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Experience with Radio Frequency Ablation procedures?
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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@irr4et Hello there. I hear you loud and clear on this because I've been in the same position. I received RFA's for 2 years on both right and left occipitals, in addition to cervical. At first I thought I found relief, enough to keep going back, but ultimately all I felt was increased pain. It was later narrowed down that I have Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) which is a chronic pain disorder caused by an upregulation of the central nervous system resulting in hypersensitivity to stimuli. Here is more info on CSS:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJNhdnSK3WQ
Nerve blocks should be done first to assist in determining if quieting the nerves helps bring comfort. If you have pain from lidocaine injections I would say do not go forward with the procedure. You yourself said, "it scalds the nerve and area tissues which greatly increased pain". I was a glutton for punishment and learned the hard way by persisting and putting my body through so much unnecessary pain in hopes of finding pain relief. It was counterproductive. For some, it may work, but its most important to listen to your body.
Many people suffer from CSS, but have never heard of it or been educated about it. Doctors do not often have knowledge of CSS. Will you get back to me after watching the video on whether it resonates with you?
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2 ReactionsI was diagnosed with CSS two Yrs ago after having already suffered with Fibro for 19 Yrs. Pain creates more pain. I watched that great vid owl then but it is so helpful to watch it again. I refused to have the lidocaine block. But I do plan to receive two weeks of daily IV Ketamine beginning 3/28 bc my CSS is so severe that it’s literally killing me. I’ve tried all the traditional pain meds and patches etc and they all just make me CSS angrier. Except CBD wh makes me sleepy, somewhat lower BP and constipated. Do you think I should proceed with the Ketamine IV’s?
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1 Reaction@irr4et I'm glad you re-watched the CSS video by Dr. Sletten. I agree, it helps to re-enforce our understanding about CSS and its management. That's the thing, you nailed it, pain pills, injections, patches, they just make CSS angrier. I learned that the hard way for a few years before making the decision to take a new approach and attend Dr. Sletten's pain rehab program in Jacksonville. I now have a new outlook on pain management. Are you familiar with Mayo's Pain Rehabilitation Center?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691
Might it be an option for you?
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2 ReactionsHI betterway: just seeing your post. Wondering if you've had another RFA and if it helped? I'm considering having it done but, like your experience, not convinced it will provide any lasting benefit. I have been dealing with degenerative lumbar spine and failed knee replacement. Fortunately, pain is manageable, but like you I am unable to do much physically. Certainly understand the emotional toll aspect as I feel the same and sometimes I just stop trying to figure it all out. One spine doc told me I may have to live with it. After many years, I think he is right.
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1 ReactionI've had them done that Rush hospital in Chicago. They seem to work for less than 6 months. But everybody's body is different. They did one side first and then a month or so they do the next side. I stop getting them done. At night my back to spasm so I jump up a lot. I hope I shed some light.
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1 ReactionI’ve had Facet injections and rfa, at different times of course. I actually get more relief from the facet steroid injection. However, my doctor will be doing a facet block and then rfa, because insurance co don’t want to approve facet injections. I’m willing to try this. Hoping it works.
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1 ReactionDidn’t work for me either.
RFA was a total waste of several years for me. Putting yourself through more pain to get three months relief at a time- forget it. Nearly had me trying to crawl off the table during the procedure. And nerves always forged new pathways as they grew back. Not worth it. I now have a Medtronic pain pump that works great.
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2 ReactionsRadio Frequency Ablation: Anyone care to share their experience. I had my SI joint block test indicating I would be a good candidate. Thank you
I had RF ablation at T10 and T11. It alleviated some of my pain. Really needed T12 also. The doctor who did it told me it would last the rest of my life. It lasted 4 months. I'm getting another one soon. Will get t10, 11, and 12.