1. < Spine Health

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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Jan 11, 2022
In reply to @marycdickens01 "I love hearing the time and attention you received . It is a requirement when you..." + (show)
@marycdickens01

I love hearing the time and attention you received . It is a requirement when you have complicated problems . I can tell when a dr doesn’t “get it “ when I am talking about my history and current issues .
I had a C3-C5 ACDF & one month later I had C2-T2 PCDF in 2019. I was in the hospital for two weeks while I waited to get into an adjoined inpatient rehab facility . I actually did well but I was in a such a weakened state from having to wait for surgery so long (I had a rare infection and was on IV & oral antibx for about 9 months prior to being able to have surgery) . I recovered and wore the brace for 3 months . My gait got better but I still had problems with walking any distance . I assumed this was from the compression on my spinal cord previously .
I started feeling movement of something in my neck that felt very wrong when I would bend forward about 4 months ago ; then I started having pain and difficulty walking . I have been worked up for this and I am having to work with a different surgeon who is just disinterested and says I don’t need surgery. There is also some loose hardware that was found on a CT but he refused to address that either . I got the distinct feeling he just didn’t want to deal with my situation . I was essentially blown off by him .
I went from doing pretty good and I had a certain amount of independence I had not had before , but now I sit back in a recliner all day unless I have a dr appt . I don’t want this to be my life and I want to know I have done everything to find an answer.
Thanks for your concern - it has been helpful and reassuring . I do wish I could have everything done on this visit in February . I live in Mississippi and I have to fly each time and someone has to come with me . Thanks so much !

Jump to this post

@marycdickens01 Loose spinal hardware is definitely a concern. Who knows where it may migrate. It sounds like this doctor doesn't want to do a revision surgery. It may be too complex for his level of expertise, and you wouldn't want a surgeon operating who does not have confidence about their ability to improve your functioning. They don't want a poor outcome on their record. Mayo is known for taking more difficult cases that others refuse to do. You could reach out to your neurologist and ask what to do to try to protect your neck before you get to your appointment.

I know that feels bad to be rejected when you need help, but remember, you will be seen by the surgeons at the #1 neurosurgery hospital in the country. You can also ask to be put on a cancellation waiting list in case you could be seen sooner. Prior to my surgery, I got to where if I bent my neck forward, I sent a big electric shock down my body. I used a bead filled microwavable neck wrap and wrapped a long scarf around it to limit my neck movements. I didn't have a neck brace, so that is how I improvised.

Just do the best you can while you wait. Do you have helpers for chores and kitchen duty? If you were offered surgery right away for intervention during your first Mayo visit, would you be ready and organized for post op recovery at home? I had bins with clean laundry folded that were on top of a chest, so I didn't need to try to reach up or bend over to get anything and elastic laces in my shoes.

Mayo has all staff and patients wear masks because of Covid and they will test you for it. I had to pass the test 2 days before my surgeries for my ankle. Omicron is so rampant now and you need to avoid infection before surgrery. Do you have good KN95 masks for travel?

REPLY
Phil | @dover1036 | Jan 16, 2022
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.

Jump to this post

Did not work for me. Compression fracture at T 8.

REPLY
india65 | @india65 | Feb 4, 2022
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

I yr post Trans Laminal Iinterbody Fusion but w L4 nerve pain continuing. Can RFA help?

REPLY
Berge Markarian | @bergem | Mar 5, 2022
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

Facet injections and ablation which I had twice is a waste of time. It is shame that doctors do these procedures knowing it will not help. Berge ( retired MD)

REPLY
1 reply
suzfuse46 | @suzfuse46 | Mar 6, 2022
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

I have a herniated disc at T10-11 with it pressing on the nerve root causing severe pain around the rib cage and thoracic back. I also have severe facet arthrosis at T10-11 which is where they did the nerve ablation bilaterally. It did not help one bit! No one will look into the herniation pinching the nerve root and I'm wondering why!? Why would they do the facet ablation knowing that it wasn't the problem causing the pain?

REPLY
migizii | @migizii | Mar 6, 2022
In reply to @bergem "Facet injections and ablation which I had twice is a waste of time. It is shame..." + (show)
@bergem

Facet injections and ablation which I had twice is a waste of time. It is shame that doctors do these procedures knowing it will not help. Berge ( retired MD)

Jump to this post

In reply to @bergem…. Have you found anything that has helped? Thx.

REPLY
morkat | @morkat | Mar 13, 2022
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'm 75, and have been dealing with aggressive OA for 20+ years. The injections never did much for me, but the ablation lasted between 6-9 months. You know its a process of trying to find what will work at the time. In 2012 I became inoperative and was offered a morphine pump for my spine. It gave me my life back and handles most of the pain. I hoe the ablation gives you some relief. Good luck.

goo

REPLY
Berge Markarian | @bergem | Mar 14, 2022
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

I had it twice , did not get any benefit. It is a shame they perform procedures that do not work

REPLY
irr4et | @irr4et | Mar 14, 2022
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

Geez. I’m considering v having Occipital Nerve RF Ablation Rt now but they insist on doing the Lidocaine injection test first to determine if RFA will relieve the nerve pain. And “so they know the exact place’”. The problem is - every time I have a lidocaine injection it scalds the nerve and area tissues which greatly increases the pain. Should I do this injection? I would appreciate your advice.

REPLY
1 reply
anniebrook | @anniebrook | Mar 15, 2022
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

I have had it a few times and waiting to get it again. First time was for pain down into my groins more than back pain.I could barely lift one leg to walk and to hold my weight on the other while I lifted my leg.I was leaning on the costco shopping cart sliding my feet along it was so bad. It worked great for 18mths. I have had it since and it works to some extent but a lot of my pain is higher,between the bottom rib and my pelvis. I get soooo angry that here in BC,Canada there seems to be no one that deals with that pain. Pain clinic deals with neck and low back and Neuro surgeons deal with spine but refuse to see me. I have osteoarthritis everywhere so that's their excuse.MRI's showed some sort of cysts but of course the Dr's say they DO NOT cause pain. So like you I'm banging my head against a brick wall trying to find a way out of this pain.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.