@bostongal23
I feel this so much. The hoops are exhausting. 😩 I just saw a neurosurgeon on Monday — same one who actually recommended surgery for me 6 years ago — and without directly saying it, he explained that a lot of the injections and ablations are strictly an “insurance thing.” Just steps you have to check off first before they’ll cover surgery. However, in my case (and likely yours as well!) since he can document that it’s affecting me way beyond just “pain and discomfort,” he can justify surgery. Injections and ablations from my research and knowledge from family having been through it are only temporary fixes, masking the symptoms that can ultimately lead to more issues. If they help I’m sure it’s a relief although temporary but if they don’t it’s a complete waste (and can cause muscle atrophy, amplified referred pain etc). It’s frustrating because when you’re living in it every day, you don’t want to keep jumping through temporary fixes just to satisfy paperwork. I totally understand not wanting to keep playing the game and I truly hope you can find the help you need and deserve. 🙏