more light at the end of the tunnell.

Checked in with the pain clinic yesterday. Progress good. I still feel like I have a sunburn on my neck... the stigma of being a TN redneck that I have tried to run from for years! The actual needle holes are still sore to the touch and I feel like I have a hunchback. I don't- i checked. It is just sore in the area.

I have had quite a few days of no headaches. That is such a total blessing and gift from God. William says it is like he is getting his old wife back.

still sore

If I didn't know it, I would think that someone shoved an ice pick in my neck a few times. The pain is still there and curiously it feels like I have a sunburn there. The nurse told me to expect that and other wierd things. come on, already I want to see if this is going to work!

the big block

I usually do my research before a procedure. I went in a bit blind on the 3rd nerve block. It was so painful. I am hopeful that it will help. The process was using radio freq at the c2/c3/c4/c5. I am still very sore and having side effects from it, but I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This is the best that I can find to sum it up...



Cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat to create a lesion (damaged area) on the medial nerve. The lesion impairs the medial nerve’s ability to transmit signals about facet joint pain. Because the nerve is “turned off,” pain is not felt.

A cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy is an outpatient procedure. You will wear a gown for the procedure and be positioned lying face down on a table. You will receive relaxation medicine before your procedure begins. The back of your neck will be sterilized and numbed with an anesthetic medication.

Your doctor will use a live X-ray image (fluoroscopy) to carefully insert and guide a needle-like tube (cannula) to the affected medial nerve. A small needle-like electrode (radiofrequency electrode) is inserted through the cannula. To ensure the cannula is in the correct position, a very mild electrical current is delivered through the electrode to the nerve. The nerve will briefly conduct pain signals and cause a muscle twitch, confirming that the correct nerve is targeted. Next, numbing medication is provided to the nerve in preparation for the treatment. Heat is delivered through the electrode to the nerve. The heat creates a lesion on the nerve. The heat disrupts the nerve’s ability to send signals about pain. At the end of the procedure, the cannula and electrode are removed. The process can be repeated for additional nerves that require treatment.

You will be monitored for several minutes before you can return home. You should have another person drive you home because you received sedation. Use care while resuming your regular activities over the next several days because your neck or back will feel sore. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, rest, and instruct you to use heat or ice packs to ease the pain.

It usually takes three to four weeks for the treated nerves to completely die. During this period, your neck may feel weak. You may experience pain until the treated nerves are dead.

Cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy typically results in pain relief for about 9 to 14 months or longer. About 50% of people experience pain relief for as much as two years. A small percentage of people do not experience any pain relief from the procedure. Over time, the nerves will grow back (regenerate). Some people will not experience pain again. If you experience pain, the procedure may be repeated.



This is all I have for now...

pain clinic revolving door...

I didn't know that there was a revolving door at the pain clinic when I started my treatment there. Aparently, the place can't keep a nurse practicioner in place from one month to the next. I have been there four times now and have seen 3 different ladies now- no 2 in succession. I am ready for cervical block #3 in 2 weeks. This will be the long burn. It will be the HIT or MISS! I am hopeful. As for meds, I am taking nucynta for pain to see how that works. We shall see. I hate to be so cynical about the process, but after all these years, it just gets old!