So, I had my 4 ablations - L5/S1, bilaterally Monday (7/8).

What a God-send!!

I also found out, the epidurals this doc was doing have been facet joint blocks - 2X, and not epidurals at all! Additionally found out I have hardware on both sides of my spine!

I was/am so embarrassed that A. I had no idea about the extent of my surgery, even after reviewing my X-rays w/Ortho; and B. That the procedures I thought I was getting were not in fact what I got!! Even w/my referring to the facet injections as epidurals, neither the doc nor tech felt the need to correct me?!!

I saw Ortho 7/17 and got a shot of steroids on right side at ~L4. (Pain doc wouldn’t do ablation there bc it wasn’t on the order. Asked him for a prescription pad, told him I’ll order it myself! He declined!)

While reviewing my x-rays, (always in the ‘lateral view’, Ortho did such a great job lining up my scaffolding, that I never saw the 2 pieces. Nor the cross piece. I also have a spacer in there. No wonder I set off the X-ray machines when I fly.

Wow, to not be in pain, to get out of my car without dragging myself along the left side, to be able to go to Mass and get into the sit/stand/kneel positions is mind-blowing - in such a good way!!

Now I’m wondering - how long does it last, and is there anything I can do to make it worse again - not purposely of course, but cleaning, reaching/twisting, etc.

Y’all who have had the ablations, when they wear off, is it sudden, gradual? I realize we are all different, just wondering.

Thanks in advance,
Karen