Experience with Radio Frequency Ablation procedures?

Posted by Sam65 @sam65, Sep 29, 2017

Hello. First, I should mention that this is my first post to the group.
I have had neuropathic pain issues in my feet for many years made worse by surgeries that have resulted in scar tissue that has formed around the nerves. Over the years I have become diabetic (Type 2), although, it has always been considered well controlled. However, I recently had a skin biopsy performed which indicated that I did not have the clinical definition of neuropathy since the nerve cell counts were well within normal ranges. The biopsy did show "small anoxal swellings in the epidermis and sub epidermis." My doctor said this condition is often a forerunner of nerve cell loss and is correlated to patients experiencing burning pain. Ultrasound scans have also found scar tissue in the areas that I experience the burning nerve pain.
I am hoping to hear from anyone who has tried one of the Radio Frequency wave ablation procedures to reduce neuropathic foot pain or knows of any literature on the subject.
Thanks

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@grandmar

@mjq
Hello
Sorry to hear the radiofrequency ablation did not work. I have it done twice (once by 2 different doctors) and it did not work for me.
To be honest, that was my last straw.
When that didn't work, I decided to go with surgery.
BTW...my ablation was C5/6.
Good Luck!
Ronnie (GrandmaR)

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Thank you for your comment.

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@mjq

Recently had radiofrequency ablation of L4 and L5. Pain remains severe. Now what? Was wrong nerve area done? Anyone have this same situation? Try again?

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I had an RFA performed on September 9,2021. It was in the lower back L5,S1. It did not help. I still have pain in those area's.

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@martyk

I had an RFA performed on September 9,2021. It was in the lower back L5,S1. It did not help. I still have pain in those area's.

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It depends on the nerves that are treated in those areas, there are many areas that could be targeted. I've been having rhyzotomy's for over 6 years following L5-S1 360 fusion. Not all rhyzotomy's have provided significant relief, the last two were very effective but the dr targeted a different area, the medial nerves, and I had better relief. You also need to eliminate other root causes such as piriformis syndrome caused by the sciatic nerve.

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@mjq

I had the ablation one week ago and as of yet have not had a call from the clinic to ascertain whether or not it worked.

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I had an RFA performed on 9/9/21 in the L5 region for chronic lower back pain. It did not help. I think the pain is worse. The doctor ordered a nerve study and PT.

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@martyk

I had an RFA performed on 9/9/21 in the L5 region for chronic lower back pain. It did not help. I think the pain is worse. The doctor ordered a nerve study and PT.

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Thank you for answering. Sad isn't it that all this medical expertise gets us no where. Hoping for the best for you.

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@mjq

Thank you for answering. Sad isn't it that all this medical expertise gets us no where. Hoping for the best for you.

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Your so right. I can see how people lose faith in our medical professionals. Thank you.

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@dkapustin

I started going to Pain Management a few months ago for the chronic pain in my upper/mid back. I have an old compression fracture between T7 and T8 from a hard slip and fall, Osteoporosis, and Osteoarthritis. The doctor has scheduled an radiofrequency ablation tor that area and sounded hopeful that it would help. Has anyone had it done in that region and was it helpful? As an FYI, my Osteoporosis is being treated with Reclast and HRT....for now.

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I suffer from spondililosysthesis, facet joint syndrome, lumbar instability, interspinous bursit on L4-L5. I can't manage my pain and intense flare-ups with nerves pain medications and antyinfiammatories. Had 10 cortisone injections in one year. I asked my surgeon if it is worth it nerves ablation and he replied that is not the proper therapy, that it would not cure the underlying issue. I am now on a diet and on a waiting list for fusion surgery...Good luck!!

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@ashby1947

Hello! Has anyone had radiofrequency ablation for SI joint back problems/pain? I've had 3 SI joint and facet injections in the past few months, and they just don't last to alleviate the pain. So, I'm scheduled for the ablation. I would appreciate hearing about any experiences you have had with the RF ablation: what was the recovery time; how soon did you feel relief; how long the procedure lasted; and, anything else you would care to share. I'm a 73 yo woman, lean and healthy. Unfortunately, the progression of my osteoarthritis and stenosis have resulted in functional impairment. I don't ever expect to do much gardening again; however, I would like to get back to walking and other exercises.

I look forward to hearing of your experiences! Thank you, Sue

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I have SI Joint Pain and have tried multiple steroid Injections with no relief. I did have relief with the test injections prior to the Ablation. Unfortunately, the test injections wear off in a very short time hours. The Ablation burns the nerves and the pain during the burnings are intense. I was able to tolerate it still it was tough. Afterward It was like the other injections 15 minutes recovery, and I was able to walk as before, I did not notice any immediate change in my pain level. I did as I was instructed ice and rest. As with the other injections next few days pain increased. Three days later I was back at the Dr's for follow up. No Change. After about a week the pain began to go down. Still was in the same pain as before the Ablation. Was told by the Nurse it could take a while for the nerve to quit. A month Later back at the Dr's office. Still in pain. Can I tell you how sad I was? Dr said sometimes it takes a few months for the nerve to quit, A month later having a better day than some. I was thinking maybe it was starting to work. Of course, I'm doing little to nothing every day. Virtually on bed rest except for 1 or 2 hours. Went outside and using the electric blower cleared some leave from the yard, deck, and patio. Feeling pretty good about having accomplished something. The night was rough as usual next morning same pain as always. So, now what. Do it again the Ablation that is I don't know I have another Dr's appt soon. The emotional toll is as tough as the physical pain. Research says right now I am in the 30% that don't have success with Ablation. Give me a break, really.

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@ashby1947

Hello! Has anyone had radiofrequency ablation for SI joint back problems/pain? I've had 3 SI joint and facet injections in the past few months, and they just don't last to alleviate the pain. So, I'm scheduled for the ablation. I would appreciate hearing about any experiences you have had with the RF ablation: what was the recovery time; how soon did you feel relief; how long the procedure lasted; and, anything else you would care to share. I'm a 73 yo woman, lean and healthy. Unfortunately, the progression of my osteoarthritis and stenosis have resulted in functional impairment. I don't ever expect to do much gardening again; however, I would like to get back to walking and other exercises.

I look forward to hearing of your experiences! Thank you, Sue

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Try PRP, platelet rich plasma. The doctor draws blood, spins it to concentrate the platelets, and injects it into the joint. For some, it is miraculous, but for others it may not work. It is best with soft tissue issues, I believe. Worth looking into.

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@ashby1947

Hello! Has anyone had radiofrequency ablation for SI joint back problems/pain? I've had 3 SI joint and facet injections in the past few months, and they just don't last to alleviate the pain. So, I'm scheduled for the ablation. I would appreciate hearing about any experiences you have had with the RF ablation: what was the recovery time; how soon did you feel relief; how long the procedure lasted; and, anything else you would care to share. I'm a 73 yo woman, lean and healthy. Unfortunately, the progression of my osteoarthritis and stenosis have resulted in functional impairment. I don't ever expect to do much gardening again; however, I would like to get back to walking and other exercises.

I look forward to hearing of your experiences! Thank you, Sue

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Voodoo Blood Stuff, lol Thanks, I will bring this up with the doctor. Also heard something about BIO-WAVE versus the TENS. Any one ever tried this BIO-WAVE?

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