
Did you experience what I went through post ablation? How long did that last, and how long did it take for you to feel any pain relief from the ablation?

Mine did nothing after some discomfort wore off. Unfortunately, like you I had no pain relief after any period of time. Sorry!

I told my doctor it wore off after an hour, yet he was still excited to follow up the final procedure. I hate to say, if a doctor does not do anything they can't get paid. So if they listen or not, they are still thinking about a paycheck!

I’m sorry to hear you had that experience. I’ve been dealing with this for two years now, and at this point, I really don’t have much faith in what my doctors are suggesting for me. They also believe that they’re at the end of their rope with what they can prescribe.

I believe you are talking about RFA or radio frequency ablation. As I wrote, I had no long term relief but only an hour as one level at a time wore off.
I your case, stop listening to the doctors to pursue other procedures to help others properly diagnose the root cause of pain.
I did this on vehicles, as the complaint is info, what was done by someone else was also valuable info. Having an epidural at the affected levels can provide relief and/or info. Most likely images are on file that show perfect spacing, slipped disc forward, or narrowing.
If narrowing space between the disc over three years (1 yr to start, 2nd yr to hurt, 3rd yr to pursue surgical help. An RFA is least intrusive, but a lumbar fusion using the brackets, bars and screws (Called Harrington Procedure/ Found on YouTube/ I have one with photos) but perhaps one night stay but I can tell you one thing. Depending on the type of injury or trauma you had, the longer you take to get it properly diagnosed to the current root cause, the longer it takes for the nerves to heal and pain to stop. All intrusions into the body create scar tissue. Only scar tissue in the knees & elbows are violently fixed, to a degree. A muscle is thousands of flexible cells that can expand & contract. Once torn, they leak, grow together and become solid. Don't wait! Research, nail your Dr. to the wall or fire them. But go in educated. Know your options! Coming here to have a car mechanic of 40+ years tell you how to fix your back pain sounds crazy. Yet information, options, procedures your Dr. may not do are all important. Never engage in a battle of wits with an un-arm person, it makes you the winner.

I had ablation performed in 2022…L4/5 area. This was the last treatment prior to fusion in June 2023. The ablation lasted nearly 8 mos. It was heaven! Unfortunately, when it wore off…it was significantly worse than pre treatment. Had corticosteroids, stem cells, Prolotherapy, PT, ablation and fusion. I still have some pain, but it’s better. I think you will be amazed, but know it doesn’t last forever.

I had my RFA 3 days ago. I thank you for the anesthesia reminder. I asked them not to start till I was out I kept telling them I'm still awake. I'm feeling pretty good. Hope it works have right side done in 2 weeks. Thank you.

Thank you all for your comments they helped me to get through this. I had the nerve block in the doctor's office I screamed. It was very painful told the doctor to stop. He was very kind and helped me get through the to the end. I was very nervous going forward with the RFA.

yes. I had it several times. Worked phenomenally well for me!

If your diagnostic test relieved your pain then go for it! Why aren't they giving you local anesthesia for the pain?! that's crazy. There is too kinds of ablation: heat and pulse. The pulse does not work on me. the heat does great!!! My first one lasted 15 years. It takes a couple of tries sometimes. But it was SO great. My last one's 15 years later meant it was time for surgery. I am SO thankful they were there for me. I have severe stenosis.