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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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betterway | @betterway | Dec 8, 2021
In reply to @dkapustin "I started going to Pain Management a few months ago for the chronic pain in my..." + (show)
@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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TENS units versus BIO-WAVE units. Anyone tried the BIO-WAVE?

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windyshores | @windyshores | Dec 9, 2021
In reply to @betterway "Voodoo Blood Stuff, lol Thanks, I will bring this up with the doctor. Also heard something..." + (show)
@betterway

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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PRP was suggested by Mass. General Hospital, a top hospital in the US, and provided by their affiliate, Spaulding Rehab. An MD there has done thorough studies. It is not "alternative" or on the fringe at all, though insurance does not yet cover it. After 10 years of pain and setting records for PT/week at college, my kid finally found relief with PRP. It is a form of prolotherapy.

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mjq | @mjq | Dec 9, 2021
In reply to @betterway "I have SI Joint Pain and have tried multiple steroid Injections with no relief. I did..." + (show)
@betterway

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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I too am scheduled for S1 ablation. I have both ostoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Had ablation for L5 as doctor believed that was where the pain originated. Did not work, so now he is doing the S1. Said if this did not work there is nothing else. So many comments here mentioned "get ahead " of the pain. My question is what are each of you using for the pain? I use Tramodol.

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1 reply
martyk | @martyk | Dec 9, 2021
In reply to @dkapustin "I started going to Pain Management a few months ago for the chronic pain in my..." + (show)
@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 had an RFA performed about 6 weeks ago on my lower back. It didn't help, I think it made the pain a little worse.

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kilh | @kilh | Dec 9, 2021
In reply to @mjq "I too am scheduled for S1 ablation. I have both ostoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Had ablation..." + (show)
@mjq

I too am scheduled for S1 ablation. I have both ostoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Had ablation for L5 as doctor believed that was where the pain originated. Did not work, so now he is doing the S1. Said if this did not work there is nothing else. So many comments here mentioned "get ahead " of the pain. My question is what are each of you using for the pain? I use Tramodol.

Jump to this post

I have had an ablation three times over the years on both sides of my neck(C3-5), also my lower back (L4-6), but there is no ablation for SI only selective nerve injection. We go around my back in a circle, since they can only do one side of the neck at a time. I just got done with the left side of my neck. So now we see how long I can go without any pain. Time before I was pain-free for 31/2 years before we started again. But now Medicare has changed its rules. If it has been over two years, you get to start all over again with two faucet procedures before you and can have the ablation done. Even though you have had it done several times before. So now if you are still pain-free at two years, we have to order the procedure and do it again before the two years are up. This is so stupid or medicare will not pay. My only problem with ablation is my neck. It affects my muscles so that my head does not want to be upright. My head always wants to fall forward because my muscles are so stretched. I do exercises but not much help. I do take tramadol every now and then. If you are given a faucet injection this is only good for maybe 4 hours. It is only a test injection to see if the pain goes away.

I also have my thumbs and shoulders injected every three and my left foot every four months. I am losing all my cushions between my bones. So I have a lot of bone on bone joints and my motion is not great. I hope this answers some questions you may have. KLH

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1 reply
mjq | @mjq | Dec 9, 2021
In reply to @kilh "I have had an ablation three times over the years on both sides of my neck(C3-5),..." + (show)
@kilh

I have had an ablation three times over the years on both sides of my neck(C3-5), also my lower back (L4-6), but there is no ablation for SI only selective nerve injection. We go around my back in a circle, since they can only do one side of the neck at a time. I just got done with the left side of my neck. So now we see how long I can go without any pain. Time before I was pain-free for 31/2 years before we started again. But now Medicare has changed its rules. If it has been over two years, you get to start all over again with two faucet procedures before you and can have the ablation done. Even though you have had it done several times before. So now if you are still pain-free at two years, we have to order the procedure and do it again before the two years are up. This is so stupid or medicare will not pay. My only problem with ablation is my neck. It affects my muscles so that my head does not want to be upright. My head always wants to fall forward because my muscles are so stretched. I do exercises but not much help. I do take tramadol every now and then. If you are given a faucet injection this is only good for maybe 4 hours. It is only a test injection to see if the pain goes away.

I also have my thumbs and shoulders injected every three and my left foot every four months. I am losing all my cushions between my bones. So I have a lot of bone on bone joints and my motion is not great. I hope this answers some questions you may have. KLH

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Thanks for taking the time to respond.

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1 reply
dianecostella | @dianecostella | Dec 9, 2021
In reply to @ashby1947 "Hello! Has anyone had radiofrequency ablation for SI joint back problems/pain? I've had 3 SI joint..." + (show)
@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 had it for c4/c/5 and c5/c6 after three facet blocks. I had no recovery time I was fine and I drove home from NYC to NJ. My doctor gave no anesthesia at all. Unfortunately for me the facet blocks and the ablation did not work and I had surgery.

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1 reply
kilh | @kilh | Dec 10, 2021
In reply to @dianecostella "I had it for c4/c/5 and c5/c6 after three facet blocks. I had no recovery time..." + (show)
@dianecostella

I had it for c4/c/5 and c5/c6 after three facet blocks. I had no recovery time I was fine and I drove home from NYC to NJ. My doctor gave no anesthesia at all. Unfortunately for me the facet blocks and the ablation did not work and I had surgery.

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Sorry to hear you ended up having surgery. So far ablation has worked for me. C3-5 and L4-6 on both sides. Last time it lasted 31/2 years. Just started around again. But now Medicare will pay if performed every two years, pain or not. According to my docs, facets are used only to test to see if you still have pain. They only last maybe 4-6 hours. I have also had selective nerve injections and they work, for nerves that can not be burnt. What kind of surgery did they perform and has it helped. I hope the results were good. KLH

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1 reply
kilh | @kilh | Dec 10, 2021
In reply to @mjq "Thanks for taking the time to respond." + (show)
@mjq

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

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Thanks for the reply. If you have any questions I can help with, please send a comment. KLH

REPLY
kilh | @kilh | Dec 10, 2021
In reply to @ashby1947 "Hello! Has anyone had radiofrequency ablation for SI joint back problems/pain? I've had 3 SI joint..." + (show)
@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

Jump to this post

Hi, I hope this helps but my docs will not do radio ablation on my SI only selective nerve injections. But will do ablation on L4-6 and selective nerve injections in the caudal area. KLH

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