Ablation in the back

@ramona51 I am having a radio frequency ablation of my right knee on 11/20, for the same reasons. Yes, have gone through cortisone shots, plus various topical applications of different types of creams and lotions. It is the same for me, severe arthritis, and I am not a good surgery candidate for anything. They have previously done a genicular nerve block to see if there was relief, before submitting the paperwork to insurance for approval.

Good luck on your procedure! I will be anxious to hear how it all goes for you!
Ginger

Hello ramona51,
I am a 70 yr old man with osteoarthritis on my lower spine. It causes very disabling chronic pain. I can only walk briefly, once or twice a week, with a walking stick. Even so, the walks are robbed of any pleasure as it hurts all the time.

I was introduced to ablation two years ago, and have arrived at the frustrating point where I want to quit, but my doctor is adamant that I must continue on - he won't take "no" for an answer.

Admittedly, in my case, ablation worked like a miracle the first few months: total relief for about three-four months. Then I would need another round. The docs said that was within low-normal range. of positive results.

However as two years went on the periods of relief got shorter and shorter until my last treatment ( Sept /24) gave me _one single day_of relief!

I don't understand why the doctor insists that I continue with it. Perhaps it's just for the money? I figure two years is enough time spent to indicate that I am probably a patient in the documented 20% for whom it doesn't work.

But, hey, you might be in the 80% who get miraculous, permanent relief! So I think uou should definitely try it.

I'm in Canada, where healthcare is free, so I have no idea about the cost of treatment. I hope wherever you are that you enjoy the same or similar economy in healthcare.

The procedure itself is done with just local anaesthia, and it is quite painless. It leaves no scar. You likely won't even be asked to wear one of those dreadful hospital gowns. The doctor will want you to wear a stretchy bottom, as he may need to get down low on your back.

Oh, I pray that you try ablation out and get a miracle cure from your pain. I have heard from other pain sufferers in my circle of friends and acquaintances who pour blessings on my head for having told them about ablation.
I'm a bit grumpy, though, that I have had no lasting positive outcome for myself! Oh well, I am happy for the others.
Good luck! Vaya con diós.
WT

I have had it done for years. It works great.

I am so sorry for the pain with which you are living. I appreciate your honesty about your experience with ablation. While unfortunately not particularly successful for you, you remain optimistic about the procedure due to the experiences of your friends. I’m currently in the process of discovering how expensive it is even after insurance coverage. As I get the final figures, I will have to decide what I will do going forward. I am blessed to still be able to walk without a cane. But I must admit that before my Cortizone shots, I frequently found the pain to be prohibitive at times. I have a dog that keeps me motivated to keep walking through the pain. At this point, I’m leaning towards trying it at least once to see how much relief I get. Thank you again for your candor. I wish you comfort and pain-free walking.

Thank you Ginger! I hope it goes well for both of us. I’m an avid walker and really don’t want to have my arthritis take that away from me and my dog. I’m already dealing with nerve damage on the other side of my back from shingles! Yikes…the joys of aging. Blessings to you.