RFA in the morning - Will I be able to babysit?

If it were me, I would decline because I would want to be at 100% when babysitting...as in able to quickly perform CPR, or drive if needed.

With this procedure you can't drive home on your own as they use a light sedations with local anesthesia. They recommend that you don't drive or do anything strenuous for 24 hours.

But obviously a personal choice:)

Alcie....

I would decline too..... if I was having the procedure done -- I would get someone to watch my little ones, at least for the day of the procedure. Regardless of the sedation issue.... you'll be somewhat sore....

But that's just me! At least they aren't babies/toddlers and can "help". So, as SB said, it's a personal choice.

Regardless -- good luck w/ the procedure. Sure hope it gives you some relief.

Take care --Tina

Back home.

3 facet nerves ablated.

The procedure was absolutely no worse than epidural or facet joint injections. The prick for the skin anesthesia was probably the worst part. The test electrical stimulation didn't even hurt very much. After the stim there was a nice dose of local anesthetic before the burning. The burning didn't hurt at all, just a little pressure.

At least for now the cramping in the left calf is gone. The tingling in the toes is gone. The left hip seems slightly funny, not very painful though, like it has been. I've still got the slipping feeling, like I'm about to fall. I hope that goes! Of course I've still got a few hours of anesthesia left. The pain doc mixes long and short-acting local anesthetics.

I hope this helps anyone else considering this procedure. I'm ready for the other side! Just have to wait 3 weeks plus a week for doc to have vacation.

Thanks, Chartreux.

I take my own ice bag when I'm having procedures. It's lots better than those little chemical ice packs, lasts lots longer. I highly recommend having a few good ice bags around. Some hospitals have good ones when you're getting surgery. Take them home with you! They don't last forever but they have insulation on the outside and feel better against your skin than the plastic packs.

Using ice (on and off) for at least one day helps prevent bruising and reduces pain.

Update - Day after lumbar RFAs:

No pain all afternoon or night from the 3 ablations. I couldn't even tell when the bupivacaine wore off. I used my large ice bag and loafed, felt a tiny bit guilty because I could have been up and doing more. A day off was probably a good idea though.

This morning there's only a little twinge in left hip, no calf cramps, no pins and needles in legs and feet, no back pain. I don't even have tenderness at the needle sites. The right side, on the other hand, has all the pains. Wishing I didn't have to wait 4 weeks, but that's probably a good idea too.

I don't know if the "slipping" feeling (giving out?) in left foot and leg will return.

I was wondering if I would have normal sensation or some numbness. Everything feels normal, can even feel pain from a pinch.

The whole procedure only took half an hour, from getting on the table to getting off. I'm glad they didn't even mention sedation. I said ouch a couple of times, not even as bad as some of the epidurals. The doctor was teaching a new assistant and it was very interesting, although I knew most of the information. I wish I had turned my head the other way, might have been able to watch the screen.

Today I get to go to grandson's pre-K program, then a dinner. I'll take along the TENS for the right side.