Lumbar facet joint cortisone injections

Oh I understand this Facet pain! There nothing like it in all the earth. I am sorry to hear of your plight.
The first step they tried was steroid injections. Some work very well, then others didn't have any effect.
Apparently, that is what happens, but seems to be the ,'first step'.
The next step in treatment was Ryzotomies (hope that is spelled correctly) The procedure is to 'burn' off the Facet nerves. Takes a while to recover, but this was the golden ticket for me. Last time I had this, I had 5 locations done, L4 through S3.
Perhaps you could ask about this, if it is appropriate for your particular condition. It is not a Cure, but does reduce the pain!
When in the change room, preparing for the procedure, there were three of us. We all quickly took the opportunity to share our experiences. It was the best 5 minutes to connect (a little pun) and share our courage. I sometimes think of those dear folk, and hope that they to had the excellent effect that I had.
I do hope you will feel a difference with these injections. It is hard to be in such pain waiting for improvement to hit.
Soldier on! There are other tools in the box to be tried.
Sending you best wishes and hope for better days ahead.
christine

Thanks for your post! Having RF ablation on 8/1. Put it off for 4 more months to try and put some pelvic stuff in order first, was told that I would be pretty sore for two weeks after. Yes?
Lower spine, forget the exact ones but will be six burns; been a bit since I’ve seen the Doc.
Is there connection between the lower spine nerves and the pudendal nerves? Crossing fingers that procedure might have some relief for my pudendal stuff too…
And you mentioned “other tools in the box” what might they be?
Thanks and glad that you are having such good results!

I was offered the RFA . but was concerned about it causing muscle weakness

Yes, there is some scary warnings when any intervention involves nerves and at the spine as well. I was very weak due to lack of movement prior to the procedure, so re-building strength was a re-hab focus, but I had no on-going muscle weakness; rather got stronger muscles and a
vitality as normal life slowly became mine.
Eventually, the pain and my complete halt in any meaningful living made my decision to proceed an 'obvious and only' direction for me.
You must balance out the pros and cons carefully. I was aware of all the possible 'things that could go wrong', but knew of my specialist's highly trained capabilities, (two specialties and 8 extra years of training in medical residencies) and rested on that.
No one can tell you to 'go ahead' in a flippant way. You have to feel secure in your decision. I would encourage you to re-visit this suggested treatment. I found talking with others in the same predicament to be invaluable.
When nothing else works and the future in your present state is bleak, necessity becomes the drive to action.
I send you all the very best as you contemplate these life-altering decisions.
christine

The first of August is soon to be here!
Yes it is sore... mine was a little longer than 2 weeks, but each of us are a little different...and most folks seem to have 2 or 3. Having 5 or 6 is a bigger number.
Be sure to follow the recommended medication regime; don't try to be a hero!
Also observe the recommended activity schedule carefully. This will insure the best outcomes.
I can't comment on pudendal nerves..good question for the doc!
Since I was going to be resting for a while after, I got in some skin care products that I just 'never had time for' and used them for some pampering and a pleasant bed rest activity. Helped keep spirits up and a good distraction from recovery pain.. also, my skin looked great!
Also had a lot of documentaries lined up with Netflix, good distraction and easy to watch- I couldn't handle reading or any action flicks.
I said at the time that the discomfort of recovery was not nearly like the pain endured before.... and you know that it will end soon!
All the best to you! I'll be thinking of you on the First!
"Bayonets fixed! CHARGE!!"

Thanks you all for the great advice and encouragement to do the right thing. Been dealing with this for 6 years, and will be charging with a fixed bayonet!! More info please…I know everyone has different issues, docs and results, but was it really bed rest or can it be couch rest…I have been doing pt on and off for last 6 years, “on” these last 7-8 months, so hopefully that will help with a desired result/recovery. I will totally follow docs orders, as I am tired of this…kind of no life as I was used to.
Thanks again, and please send Amy info you have!!! 😘

Hi ch47,
Bed or couch depends only on how much support each will give.
I just wanted to lie still on my very supportive and comfy bed. My couch, I thought was great before the treatment but during recovery it didn't quite feel good enough.
The best thing was in the shower: I had a shower seat in the shower, and a hand held shower head. These were very helpful.
I put items that were used a lot.. cup, plates, pot, etc, anything that I usually used, so that I didn't have to bend or reach. Everything at a very convenient reachable level. Also stuff in the bathroom,; you won't want to have to struggle to reach your shampoos etc. Also your fridge- items.. like milk, so there is no 'twisting' to reach something. Comfortable ice packs. (If allowed)
Have some favourite meals or beveridge that you enjoy, made up ahead of time- stocked and in the freezer, just ready to grab. Extra toilet paper on the back of the toilet.. little things like that are marvelous helps.
Maybe ask your friends to plan a certain day to visit, so everyone doesn't arrive at the same time!
Perhaps check your slippers, in good repair and supportive- no trip hazards. Maybe a slip-on pair of sandals would be best.
Put away any little scatter mats or things that might be a hazard when walking.
Just go through your normal day, checking that stuff is in easy reach and good repair.
Anything that makes life easier and safer is great! This is to make life easier, good self- care and to speed your recovery.
All the best!

Christine, thank you…and kdbe, just wondering what sections of spine you had ablation on? Mine is near the bottom and curious if y’all have the same area.
Just a note…appointment with my pain management doc said this week, ( not doing the procedure ) that it takes a while to work…🤪 oh well, I guess better to be prepared mentally and physically

Hi ch47,
My procedures (rhizotomies) were L4 through S3.
One of my "dressing room pals' said that one time, her procedure did not work, but the other times did.
It can take time to get to the point where all the recovery discomfort is gone.... but I found those days were still better than the 'before days'... but it is good to keep that balanced perspective, because, " the best laid plans.." keeping expectations modified by all the possibilities is wise.
Certainly it guards against great disappointment and despair, to not get too far ahead of sober reality.
Good your doc is keeping a lid on it. Yes, the physical preparation is very important, but the biggest challenge is the mental prep.
Balance is key.
Hope your day is going well (and no smoke!).

No smoke today. Been raining every evening and nice during the day. The rain helps clean things up…hope your air is good 🌬️
Will share results and which areas 🙏🙏🙏
Praying this helps…