Has anybody had bilateral RFA’s?

Posted by dishpain @dishpain, 2 days ago

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!

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@germangirlvt

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!

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Thank you for your response. I do appreciate your feedback. Just hard to get there working full time. Hope everything goes well for you! 🙏

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