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Has anybody had bilateral RFA’s?
I am curious as to whether anybody has had bilateral RFA’s?
I had it done once in thoracic area and I feel like I didn’t get as much of a result, but I’m not sure if it’s just because I’ve had several single sided RFA’s done in thoracic area and maybe RFA’s just aren’t going to work anymore. Or did it not work because I had it done bilaterally?
I wanted to have it done bilaterally on the lumbar back, but they are insisting on doing it one side at a time. Does anyone know if this is really what should be done is only single side at a time? I really want it done as a convenience because I’m still trying to work full-time and Pain management on their schedule is difficult at times And I need a driver if I’m going to get light sedation. Not always easy to do.
Any ideas or experience would be appreciated. Thank you
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I did have it done bilaterally on 3 herniated discs ... but they had to do it in two appointments as well since 3 is the max they do at a time according to them. I believe my insurance (BCBS) also would not pre-authorize more than 3 in one appointment. So I went in and had one side done one day and the other side two days later. PITA to be sure. And to top it off, it did not make any difference and I just came back from an appointment with the neurosurgeon at Mayo Phoenix and will have surgery in January.
Good luck and fingers crossed it will work out for you!
Thank you for your response. I do appreciate your feedback. Just hard to get there working full time. Hope everything goes well for you! 🙏
I had bilateral RFAs on L5 at the same time. I expected to feel immediate relief, but it took about a month to feel pain free.
I had them on thoracic at the same time. I don’t feel like it worked as well. But I know those two areas had been done at separate times and I had done well with it. But maybe I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve had enough times that they’re not going to be as good anymore. I’ve heard other people say that after they’ve had so many RFA’s, they don’t seem to work as well anymore.
I very much thank you for your reply. That’s why I threw it out there to see if anybody had had them at the same exact time. I’m going for the lumbar again and they’re only going to do one at a time. So we will see. Thank you . Happy holidays to all!
I had a complete cervical radio frequency ablation bilateral and got no relief
I've heard there is a limit too....but a doctor dis a complete cervical radio frequency ablation bilateral at every level on me. Wasn't covered and i had to spend 15 grand up front and got an additional bill for 3 grand after. No relief by the way:(