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Lumbar ablation to relieve pain.
I had a lumbar steroid injection a while back. It only relieved pain for a few days. I am wondering if anyone has had a lumbar ablation, and if so was it successful?
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@anewyorker I am very glad to hear that your pain is still tolerable. At least you know that there are options out there. Wishing you a blessed Christmas!
@heisenberg34 I had RF ablations on my L3 L4 & L4 L5 years ago now the L3 L4 & L4 L5 are fused and going to Phoenix Mayo for T4 to L5 fusion to correct scoliosis at 69 yrs old !
@rwdixon4 Have they been helpful at all? Hope the upcoming ones help.
The only thing that helped me beyond surgery was ablation. I got relief for 6 to 9 months.
@anewyorker
I just finished my ablation block to see if I’m a good candidate.
I also got no relief from the blocks so I won’t get the ablation.
Good luck. I feel your pain.
@marshasacks As I understand it, no relief from the blocks usually means that is not the cause. The reason for the first two blocks is diagnostic. I went through the process bc of facet joint arthritis.
if you are in NY, are you being treated at HSS? I saw Johnathan Kirshner MD there.
@marshasacks Thank you. I hope you find some relief. And me too!
@rwdixon4 Wow, I admire you. Scoliosis surgery has been suggested for me but it is brutal and I have no one to help afterwards. I was 75 when suggested. Diagnosed at 14. No treatment except Osteopathic adjustments and had a very active, athletic life with 3 easy natural childbirths. Then menopause hit and progression has been crazy. I admire you so much for being fearless to do this and I guess you have supports in place. I am just starting with RF ablation this coming month. Hoping it helps me as the pain is very difficult.
@joycelen this is the first I’m hearing about ablation. I’m in a similar situation as you (severe scoliosis; 71 years old) and have been suggested to have a fusion. The surgeon was honest and told me it would be tough going for 6 months post-op. If an ablation would relieve my pain I would prefer that. Please report back if you get relief from the ablation. Good luck next month. I wish you well.
@joycelen ~ i don't have support in place & I'm not 100% convinced I am going forward with this as I don't trust my pain management doc! If I can get a pain management doc I have faith in I will get it done?