Chronic pain
OldTinHat · 09/08/2021 08:32
Yes. I had one about 12 years ago and it did nothing and am due another one next month before having surgery. I think the one next month is going to be a complete waste of time tbh but they want to 'make sure' that they have the correct joint first before operating.
AnxiousAndUnraveling · 09/08/2021 08:49
Yes I’ve had two lots of these and neither worked but helped in my case to then have fusion surgery as I had tried literally everything to relieve the pain.
I’ve had them under sedation and also just with local anaesthetic. Both times the procedure was fine, I was nervous but face down on a table so didn’t see what was going on.
Without sedation I left the hospital within an hr and I did feel sore for a few days with both. Quite bruised but not awful.
With sedation I think I had more than just the facet injections and my left leg went completely numb for a bit. I wasn’t allowed to leave until that wore off and I could pee so a longer process in all.
I hope that helps and happy to chat if I can give any more info.
Orangesandlemons82 · 09/08/2021 11:20
Thanks @AnxiousAndUnraveling and @OldTinHatoldtinhat.
I wondered if the sedation was really necessary, I have a high pain threshold and would rather have it without if that was an option. Also the consultant has sold this to me as a 'cure' and now I'm wondering if it is actually going to be helpful 
AnxiousAndUnraveling · 09/08/2021 12:21
Out of the two options I much preferred the sedation!
You never know it may be helpful but it depends on why you’re having them I suppose. With hindsight the consultant who did my fusion op said because my discs were so degenerated my facet joints were rubbing together and ‘rotten’ whatever that actually means. So in my case no amount of injections were going to sort that because as the bones rubbed together they were creating bone spurs/regrowth. Yum!
Orangesandlemons82 · 09/08/2021 12:33
Thanks @AnxiousAndUnraveling. It looks like osteoarthritis caused by a leg length discrepancy and my hips and tibia being rotated outwards too much. I'm having it privately as the NHS aren't really viewing pain as a priority at the moment. He was intending to treat with as many injections as he could in the one session. I know I should have them done as it's a stepping stone to other treatments if they don't help and it may well do the trick and help resolve the issue. Thanks for your thoughts!
mogkat · 03/09/2021 20:06
Yes I had them and found they worked for a few months and then wore off. I'm now waiting for radio frequency ablation as my spinal consultant says that's the next step if the injections worked.
I didn't notice an improvement in my back straight away, took about 2 weeks and then I did notice an improvement in my pain.
Just a day stay procedure and I don't remember any of it as I was sedated.
Hoppymclimpy · 06/09/2021 18:45
Hiya, I've just had them in my left knee - worked really well, now waiting for the right knee and then it'll be cautorising the nerves next.
Had both done on my spine last year, not as successful but there has definitely been an improvement. I'm hopeful that my hips will be next after the knees.....can you tell I'm falling apart??! Are you under a specific pain clinic? I'm at Addenbrookes and they have been amazing. They deal with all my medication, keep my GP from moaning about all the opioids I'm on and generally help keep me sane!
NorthernBirdAtHeart · 07/09/2021 08:15
Hello, yes I had facet joint injections last month. In fact I’ve had 6/7 lots over the last 5 years. They only work for a very short time for me.
Also had them under sedation. Expect to be a little sore (ice packs really help) and a bit woozy from the sedation.
Hope it helps you, good luck!
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