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RFA made my pain worse?
I had an RFA (radio frequency ablation) done in my lower back at L3 and L4 on my right side. My local Dr told me that I have degenerative joints. The RAF made everything worse! When I told my local Dr that he gave up on me and said that there is nothing else that can be done. Anyone ever experienced this before?
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I had an RFA in November 2023 and it didn’t seem to really help; and then a week later I woke up with significant pain in my legs. Mostly after I’ve been laying down or sitting for a while and when standing up, it felt like standing on live wires. Later my legs would just ache and I couldn’t stand or walk much longer than 10 minutes without having to sit down because of the pain. I assume that’s from my PN but the Mayo doctors I’ve talked to only want to talk about my back.
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1 Reaction@mads20 Hello and welcome to Connect. I am a spine surgery patient, but I don't have experience with ablations. It sounds like your doctor doesn't know what else to do. It may help to seek another opinion elsewhere.
Jennifer
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2 ReactionsYes I am scheduled to come to Mayo February eighth. I am ready to get some answers.
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1 ReactionI've know cases where they miss the medial branch nerve or just damage it. Unlikely, at two separate locations. "Nothing else that can be done" is a terrible comment. So glad you are going to, Mayo wish it were sooner.
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2 ReactionsHow has your surgery helped?
@gsgnfl My pain was caused by spinal cord compression. My surgery resolved all the pain. I did rehab and got my strength back. I regained the coordination in my arms.
I see you are going to Mayo. I hope you will get some answers.
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