Wait, the needle is going THERE?

So, this morning, I was feeling less freaked out, like the deer has moved away from the headlights and is now a passenger. I was listening to new music I got at the half price book store that was part of a care package I made for myself. (The rest of the package was several movies to watch while I’m waiting the 4-6 hours before I can drive myself home after the injections). Then I thought I’d google “Facet injections” to learn more about the injections I would be getting Monday. While I always feel knowledge is power, there is something to be said about ignorance being bliss.

I found this very educational article.

BUT, it also made my stomach drop when I saw the image of where the needle would be. YIKES. And, that this injection is merely to help the doctor determine what area was causing the pain. Which also explains why the person I spoke with, who scheduled my appointment, said they didn’t know if I’d just have to get one round of injections or if I’d have to have more.

Then, I thought while I was at it, I should see what a trigger point injection was . . . it sounded okay until I got to this part:
Injections are given in the physician’s office and takes approximately 30 minutes. Before performing TPI, the physician may give the patient a nerve block to prevent pain from needle penetration.

Wait, an injection that takes 30 minutes. Holy fuck. And, I think I have to have more than one of these this visit. Plus, I’m not supposed to take any kind of pain medication ibuprofen, aspirin or anything for 6 hours before my injections.

Please God, or whoever covers prayers about spine and neck injections, make it just be one round of injections.