Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Facet Joint Injection T6/T7 and "killing" nerves

Saw me GP on Monday about helping with my increased back pain.

Even though I'm on Enbrel, Lyrica and Norpsan patches, and have been taking digesics, my back pain has been steadily increasing over the last month. Bad batch of Enbrel??? Hot weather?

He wrote me a referal to have my t2 through to t7 injected with cortisone. To begin with, just one joint and see how it goes. If it helps, can then look at "killing" that nerve.

Rang radiologist on Monday arvo and got appointment for this arve (Wednesday).

Radiologist was a bit horrified to see so many joints to be done, and advised against it. That was fine with me as it confirmed my specialists comments that there were too many to do.

The previous CT scan was done two years ago. Problem was that now the really bad pain was coming from much lower than the t7 - bummer! Looks like the AS is progressing relatively quickly.

The anesthetic worked well, and I had reduced pain from the t7 region for quite a few hours.

Unfortunately the pain has returned back to "normal" levels.

I'm thinking also that due to the large number of joints, I doubt they would "kill off" so many nerves anyway? Anyone know if this is the case or not?

Thanks,

James

I had this procedure done about a year ago. It didn't really help me that much, but everyone is different.

I have had my nerves "scrambled" and it really didn't help much and did cause some problems like loss of feeling. I don't think I will do it again. That was my 4th procedure and the last on his list. I had several other things done earlier.

Pray for relief for you.
Possi

BIG THANKYOU to Possi and Jeffrey.

I had big troubles with losing feeling in my hands last night which normally only happens when I raise them off the bed (I sleep on my back and don't move).

What you both say has confirmed my own opinion that I wont be going down this track.

Thanks.

Hi Jimmy,

It doesn't sound as though your Enbrel is working all that well. What are your thoughts? Have you tried any of the other TNF blockers?

Hi Wendy,

I've been on Remicade and Humira.

I've started to feel better over the last two days and think it is either the new bread I was trying - a very thick, rich wholemeal one, and or my Pressin medication I take to counter the urinary retention caused by the Lyrica.

Anyway, after the Pressin gave me the symptoms of a "heart attack" on Tuesday night, I've stopped taking it. Yesterday my flare eased a bit, and today its even a bit better!

I've also stopped eating the bread. I'm not keen to take either to narrow it down, although I suspect both were the culprits!

All the best,

James