Help with over doing it after RFA!

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kera4

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Hi everyone! Well, I had my RFA (radio frequency lesioning) of the facet joints at L3, L4, and L5 in June. All summer I felt pretty good, I was careful not to sit too long because that's what really sets my back off. However, a week ago I went to an event where I sat about 2 1/2 hours (I did get up to take breaks), and the next day I was in SO much pain! My back was spasming on both sides, and I had burning pain near the joints on one side as well.

Anyone who has had this procedure, any tips on how not to over do it? It is tricky because you do not feel the pain when the nerves are burned until it is too late. Then all the muscles react at once. I guess that is the down side to this procedure. I also have a degenerative/bulging disc with a tear in it at L5-S1, so this is a factor as well. It is so frustrating not to be able to sit longer! I do not know whether to push my doctor to do more regarding my bad disc, or just live with things as they are. I do not have pain down my legs. I just have been living with this bad back for 7 years, and it does put limits on what I can do. Wish I could sit through a movie or a show-it's been so long since I've done that! I'm usually not one to complain-but it does get me down, not being able to sit or stand for long. Any advice would be appreciated. Kera4
 
Hi Kera,

I've never had RFA so I'm sorry I can't give input about that. But I do have disc problems. I had herniations and a tear in L3-L5, had epidurals done in April & May, which did help alot with sciatica pain. That pain has still been pretty much at bay, however, last week I had to sit for about 3 hours straight in a meeting, and I think that has aggravated my discs again (not to mention I felt like the Tin Man when I tried to get up) I've also had to sit an hour here, an hour there in a stretch and I am feeling the pain in my disc areas. My back is also spasming more and it's again hard to roll over or get in and out of the car. So I do know the pain, frustration, and aggravation you feel. It probably doesn't matter what or if any procedure is done....i've always read it's not good to sit for long stretches with disc problems. So for myself I've accepted that I have many limits...but at work I just have no choice as far as sitting. I havent been to any movies, or out to dinner, or even clothes shopping in over a year and it does put a damper your spirit. But what I do at work is keep a moist heating pad that I can heat up in our microwave. I have one for my neck and back that have strings on them so they can be tied on. THe moist heat does feel really good for the spasms, anyway. I've also tried the little stick on heat patches and used those when I didnt have a microwave around or I didn't want to go somewhere with all these heating paRAB on me. They don't work as well as the heat paRAB, but do help a bit. Actually I'm also going to look into getting one of the donuts to sit on. I think they are supposed to relieve some pressure on the spine so maybe it will help for sitting long perioRAB. When my pain wasn't so severe, my doc gave me lidocaine patches and shots which did seem to help for a little while. But i have other problems that have progressed and these patches or shots don't help me anymore. I don't really have any tips on how to not overdo it because I overdo it myself sometimes. And sometimes you dont' even realize you might be overdoing it. But you should keep pushing your doctor b/c there may be other things that can help you or at least ease some pain.
 
Dear Baybreeze, Thanks for the tips! I am really going to watch it with how long I sit. My doctor has focused so much on the facet joints around my spine, and the nerve burning has helped with that pain. But, I think the bulging disc is not getting any better. Some days I wish I could have the fusion surgery, but I guess the doctors think I am not quite at that point yet. It is frustrating, I have done lots of PT and do my home exercises. I ice, use TENS machine, take anti-inflammatories, but the bulging disc never gets much better. It just stays the same. I appreciate your ideas! Take care, Kera
 
Hi Kera, I too can not give advice on RFA issues, but I can regarding how to do things with not being abe to sit for too long.

When I would go places, I chose tables with chairs when possible, and choosing the seat in the corner or least obstructed one. This way when I "had" to move, stand, I could. Then I also had to learn to ignore people looking at me when doing so. People understand, and can often tell you don't feel well.

For movies.. try getting there a bit early.. pick your seat close to the entryway on the end.. so you can get up and stand in that area when needed during the movie. Or go up to the back top aisle seat and then you can stand as you need also without offending anyone and you dont miss any of the movie.

Don't let your limited mobility ruin your good time. I also take pain meRAB before doing certain things that I "KNOW" is gonna make me hate life afterworRAB. You can't always prevent the aftermath for sure, but you can try and contol it some.

Hope this helps some. Take care. Tammy:wave:
 
Kera,

I just logged into this website today and have been searching for people with problems similar to mine. I have facet joint problems in L3-L4-L5, which have been relieved by RFA. I had the first ablation in Apr 09 and got about 5 months of almost total relief. I had the right side redone last week and will get the left side next month.

I see that you have been having RFA since 2006. Is there any limit to the nuraber of times it can be done? Any side effect or diminished impact that develops over time? Does your doctor put you to sleep? Mine does. Just looking for someone that has been down this road before. Thanks for any advice you can share.

Terry
 
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