Five months and counting

The second cortisone injection failed, I am still in pain. There is absolutely no difference in my daily migraines and neck pain. I have bad days and I have days that aren't as bad.

I had my follw-up appointment with the anethesiologist yesterday and the next step is a medial Branch Block, which is a nerve block in the facet joint. It is temporary, literally a couple of hours. This is strictly diagnostic to tell if the pain is coming from the facet joints. If I do get relief from the procedure the next step is Facet Joint Radiofrequency Rhizotomy, where they actually go and send electricity to the nerves to burn the nerve endings to where I feel no more pain. Apparently it is an uncomfortable procedure, but will help, if that is where the pain is coming from.

I really hope this helps, because he said if it doesn't, he gives up. He did say there are more advanced treatments, but he didn't go into that. I imagine that is a different doctor? I will just take it one step at a time.

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am not going to give up, though it does get discouraging at times. I start a new treatment with a positive attitude, and when I walk away and it doesn't help, it knocks me down a few notches. I know that the pain is coming from somewhere, and they will find where and they will find a treatment, it will just take some more time.

I know I shouldn't really complain. I have had chronic pain for 5 months, and these people on this board have had chronic pain much longer. I guess it is just hard to get used to it, the pain being there day in and day out.