Ablation in the back

Posted by ramona51 @ramona51, Nov 2 12:46pm

Ablation is being recommended due to severe arthritis in my back and my nerves being pinched. I have tried Cortizone with some relief but it is short-lived. Has anyone had ablation done for this reason? Has it been successful and would you recommend? Thank you.

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@queenie2030

My husband had ablation on his back each side done separately. Then he had sacroiliac joint ablation on one side and feels like a new man. Before he could hardly stand and the pain was horrific. Hope it works for you.

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May I ask how long ago he had the ablation? Was his pain caused by arthritis? I’m glad he found relief.

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Yes his pain was from arthritis but also from a fall which broke vertebrae and his sacroiliac joints. First back ablation
: Feb 27, 2024, Second back ablation
: April 2, 2024 and Sacroiliac ablation was July 23, 2024.
He has been able to do many things he could not do before. Insurance did not cover the SI ablation saying it is still experimental. It was worth the price to him.
So far the pain has not returned. I hope ablation works for you. Be sure doctor does them all the time, they have the best record of success in correct placement.

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@queenie2030

Yes his pain was from arthritis but also from a fall which broke vertebrae and his sacroiliac joints. First back ablation
: Feb 27, 2024, Second back ablation
: April 2, 2024 and Sacroiliac ablation was July 23, 2024.
He has been able to do many things he could not do before. Insurance did not cover the SI ablation saying it is still experimental. It was worth the price to him.
So far the pain has not returned. I hope ablation works for you. Be sure doctor does them all the time, they have the best record of success in correct placement.

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Thank you for the information. It’s so interesting that the sacroiliac ablation was not covered by insurance. What makes that so different from other types of back ablation? Did he get immediate relief of some sort after each ablation? I did not and I’m wondering if they’re finding the “right nerves”! Most of my pain is in my sacrum and is definitely all arthritis related. I have an additional complication with nerve damage on the opposite side of my back as an aftermath of shingles. Sometimes the pain gets all mixed together and I’m not sure if it’s the shingles damage or arthritis. Different treatments I’m told by the orthopedic surgeon. I honestly don’t know anymore. I’m frustrated and just would like to be without pain. I do appreciate your input.

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His pain relief was not immediate. doc said it takes a few weeks for the nerve to die after it is burned. He got relief always within 2-3 weeks. I think the reason the sacroiliac isn’t insurance covered is because of the rate of failed ablations. His Dr said it is the hardest to get the exact spot and many attempts fail. My husband is fortunate all 3 ablations worked for him. Dr gave him no grantee it would help. I hope you can get pain relief. I too mix up my pains, bone on bone joints, arthritis and PMR auto immune disease pain. It’s not easy being a senior citizen.

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@gingerw

@loriesco I had heat ablation yesterday on my right knee. It is bone on bone, and I cannot do a surgery because of health issues. I told my doctor "Please, I am praying and counting on you to do a great job so I will be free of this pain for a very long time!" Really keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome after the nerves are fully burned out.
Ginger

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Thank you. Please let us know how it’s turning out. I’m doing the prelim diagnostics before ablation. At 79, I hope it works for me/and for you!

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