I have had bilateral ablations in both my lumbar and thoracic spine. The trial nerve blocks worked, but the ablations didn’t. It caused a lot of frustration, to say the least.
My pain was just replaced with a burning pain which lasted quite a while. I guess at least, it took my mind off from my original pain.
My primary care provider suggested I try duloxitine, so I did. It’s actually an antidepressant but they discovered it actually helps with chronic pain. I only took 20 mg at first and after the first week it helped me immensely.
After about three weeks, it wasn’t giving me the relief it did, so we upped it to 30 mg.
I have to say things are not perfect, as I still get osteoarthritis flareups with weather changes, but it’s manageable with Tylenol 8 hr Arthritis and Aleve.
I hesitate to take more with all I have heard about getting off it. It’s scary.
Australia is a bit too far for a visit, though I hear it's beautiful. He gave me 10mg of Valium to take prior to the procedure. I also take Klonopin, so I will take that, too. I am definitely scared about the whole procedure. I hope it helps since I've been dealing with this forever. Do you think it might take more time to see more results? I like your honesty. Thank you again!
Sorry, i really can't say re your treatments effectiveness or how long it will take to notice an improvement...everyone is so different altho from my research, more people seem to have an improvement than those who don't so the odds are on your side. Good luck.
Sorry, i really can't say re your treatments effectiveness or how long it will take to notice an improvement...everyone is so different altho from my research, more people seem to have an improvement than those who don't so the odds are on your side. Good luck.
I probably had at least 6 ablations. Very little relief for me. The staff at the doctors office said most people get
50-80% relief. The doctors finally decided that as a last resort to try a spinal stimulator implant. WOW! It’s been life changing! Eliminated at minimum 80% of my lower back pain. It’s a very expensive procedure and insurance companies don’t want to pay for it until you’ve been through all the other treatments.
It’s easy peezy. 2 weeks recovery, very little post op pain and it’s off to the races. All that being said, my back is on average worse than most. That’s why the other procedures did not provide much relief.
So good to hear you are doing well! What implant type did you use? Something my doc has suggested for years, but…he can do whatever type I want, but I haven’t done much research. I have had ablation in several areas of my spine and has been helpful but such a mess every where else.
I'm glad you didn't have pain with the procedure. I was at the pain clinic yesterday for shoulder injections, and they told me it was "uncomfortable". I will be taking a Valium 10mg before the procedure. I hope it's enough. Did you feel any improvement sooner than 6 weeks? I want your doctor! lol
All spinal treatment that I had received, injections, ablation etc, was done under twilight. I changed doctors because new doctor was closer, not so much traveling. He only uses local numbing (or oral meds if you feel you need it)
I was petrified at first, but not as bad as I imagined. I asked him why, and he said that he wants to know if where he is working is causing any unwanted nerve issues, as he talks to me through the whole thing.
It is not that bad, feels like a huge relief when he gets to that spot. Procedure hurts less than the back pain…
I live outside Augusta GA
All spinal treatment that I had received, injections, ablation etc, was done under twilight. I changed doctors because new doctor was closer, not so much traveling. He only uses local numbing (or oral meds if you feel you need it)
I was petrified at first, but not as bad as I imagined. I asked him why, and he said that he wants to know if where he is working is causing any unwanted nerve issues, as he talks to me through the whole thing.
It is not that bad, feels like a huge relief when he gets to that spot. Procedure hurts less than the back pain…
I live outside Augusta GA
Thank you for your response. I will be taking 10mg Valium before the procedure. It makes sense as to why the doctor wants you awake. With my steroid injections he just uses numbing gel, and that's not so bad. I'm still nervous though. I'll be glad when it's over Wednesday. Did you get relief then?
So good to hear you are doing well! What implant type did you use? Something my doc has suggested for years, but…he can do whatever type I want, but I haven’t done much research. I have had ablation in several areas of my spine and has been helpful but such a mess every where else.
The medical provider I go to uses Boston Scientific.
They seem to think it’s the better option. I believe it has a tad longer battery life.
If you’ve had chronic pain for 4 decades like I have this implant has been life changing. I just wish I was offered it years ago.
The medical provider I go to uses Boston Scientific.
They seem to think it’s the better option. I believe it has a tad longer battery life.
If you’ve had chronic pain for 4 decades like I have this implant has been life changing. I just wish I was offered it years ago.
I have had chronic spine, neck and sacrum pain for 15 or more years. Increasing. Also have severe scoliosis, good news I have so many huge curves it evens out, I’m just a lot shorter than I should be. 6-8”. But I have long legs and with the right clothes its all great, except for the pain.
Is your unit sort of quiet and kind of don’t know it’s there? Read that some have a vibration or something that didn’t sound appealing
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your response. I will be taking 10mg Valium before the procedure. It makes sense as to why the doctor wants you awake. With my steroid injections he just uses numbing gel, and that's not so bad. I'm still nervous though. I'll be glad when it's over Wednesday. Did you get relief then?
It felt a tiny ouchie doing it, but nothing compared to when the pain gets cooking. It can take up to two weeks or more for some relief, or sooner, but if the numbing process makes it feel good for even a couple hours, that is already a possible good sign.
Let us know how you do-will say a prayer for positive outcome!
It felt a tiny ouchie doing it, but nothing compared to when the pain gets cooking. It can take up to two weeks or more for some relief, or sooner, but if the numbing process makes it feel good for even a couple hours, that is already a possible good sign.
Let us know how you do-will say a prayer for positive outcome!
Thank you so much for your prayers! I will definitely let you know how it worked. I can't thank everyone enough for all their information. This site is great!
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My primary care provider suggested I try duloxitine, so I did. It’s actually an antidepressant but they discovered it actually helps with chronic pain. I only took 20 mg at first and after the first week it helped me immensely.
After about three weeks, it wasn’t giving me the relief it did, so we upped it to 30 mg.
I have to say things are not perfect, as I still get osteoarthritis flareups with weather changes, but it’s manageable with Tylenol 8 hr Arthritis and Aleve.
I hesitate to take more with all I have heard about getting off it. It’s scary.
Sorry, i really can't say re your treatments effectiveness or how long it will take to notice an improvement...everyone is so different altho from my research, more people seem to have an improvement than those who don't so the odds are on your side. Good luck.
Thank you for all your input!
So good to hear you are doing well! What implant type did you use? Something my doc has suggested for years, but…he can do whatever type I want, but I haven’t done much research. I have had ablation in several areas of my spine and has been helpful but such a mess every where else.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAll spinal treatment that I had received, injections, ablation etc, was done under twilight. I changed doctors because new doctor was closer, not so much traveling. He only uses local numbing (or oral meds if you feel you need it)
I was petrified at first, but not as bad as I imagined. I asked him why, and he said that he wants to know if where he is working is causing any unwanted nerve issues, as he talks to me through the whole thing.
It is not that bad, feels like a huge relief when he gets to that spot. Procedure hurts less than the back pain…
I live outside Augusta GA
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you for your response. I will be taking 10mg Valium before the procedure. It makes sense as to why the doctor wants you awake. With my steroid injections he just uses numbing gel, and that's not so bad. I'm still nervous though. I'll be glad when it's over Wednesday. Did you get relief then?
The medical provider I go to uses Boston Scientific.
They seem to think it’s the better option. I believe it has a tad longer battery life.
If you’ve had chronic pain for 4 decades like I have this implant has been life changing. I just wish I was offered it years ago.
I have had chronic spine, neck and sacrum pain for 15 or more years. Increasing. Also have severe scoliosis, good news I have so many huge curves it evens out, I’m just a lot shorter than I should be. 6-8”. But I have long legs and with the right clothes its all great, except for the pain.
Is your unit sort of quiet and kind of don’t know it’s there? Read that some have a vibration or something that didn’t sound appealing
Thanks for sharing!
It felt a tiny ouchie doing it, but nothing compared to when the pain gets cooking. It can take up to two weeks or more for some relief, or sooner, but if the numbing process makes it feel good for even a couple hours, that is already a possible good sign.
Let us know how you do-will say a prayer for positive outcome!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you so much for your prayers! I will definitely let you know how it worked. I can't thank everyone enough for all their information. This site is great!