Who's has Spinal Denervation procedures?

Hey Gang,

I'm just wondering how many of you have gone through a spinal denervation procedure.  I've had my lumbar facet joints done bilaterally (S1, L4, & L5) several times now, and I'm wondering if my experience is similar to what other people have to endure.  I have to travel out of town to the closest pain management center, at the University of VA Hospital, which is a teaching hospital.  I have trouble getting a decent continuity of care because of the constant rotation of new student doctors, and they always want to make me go through the test procedue to 'verify' that the procedure will work.  I know it works, and the redundancy for the students' benefit seems to me to be unnecessary punishment, not to mention unneeded expense.  Does anyone else have this problem?

Also, I have to undergo the procedure with absolutely no medication, anesthesia, or anything to make the procedure and pain somewhat more tolerable.  Burning off the nerve endings is a pretty barbaric procedure, and since locating the proper joint location is done via a fluoroscope, I don't know why they need to hear me scream to know they have hit the right spot.  Due to them dragging their feet over the last several months, my back was in far worse shape when I went in for the procedure last week.  I had to stop 1/3 way thru the procedure because the pain was so great I was passing out.  Thus, my back is still in back shape, and I know that my return visit is going to be a complete nightmare.  I'm curious as to whether or not this is standard practice for this procedure, or do the rest of you get some sort of anesthesia, sedation, etc... in order to make things more bareable.  Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Leigh Ann

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•On Disability for: Chronic Migraines, serious Back and Knee problems (will need surgery eventually), moderate Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorder, TMJ, stomach problems
•Divorced, 46, spawn-free

"THE WEATHER IS HERE, I WISH YOU WERE BEAUTIFUL." -Jimmy Buffett

Hey Straydog,

Thanks for the reply.  I understand the need for doing the testing procedure the first time, but do you think it needs to be redone over and over again before the actual procedure, especially if the procedure has proved to be successful before?  Just curious.  I'm going to try to store up some extra pain meds before I go back for the rest of my denervation, since the last one was the worst one to date.  I don't give a rip if the "student" doctor learns anything or not.  I'm sick of being a guinea pig.

Leigh Ann

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•On Disability for: Chronic Migraines, serious Back and Knee problems (will need surgery eventually), moderate Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorder, TMJ, stomach problems
•Divorced, 46, spawn-free

"THE WEATHER IS HERE, I WISH YOU WERE BEAUTIFUL." -Jimmy Buffett

Wow, what a horrible situation!!! I'm so sorry for you to have to go through this "testing" thing over and over!!! I don't get much (if any) relief from the small amount of pain meds they give me before the RFA and I can honestly say that my blood pressure goes through the roof with the pain. Yes, I am one who moans and litterally give the gutteral screams when they are doing the procedure. They had to stop one of mine too because the pain was too much, but I made the Dr promise to finish no matter how much I yelled when he did it the last time.

I know how painful it is and I know it WORKS for me. Unfortunately, this last one didn't do what I wanted or needed like it should have and didn't last like it should have. I have another scheduled at the end of March and, despite the horrible pain, am looking forward to the relief that comes for me about 3 weeks after I have it done.

I'm afraid I would have to find me someone new for this in your case. I know teaching hosipital are supposed to be excellent and I understand they have really good care most of the time, but I don't think any of the students would appreciate having an icepick stuck in their back over and over with electricity connected to it :) That's what it feels like to me to have an ablation.

I hope you have success on this and find some relief during your treatment!

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TLIF L5-S1/failed, Pituatary disorder w/HGH deficiency, Fibro, Failed Bladder Surgery & Nissen, GERD, OCPD, GAD, MDD, CFS, TMJ, Migraines, HBP, Idiopatic Reactive Hypoglycemia w/Diabetic reaction to HGH, Bi-lateral CTS (surgery related trigger finger), Edema, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy, Plantar Fascitis, Tibular Tendionitis, Adult Onset Flat Feet, Vision Issues & much more.....