Facet ablation

<p>My husband had a spinal facet ablation on T7/8,T8/9 and T9/10. It was wonderful for about 3 weeks. Then the pain returned with a vengeance. They will only do this once every 6 months. Is there a surgical procedure to PERMANENTLY kill those nerves. He cannot even function except lay down let alone take a deep breath. After the ablation he could breath deep for the 3 weeks. I don’t understand why since they have pinpointed the problem nerves why they can’t fix them permanently. Please any suggestions would be helpful. At my wits end here.</p>

Hello @mrector, I merged your discussion in to another discussion also titled, "Facet Ablation." I did this so some of the members who have discussed facet ablations would see your message as well. I'd also like to invite @chris24, @marleneace, @icopro59, @grandmar to this discussion to share their experiences with ablations.

I had a facet ablation last Friday in L4/5 and L5/S1. So far it has worked. Have been having problems for a number of years. I was referred to a Pain Management Dr by my Rheumatologist. Had anaesthetic via a drip but wasn’t completely out. I felt nothing at all. And went home about an hour later. Am having the other side done next week.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm afraid to have it done because nothing has worked so far and the Dr's tell me I can't have surgery.

I'm glad you are doing well. Please keep me posted on how it works for you.

@papaspeachy @mrector This is Mayo Clinic's explanation of RFA. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiofrequency-neurotomy/about/pac-20394931

I have had epidural steroid injections in my cervical and lumbar spine. Nearly 8 years ago I had facet RFA (radio frequency ablation) in my lumbar spine. I was very fortunate that the procedure worked for a long time. I am going in for a Laser Ablation test on a different area of my lumbar spine. As a diagnostic tool, the doctor will inject lidocaine in the facet joint. I will then have about two hours to determine how much relief (if any) I get. Let's say I determine with the lidocaine, my pain decreased by 80% in my lower back and legs. That would be enough for me to go ahead with the ablation.
To answer your question about what to expect etc, it is less painful than the spinal injections you have had in the past. The ablation is done under a live xray called a fluroscope (my procedures have all been done at a surgical center) You go in (nothing to eat or drink after midnight) Nurses will put an IV in your arm to administer fluids and medications as needed. The doctor will determine exactly what nerves will be targeted in the ablation but in the trial he will inject the lidocaine in the facet joint of the spine. It is not a painful procedure. After the procedure, you may have soreness where the needles were placed. Ice and Tylenol have been enough for any discomfort.

@papaspeachy Did your husband go through the trial procedure prior to the ablation? There is no permanent procedure to kill the nerves as they do grow back. Would you share with us more about your husband's condition? I empathize with you as my husband had two cervical spine fusion surgeries. He is fused from C3-C5 then the 2nd surgery C5-C7. He has extensive nerve damage. This is a result of a workplace injury. He had spinal cord compression. When we met with the neuro surgeon the doctor said "go home, don't drive, don't take a bath, live in a bubble if you can!" The doctor's fear was my husband could be bumped into or fall and become paralyzed.

I am more than happy to answer any other questions you both may have. @mrector Will you let me know what you decide to do?

I'd love to hear others' experiences with this procedure. Many thanks!

Hello @babette. I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled, "Facet ablation." I did this so members discussing spine ablations would see your message and so that you could read through some of the existing messages as well. Since the title of your discussion was merged in to this one, are you comfortable talking about where your ablation would be again?

Thank you @JustinMcClanahan . I should have searched threads more thoroughly! I'll be having the ablation done a week from today L4,5,S1 nerves, on the right side. I'm trying to fast track the L side because I have a revision to a total knee replacement taking place on Oct 18 and don't want back pain while in rehab for the knee. Doesn't look optimistic but only because our medical system is so broken!

I have had many in my low back I broke .y l4 a yr and a half ago and they seem to be helping. Only last for 5 to. 6 mo