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Experience with Radio Frequency Ablation procedures?
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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Thank you for your comment.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for answering. Sad isn't it that all this medical expertise gets us no where. Hoping for the best for you.
Your so right. I can see how people lose faith in our medical professionals. Thank you.
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!!
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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2 ReactionsTry 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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1 ReactionVoodoo 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?