I have had spinal fusion in 2012 on L4/L5 and 2 months later fell and broke my L1 and wore a turtle shell brace for 3 months. I have had pain since then. I finally had a cat scan last month and it showed compromised disc at L2, L3 and S1. I was referred to pain management. I had a very hard time understanding his speaking. He is from Pakistan. He did Facet injections on both sides (4 on each). I did not have any sedation. Boy did it hurt! I have had them before but it really did hurt this time. I wasn't expecting to have that many injections. Is that common? I go back in 2 weeks for more facet injections and I can't imagine what he will do then. I would appreciate any comments.
Comments
It depends what type of injection they do. I have had 2-3 on each side before. I have a history of pain management with several doctors and never had PM in the lumbar without some type of anesthetic to keep from moving too much from the critical site location and risk. I do recall feeling it before and it does hurt. If you don't understand him, I would suggest some assistance. From your description, it sounds uncommon.
L4-L5 fused at birth (congenital malformity). L-5-S1 bulge/degeneration, L3-L4 bulge/degeneration. Permanent nerve damage L5-S1 and L3-L4. Fused C5-C7.
You may want to see if there is another doc in the practice you could see due to not understanding him. Right after I had my injury and before surgery I was sent to a PM that spoke very poor English. Unfortunately, he understood my English when he hit a nerve with the needle. It was the last time I went there.
Keith