Post-rhizotomy pain?

[LanceK]

Originally Posted by pittpete

Lance, ive been a back pain sufferer for many years.
I also have that constant dull ache in my lower right side through L4-S1.
Long story short i had a successful facet joint block right side only at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Relief was instant and lasted almost 3 weeks. I just called to have my second set of shots. If these work also, i'll schedule the ablation.
I have moderate arthritis at L4-L5 right side.

Good luck to you, Pete! Keep those success stories coming!

[LanceK]

Reporting back in after diagnostic bilateral medial nerve blocks (S1-L3).

Relief was immediate and dramatic upon leaving physicians office. Range of motion did not seem to improve substantially, but I attribute much of that to lack of exercise due to the presence of pain. I believe that to be somewhat reversible if upcoming rhizotomy is effective.

Most notable was the increased stamina for walking and standing. Did a mall walk and window shop of at least 25-30 minutes without batting an eye. I could also squat down to pick up dropped objects rather easily and quickly. Previously, I had to stand there and plot out a strategy for descent and ascent.

Anesthetic lasted about 24 hours, and then I turned back into a pumpkin. But it was a very, very good day.

Rhizotomy scheduled for first week in September. I am extremely excited.

[LanceK]

Reporting back five weeks post lumbar rhizotomy performed on Sep. 3 and 4.

Results have been rather disappointing compared to what I experienced immediately following the medial nerve block diagnostic procedure. Whereas the nerve block resulted in immediate relief in the range of 80% to 90% pain reduction, the rhizotomy procedure itself has so far been effective only to about 50% at most -- probably less, to be honest.

I'd like to maintain some degree of optimism, but everything I've read online indicates I am already at the post-op point where increasing passage of time would be expected to produce less, if any, improvement.

If that turns out to be the case, I'm not sure what options I would realistically have for the future.

Any ideas?