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Upon visiting my surgeon today, the good news is I don't need another fusion on the back, however, doctor said, the fusion looks really good, and the pain I'm having in lower back and upper thigh, he may be able to fix by me getting a lumbar radiofrequency ablation...which is basically the burning off of the nerves....
I was wondering if anyone has had it and if so, how long ago and what were the pros and cons of the procedure for you.
Thank you in advance....
Oh and if this is the wrong place for this thread, please feel free to move.
I've had RFA twice, first time treatment lasted about 6 months, second time treatment lasted about 2 years. The relief from pain was instant and wonderful. But the arthritis has spread and gotten so bad that they won't do it anymore. Insurance they say. I now take Tylenol. 600mg 3-4 times a day for relief.
Not my back, but I had it done on my knee twice. The procedure was simple, it just felt like a lot of pressure. It worked pretty good the first time, second time not so much. PT and occasional steroid injections have been better, for me.
I've had it done 3 times. Twice on one side (1st lasted 1 year and 2nd only a few months.) Just had other side and it seems to have dome the job.
I can now easily walk 1-2 miles a day
Procedures were a snap. No pain, just pressure. Only problem is that Medicare requires 2 test injections before RA is approved. After the first time, the 2nd was a waste of time and money
I've had it done 3 times. Twice on one side (1st lasted 1 year and 2nd only a few months.) Just had other side and it seems to have dome the job.
I can now easily walk 1-2 miles a day
Procedures were a snap. No pain, just pressure. Only problem is that Medicare requires 2 test injections before RA is approved. After the first time, the 2nd was a waste of time and money
So was it your lower back?
I’ve had 2 lower back fusions and my lower back started hurting again about a year ago
Doc says the full body scan and MRI proved the fusions look great
He pressed on my hip and thigh and there is pain gosh I would love to be able to walk again
I mean I can walk while holding onto a shopping cart and use a walker but to walk again would be awesome
I've had it done 3 times. Twice on one side (1st lasted 1 year and 2nd only a few months.) Just had other side and it seems to have dome the job.
I can now easily walk 1-2 miles a day
Procedures were a snap. No pain, just pressure. Only problem is that Medicare requires 2 test injections before RA is approved. After the first time, the 2nd was a waste of time and money
Your post is unclear. i assume you mean both knees, since I've never heard anyone refer to both sides of the lumbar spine in that way. Also for people who don't know, by "injections" I assume you must mean the nerve anesthetic 'test" injection to see if the ablation is likely to succeed. If numbing the nerves doesn't relieve the pain, the nerve ablation won't either so they won't pay for it.
So was it your lower back?
I’ve had 2 lower back fusions and my lower back started hurting again about a year ago
Doc says the full body scan and MRI proved the fusions look great
He pressed on my hip and thigh and there is pain gosh I would love to be able to walk again
I mean I can walk while holding onto a shopping cart and use a walker but to walk again would be awesome
Yes, low back
I refused surgery to go less invasive way
Dr said it might take several tries to finally work. Still might have to be repeated in future, but I'm OK with that
Your post is unclear. i assume you mean both knees, since I've never heard anyone refer to both sides of the lumbar spine in that way. Also for people who don't know, by "injections" I assume you must mean the nerve anesthetic 'test" injection to see if the ablation is likely to succeed. If numbing the nerves doesn't relieve the pain, the nerve ablation won't either so they won't pay for it.
I’ve had it done many times on both of my SI Joints. They typically last between six months to a year. The relief is about 80%. My insurance company, Medical Mutual, will not pay for it though.
I’ve had it done many times on both of my SI Joints. They typically last between six months to a year. The relief is about 80%. My insurance company, Medical Mutual, will not pay for it though.
so what happens do the nerves rejuvinate, is that why it doesn't last?
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