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...

cervical blocks and pain clinic

so, I have been seeing a pain clinic. They took me off of dilaudid , fentanyl, and stadol. They were all my rescue drugs. I was given 5 mg. oxi's. laughable. I have been in so much pain. I first met with them on June 7. The first suggestion was to use a tens unit. I have been doing that on a daily baisis. The first cervical nerve block was done on July 21 on the left side. It didn't start working for a couple of days. Once it started working, it worked for 5 days and then just stopped altogether. I had another block on August 4 and saw the dr on Aug 5th. The block worked wuite a bit longer. It is still working off and on now. When I saw the dr, she put me on nucynta and changed the mg of oxy to 10 mg. still not hitting the pain.

It is amazing that I never realized how far down my back the pain went until the nerve block started to work. The blocks are helping my neck, but not necessarily my headaches. I want to get to the bottom of this-it is driving me crazy!!!

I have started on supplements daily. It is not that I think it is the perfect combination. I am taking glucosamine, vit e 400 i.u., and quin B strong B-25. These are what I am starting with. Hopefully, I will feel some success.