RFA in lower back, about 6 hours from now. Nervous.

Hi Everyone.

Not sure why I'm so nervous. Had this done last year for both sides and it really helped. This morning I will be getting the left side done, hopefully right side in a couple weeks. Hope my pain doc is sleeping better than I am tonight!!

I realize it's a bit late to ask for advice, but when I had the "test" injections, there was a problem with my left hip area becoming numb and some trouble walking. Just felt like jello in there. I did report it to the nurse who called the following day, but I highly doubt she wrote anything down or mentioned it to the doc. I certainly will make sure he is aware of the problem before I let them do anything to me. Maybe we'll even end up doing the right side instead, who knows?

Wrote down a few things I need to mention and ask him about. I do feel comfortable with the doc and confident that he knows what he's doing. Just don't feel that way about his PA (who will not be there) or his office staff, not including the staff in the procedure area.

Fingers crossed for this one!!


OT: Took my cat in for routine check-up/vaccinations today (first vet visit since I got him 2 months ago, was found and lived with a friend since december, no medical treatment). He is normally very easy going, friendly, curious. When we got to the vet, he was really stressed out, tried to run away (even jumped off the exam table in a panic before the vet even got near him. Then on the way home, my handsome little guy had an "anxiety attack--kitty style" meaning began open-mouth breathing, panting, shaking. I freaked and we turned the car around, back to the vet. They checked him out and determined he was ok, just incredibly stressed out. Vet said he was healthy, although he'd like my "little guy" to lose a couple pounds over the next year. He got vaccines, etc, about 12 hours ago, and since we got home, really hasn't left the bed. VERY unlike him, I am a really nervous cat-Mom. Usually he wants my attention nearly 24/7, wakes me several times a night, cuddling and purring super loudly in my ear. Goofy guy. Tonight, nothing. Very lethargic, has not eaten or had anything to drink, no nothing. I did read cats can be fatigued, etc. for up to about 24 hours post-vaccination. Just worried about my fella. Obviously I will call the vet if he doesn't perk up by lunch time. Anyone have this happen to their pet? Sorry to be so far off topic--just concerned for him.

Thanks for listening and always putting up with my ramblings.

Thanks. The RFA went fine. Did left side, said we can do the right side in about 2 weeks (as long as insurance approves it by then!). Feeling sore and rather tired, but otherwise ok. Doc was very nice. Put me on the 6 day steroid med pack to help w/ inflammation. Is that typical protocol for RFA? Also, my doc uses sedation for the procedure, but I've heard (i think) that some do it w/out sedation. Just curious. I'm ok w/ the sedation, about 2 minutes after getting on the table, I was out, next thing I know I'm waking up in recovery. Very nice.

As for my big kitty (he's nearly 16 lbs, very muscular, really just big-boned), he's still just hanging out on the bed. Very lethargic. I'm a bit concerned because he hasn't had any food in 24 hours, and only a few small licks of water. Don't want him to get dehydrated, then he'll just feel worse. Not sure if I should call the vet.

Hope you all have a low pain day and can find a reason to smile.


**Heard a joke the other day that made me think of a few docs I've had in the past.......
Q: What do you call the person who graduates med school at the bottom of their class?

A: Doctor!

I think I've had a few over the years that must have barely made it thru med school. Scary that they are allowed to "practice" medicine!!