Maria,
I just had facet injections w/no sedation and not even local anastesia on one side. It was quite uncomfortable at times and it took a while to get both sides done (top and bottom). Even though it wasn't fun, it was not as bad as a sedated discogram. The trick to minimize the pain during facet injections according to my PM doc was the 24 gauge needle. It was more work for him to work with such a fine needle, but it hurt less and so he did that for me.
I survived a Dr. Yeung discogram with NO anastesia (I've also had one with anastesia). I wouldn't wish that experience on my worst enemy. I experienced my 1st 10/10 on the pain scale on that operating room table. There was and is no need for that kind of torture, MINOR sedation would not have invalidated the test. I shudder to think back on that experience.
Dan
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Age 34
DDD L5-S1, bulge and Grade V annular tear.
SED 2/15/05 - no luck
Charite @ L5-S1 8/2/05 with Dr. Regan
Struggling with facet joint pain.
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