QuestionDr. Hughes,
A few months ago, my doctor sent me for a MRI which indicated I had couple of bulging disks & pinched nerves in the L3-L5 areas. I was sent to physical therapy first & didn't see much relief. Around the middle of November, I was referred to the pain clinic. My doctor did a chemical rhizotomy on the right side, then 3 weeks later, did the left side. About 10 days after the last procedure, I bent to scoop laundry off the bed. A pain shot through that area and I hit the floor with what I think was a spasm. Since that first time, I have had many off these incidents. It almost always happens when I am bent forward, doing stuff like unplugging a cord or picking up something. Occasionally, it occurs when I am getting up after sitting for a long period of time. I always end up on the floor-not a pretty sight, either. I have called my doctor and was told to give it a couple of weeks and try to ride this out. I just wondered if this was normal and could I be doing to improve my situation. I know this is lengthy, but I do appreciate any information you can offer. By the way, I just turned 40-way too young for this stuff.
Thanks,
Teresa
AnswerHi Teresa,
Thanks for your question, which is not too long at all. Sorry to hear about the severity of your situation.
I don't have a lot of experience with chemical rhizotomy. What I do know and have researched seems to suggest that sometimes the procedure does not work, and then you have to regroup and see what your options are.
I'm not saying that your procedures were not successful. It is probably too soon to tell what the outcome will be. You may be experiencing some residual muscle spasms and/or nerve irritation.
Has your doctor given you any rehabilitation instructions, sent you back to physical therapy, etc.? Did he give you any warning ahead of time that you might have some temporary spasms or pain flare-ups after the surgery?
If you can, let me know the answers to these questions via a follow-up; I may be able to comment further.
Thanks
Barry
