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Anyone Have Good Results with RF Rhizotomy??
I had low back pain for many years. One of the pain generators was a congenital Spondy at L5 S1 and I was very lucky to have that successfully corrected surgically by an outstanding surgeon in Denver, Dr. George Frey. He used a micro approach, i have an inch incision and fused quickly with no complications.
However, the years of instability and degenerative disc disease lumbar spine have caused a very common secondary problem - Facet Arthritis. These tiny joints on the back side of each vertebral segment become terribly irritated from unstable spinal column support over the years. The result is Facet Arthritis. The "angry" joints can be seen on MRI or CT scan. Once this progresses to moderate or severe it is a very serious pain generator. Well, I'm there.
Just FYI, for someone who have never felt or properly experienced this pain, mine is diffuse low lumbar and not very location specific. If I had to describe it (not knowing what it was) I'd call it severe muscle spasms. However it has taken me years and meds and injections to realize for myself this is facet pain. It has progressed to the point where I must do something. I am taking far too many meds, too immobile mornings and evenings and frankly nothing but rest and hot packs will even help a little. I will not say this is severe and I am not able to be on my feet or at my desk all day.
I've gone through the proper medical protocol of facet injections, medial branch blocks etc. in order to reach the point of discussing this procedure. Radio Frequency Rhizotomy or a better term is "burning of the nerve" that transmits this particular pain. (Thank God there is one, and we can get to it!!) Pretty simple really, they go in just like an injection, ID the nerve and then burn the hooey out of it using radio frequency heat! That little persistent nerve has a tendency to grow back within 6 months to a year and it typically has to be done again.
Hey, at this point I would let them dive in there and do anything to get me out of this pain. I've heard it is not much fun as they cannot have you under sedation for the procedure, but I am okay with that. Just stop this unrelenting pain!!
Many people have this done. I have mine schedule for the 24th of March.
I'd like to hear from anyone who has had this procedure and what results you experienced for a few months or few years. I am very hopeful this will let me get back to normal functioning (and attitude) and maybe even put a few miles on the motorcycle this summer.
I appreciate anyone's experience and or advice for heading in to have this done.
However, the years of instability and degenerative disc disease lumbar spine have caused a very common secondary problem - Facet Arthritis. These tiny joints on the back side of each vertebral segment become terribly irritated from unstable spinal column support over the years. The result is Facet Arthritis. The "angry" joints can be seen on MRI or CT scan. Once this progresses to moderate or severe it is a very serious pain generator. Well, I'm there.
Just FYI, for someone who have never felt or properly experienced this pain, mine is diffuse low lumbar and not very location specific. If I had to describe it (not knowing what it was) I'd call it severe muscle spasms. However it has taken me years and meds and injections to realize for myself this is facet pain. It has progressed to the point where I must do something. I am taking far too many meds, too immobile mornings and evenings and frankly nothing but rest and hot packs will even help a little. I will not say this is severe and I am not able to be on my feet or at my desk all day.
I've gone through the proper medical protocol of facet injections, medial branch blocks etc. in order to reach the point of discussing this procedure. Radio Frequency Rhizotomy or a better term is "burning of the nerve" that transmits this particular pain. (Thank God there is one, and we can get to it!!) Pretty simple really, they go in just like an injection, ID the nerve and then burn the hooey out of it using radio frequency heat! That little persistent nerve has a tendency to grow back within 6 months to a year and it typically has to be done again.
Hey, at this point I would let them dive in there and do anything to get me out of this pain. I've heard it is not much fun as they cannot have you under sedation for the procedure, but I am okay with that. Just stop this unrelenting pain!!
Many people have this done. I have mine schedule for the 24th of March.
I'd like to hear from anyone who has had this procedure and what results you experienced for a few months or few years. I am very hopeful this will let me get back to normal functioning (and attitude) and maybe even put a few miles on the motorcycle this summer.
I appreciate anyone's experience and or advice for heading in to have this done.
I'm 4 weeks out after my right side RFA (L4, L5, S1) and 2 weeks out after my left side, same locations. The procedure *****, better than surgery, but worse than injections.
I initially looked at this site to find the difference between RFA and rhizotomy (which are apparently the same thing). A friend had a rhizotomy performed the same time I did, which I didn't know... So just looking into it.
I appreciate all the comments. Good and bad. I share the hope and love that others have put out there to all that suffer with chronic pain. It really is unimaginable until you experience it.
My experience so far? Well, at 4 weeks out, my right side is almost back to its regular pain. Meaning ~ I cannot tell you specifically where they dropped a bowling ball on my lower back! I would say the pain is not any better than before the procedure. YET!
I'm only 2 weeks out from the left side procedure. The left was my more painful side anyway (down my leg, numbness, etc). And, very much still an increase of pain. My biggest frustration is that, while my Dr did give a few additional pain meds, it was too few. When you are doing these procedures 2 weeks apart, and the pain from each will most likely increase pain for 2 to 4 weeks, well, more than a couple extra meds should be available.
However, I'm going to call tomorrow and talk to them. See what they'll do.
Overall, I'm excited with the possibilities, and hoping and praying to get relief.... at this point, any relief will allow me to move. And if there is relief, even short-lived, I'm totally open to doing the RFA's again, in hopes that they would eventually stop growing back!
Laura
I initially looked at this site to find the difference between RFA and rhizotomy (which are apparently the same thing). A friend had a rhizotomy performed the same time I did, which I didn't know... So just looking into it.
I appreciate all the comments. Good and bad. I share the hope and love that others have put out there to all that suffer with chronic pain. It really is unimaginable until you experience it.
My experience so far? Well, at 4 weeks out, my right side is almost back to its regular pain. Meaning ~ I cannot tell you specifically where they dropped a bowling ball on my lower back! I would say the pain is not any better than before the procedure. YET!
I'm only 2 weeks out from the left side procedure. The left was my more painful side anyway (down my leg, numbness, etc). And, very much still an increase of pain. My biggest frustration is that, while my Dr did give a few additional pain meds, it was too few. When you are doing these procedures 2 weeks apart, and the pain from each will most likely increase pain for 2 to 4 weeks, well, more than a couple extra meds should be available.
However, I'm going to call tomorrow and talk to them. See what they'll do.
Overall, I'm excited with the possibilities, and hoping and praying to get relief.... at this point, any relief will allow me to move. And if there is relief, even short-lived, I'm totally open to doing the RFA's again, in hopes that they would eventually stop growing back!
Laura
Hello and a tardy Welcome to MedHelp.
Your post on a very old thread is welcomed. I believe this to be one of our most informative threads. However I'm very sorry the RFA was not successful for you. The fact that RFA did not address your pain only proves that we are all different. Our systems can respond to treatments, medications and so forth better or worse that our counterparts, even those with the same diagnosis. Practitioners also differ with varying success and failure rates for a variety of procedures.
My dearest friend has RFAs performed every 12-18 months and indeed would not function without them. We have an active member on MedHelp that also relies on RFAs to maintain functioning.
Sadly they do not work for everyone, for various reasons. Again I'm sorry that you are in that non-effective group.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish you the best.
Take Care,
~Tuck
Your post on a very old thread is welcomed. I believe this to be one of our most informative threads. However I'm very sorry the RFA was not successful for you. The fact that RFA did not address your pain only proves that we are all different. Our systems can respond to treatments, medications and so forth better or worse that our counterparts, even those with the same diagnosis. Practitioners also differ with varying success and failure rates for a variety of procedures.
My dearest friend has RFAs performed every 12-18 months and indeed would not function without them. We have an active member on MedHelp that also relies on RFAs to maintain functioning.
Sadly they do not work for everyone, for various reasons. Again I'm sorry that you are in that non-effective group.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish you the best.
Take Care,
~Tuck
First: God bless each of you and keep you in his loving,strong embrace, please remember our pain is not God's desire, our health and well-being are, His love for us is unconditional and no matter what we shall all persevere as there is good in our lives despite chronic pain
Now, my story is having had a double Rhizotomy, but weeks apart and a test procedure to make sure I'm a candidate for the full procedure, let me say that whatever was done with the test was when I had my best results, my family members who accompanied me and Our long time family friend who drove us,(we live an hour from the medical facility and even though I hadn't personally met his mother, he's actually my sister's best friend, but a close family friend as mentioned, she wanted me to be in the best comfort I could so she allowed him to take us using her SUV,a selfless gift from a woman who had recently suffered the loss of her husband),they were in awe of how the test went, I had started in a wheelchair, then to the car in a walker and with frequent stops, made it to the pain management center, it really was awesome, I was standing up straight, I was walking so fast they were laughing and telling me to slow down! I truly thought I was going to get my feet on, as I like to call it, I had gone from dancing, walking, even daily household cleaning to almost total immobility due to another illness (Lymphedema) that had taken my leg strength and with that my muscles atrophied in my back and elsewhere, finally my primary care physician, a great, patient, kind man, now eleven years my doctor, gave me a referral to see Dr K, the cutest, funniest, most skilled doctor I've seen and trust me, from wound care after two infections (Cellulitis, which brought on the Lymphedema) and being hospitalized, seeing among many others,infectious diseases doctors, suffice to say I've seen more than my fair share since the age of 35 when this began and still has a hold to this day, but,back to the RFA, I had the first one, left side, localized anesthesia, felt only the needle going through the muscles, this caused spasms, but as "hooked up" as I was, I wasn't worried and I really trust Dr K, they had me covered, let's say, I talked throughout it, saw my spinal column on the monitor and asked a million questions, they said they loved me, but never had anyone else like me, hmm, however, when all was said and done, I felt a whole bunch of nothing, like no difference, but no additional pain, just an increased need to urinate from the saline they all but flooded me with, leaving a metal taste in my mouth, no, I'm not complaining! They were handling me with kid gloves and I'm telling them, it's groovacious, I'm not in any more pain than I'm accustomed to (I couldn't take my medicine before the procedure which was difficult because I was counting on it for a more comfortable ride, but with taking two powerful 24/7 pain management meds and Meloxicam for joint pain and Xanax for anxiety, plus anti-biotics, they were adamant about coming in clean as I'd be given a sedative, etcetera, I thanked them warmly, we came back home with instructions and with orders on when to return for Part II and I waited, not much went on at all, I felt no increase in mobility or decrease in pain, I gave it eight weeks instead of six and silently wondered if I even had the procedure done, there was simply no noticeable change, no pain after, nothing, I return, tell them, they say it happens and could just be a matter of more time or the evening of the right side about to be performed on, okay, I'm game, patient and willing, it was explained that with what my problem was, how the compression in my spine was and other medical jargon I listened to and looked into after, I really was a great candidate for this to be a rousing success, I believed, why not? I had been to Physical Therapy, I have been and still am on round the clock pain management, I've been to specialists who fitted me with Tubi Grips for greater leg support, I'd run, (more wheeled) the gamut, I figured this was putting my dancing, shopping, walking unaided, cleaning, showering by myself and all the things we take for granted shoes back on, well, after the right side it was more of the same, no additional pain, but no advancement in my freedom either, I felt as if the test procedure was a fluke or I was so excited I somehow convinced myself this was my ticket to being back on my feet, I have nothing much to show for my journey, I'd say a 20% success rate after a few years, I can and do do more and I've succeeded in regaining some independence, but it took three or more years and my faith, I believe, is more key to my progression toward wellness, but I'm not quite there yet, to be honest, I was disappointed, but kept it we'll hidden, I've learned to adapt and make strides in New ways, B-12 shots on my monthly doctor visit offer a good deal of energy for at least two weeks, slowly willing myself with My Angels and God and Jesus to do more and try harder for that dreamy true independence, I'm not saying that people who read this should be discouraged because we're all different, what works for some, does not for others, an old axiom, but true, true, true! I wish the best for those scheduled and those recovering and those considering an RFA, Rhizotomy, however you like to say it, I'm much better than I was even if my mobility is still limited, I'm not nearly as dependent and know there's coming the day I'll for sure be back on my feet with all of the freedoms it affords and this time, as I've already learned, I will not take it for granted just because it's there, be well and blessed and best to you all--MarZiDayZi
Now, my story is having had a double Rhizotomy, but weeks apart and a test procedure to make sure I'm a candidate for the full procedure, let me say that whatever was done with the test was when I had my best results, my family members who accompanied me and Our long time family friend who drove us,(we live an hour from the medical facility and even though I hadn't personally met his mother, he's actually my sister's best friend, but a close family friend as mentioned, she wanted me to be in the best comfort I could so she allowed him to take us using her SUV,a selfless gift from a woman who had recently suffered the loss of her husband),they were in awe of how the test went, I had started in a wheelchair, then to the car in a walker and with frequent stops, made it to the pain management center, it really was awesome, I was standing up straight, I was walking so fast they were laughing and telling me to slow down! I truly thought I was going to get my feet on, as I like to call it, I had gone from dancing, walking, even daily household cleaning to almost total immobility due to another illness (Lymphedema) that had taken my leg strength and with that my muscles atrophied in my back and elsewhere, finally my primary care physician, a great, patient, kind man, now eleven years my doctor, gave me a referral to see Dr K, the cutest, funniest, most skilled doctor I've seen and trust me, from wound care after two infections (Cellulitis, which brought on the Lymphedema) and being hospitalized, seeing among many others,infectious diseases doctors, suffice to say I've seen more than my fair share since the age of 35 when this began and still has a hold to this day, but,back to the RFA, I had the first one, left side, localized anesthesia, felt only the needle going through the muscles, this caused spasms, but as "hooked up" as I was, I wasn't worried and I really trust Dr K, they had me covered, let's say, I talked throughout it, saw my spinal column on the monitor and asked a million questions, they said they loved me, but never had anyone else like me, hmm, however, when all was said and done, I felt a whole bunch of nothing, like no difference, but no additional pain, just an increased need to urinate from the saline they all but flooded me with, leaving a metal taste in my mouth, no, I'm not complaining! They were handling me with kid gloves and I'm telling them, it's groovacious, I'm not in any more pain than I'm accustomed to (I couldn't take my medicine before the procedure which was difficult because I was counting on it for a more comfortable ride, but with taking two powerful 24/7 pain management meds and Meloxicam for joint pain and Xanax for anxiety, plus anti-biotics, they were adamant about coming in clean as I'd be given a sedative, etcetera, I thanked them warmly, we came back home with instructions and with orders on when to return for Part II and I waited, not much went on at all, I felt no increase in mobility or decrease in pain, I gave it eight weeks instead of six and silently wondered if I even had the procedure done, there was simply no noticeable change, no pain after, nothing, I return, tell them, they say it happens and could just be a matter of more time or the evening of the right side about to be performed on, okay, I'm game, patient and willing, it was explained that with what my problem was, how the compression in my spine was and other medical jargon I listened to and looked into after, I really was a great candidate for this to be a rousing success, I believed, why not? I had been to Physical Therapy, I have been and still am on round the clock pain management, I've been to specialists who fitted me with Tubi Grips for greater leg support, I'd run, (more wheeled) the gamut, I figured this was putting my dancing, shopping, walking unaided, cleaning, showering by myself and all the things we take for granted shoes back on, well, after the right side it was more of the same, no additional pain, but no advancement in my freedom either, I felt as if the test procedure was a fluke or I was so excited I somehow convinced myself this was my ticket to being back on my feet, I have nothing much to show for my journey, I'd say a 20% success rate after a few years, I can and do do more and I've succeeded in regaining some independence, but it took three or more years and my faith, I believe, is more key to my progression toward wellness, but I'm not quite there yet, to be honest, I was disappointed, but kept it we'll hidden, I've learned to adapt and make strides in New ways, B-12 shots on my monthly doctor visit offer a good deal of energy for at least two weeks, slowly willing myself with My Angels and God and Jesus to do more and try harder for that dreamy true independence, I'm not saying that people who read this should be discouraged because we're all different, what works for some, does not for others, an old axiom, but true, true, true! I wish the best for those scheduled and those recovering and those considering an RFA, Rhizotomy, however you like to say it, I'm much better than I was even if my mobility is still limited, I'm not nearly as dependent and know there's coming the day I'll for sure be back on my feet with all of the freedoms it affords and this time, as I've already learned, I will not take it for granted just because it's there, be well and blessed and best to you all--MarZiDayZi
I had a rhizotomy in my neck 3 weeks ago today, I was expecting to be dizzy after and really sore as the dr warned me. I was not I felt pain in the injection site but really nothing more. the day before my first week was up I turned my neck and got dizzy immediately and since then I have had a lot of pain like before. I keep hoping this will change. The dr did mention I had norrowing of the spine making it hard to get right in to the spot. I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience?
The RF Ablation is very specific procedure. It removes the afferent medial branch nerve that innervates the facet joint. So, it only removes pain originating in this joint.
My back pain has about four or five different components -- facet pain, disc pain, neuropathic pain of spinal stenosis, and pain from chronic muscle spasm. I also have some referred pain in areas near my diseased discs, but not all the time.
RFA effectively treats my joint pain. I've had three rounds of RFA on my lumbar spondylotic areas and two round of RFA on my cervical spondylotic joints. With each RFA round, I get better pain relief.
But the procedure can cause additional referred pain during the first month of healing. Ice and mild exercise helps. Then, I've needed physical therapy after the first procedures to loosen muscle spasm, and retrain posture and regain balance in legs. PT also helps with the pain of cervical formamenal stenosis by increasing range of motion.
I've been getting trigger point injections every few months with marcaine and ketamine. These help with the chronic muscle spasm of the large muscles in the lower back.
Opioid medications help some with the disc pain.
With all these treatments, I get a 50% or more reduction in pain.
Then I use congitive techniques to deal with pain flares, and I'm always aware of my posture to prevent exacerbation of pain that comes from uncomfortable positions.
I no longer expect to be completely pain free. I have chronic pain and there's always going to be some pain. The idea of medical care is to lower as much as possible.
My back pain has about four or five different components -- facet pain, disc pain, neuropathic pain of spinal stenosis, and pain from chronic muscle spasm. I also have some referred pain in areas near my diseased discs, but not all the time.
RFA effectively treats my joint pain. I've had three rounds of RFA on my lumbar spondylotic areas and two round of RFA on my cervical spondylotic joints. With each RFA round, I get better pain relief.
But the procedure can cause additional referred pain during the first month of healing. Ice and mild exercise helps. Then, I've needed physical therapy after the first procedures to loosen muscle spasm, and retrain posture and regain balance in legs. PT also helps with the pain of cervical formamenal stenosis by increasing range of motion.
I've been getting trigger point injections every few months with marcaine and ketamine. These help with the chronic muscle spasm of the large muscles in the lower back.
Opioid medications help some with the disc pain.
With all these treatments, I get a 50% or more reduction in pain.
Then I use congitive techniques to deal with pain flares, and I'm always aware of my posture to prevent exacerbation of pain that comes from uncomfortable positions.
I no longer expect to be completely pain free. I have chronic pain and there's always going to be some pain. The idea of medical care is to lower as much as possible.
I had a rhizotomy over 6 weeks ago and the pain has doubled since then. I'm very disappointed and was hoping for relief since all other methods didn't work for me. Now the doc said that I have so many other issues with my spine, that it's generating the pain not the SI joint.
Don't know what to do next.
Don't know what to do next.
I have had 5 RF done. Four were done in Florida. The 5th last September in Georgia where we now live.. Have had serious L/4 &5 ..S/1 & 2
For 18 years. Three surgeries later, 10 epidurals, decompression, chiropractor, and acupuncture... I was desperate for something else. I was working towards my retirement , taking numerous Vicodin daily to stay at work. Finally had to retire at 26 years because of the pain.
Had I first RF. Amazing results ! Total believer.. For some reason my 5th one took 3 months before I had started feeling relief, not sure why. Now it's August, and my deep sciatica pain is coming back full force. Time to reschedule for my 6th one..... Only draw back is, the procedure is very uncomfortable . :-(
For 18 years. Three surgeries later, 10 epidurals, decompression, chiropractor, and acupuncture... I was desperate for something else. I was working towards my retirement , taking numerous Vicodin daily to stay at work. Finally had to retire at 26 years because of the pain.
Had I first RF. Amazing results ! Total believer.. For some reason my 5th one took 3 months before I had started feeling relief, not sure why. Now it's August, and my deep sciatica pain is coming back full force. Time to reschedule for my 6th one..... Only draw back is, the procedure is very uncomfortable . :-(
Hi Mari-
I had had this procedure doen four times. I am a strong believer that the skill of the -physician perfroming the procedure is critical to the overall outcome. My first RF lasted about 4 months. Then I found a doctor who is freakishly good at what he does. My second 13 months and my 3rd about 17 months, I definitely noticed worsened pain after RF#3 but I did not notice this after RF#2.
Im right now 5 weeks post the fourth RF and my usual pain is for the most part completely gone. However, I am experiencing a far more debilitating pain- a deep burning/ache and its excruciating at the end of the day and when I first wake in the morning. It began immediately after the procedre and has been occuring daily since then. I saw a huge improvement after the first week but very little improvement since then (I'd say 15-25%). I have doubled my pain meds. This is nothing like what I experienced the first 3 procedures. My doctor is not too concerned as he has not returned my 2 calls. I cannot find anywhere on the internet repportsof a similar experience more than one month post a lumbar RF. Anybody have any ideas? I am just looking for a way to get some relief!
I had had this procedure doen four times. I am a strong believer that the skill of the -physician perfroming the procedure is critical to the overall outcome. My first RF lasted about 4 months. Then I found a doctor who is freakishly good at what he does. My second 13 months and my 3rd about 17 months, I definitely noticed worsened pain after RF#3 but I did not notice this after RF#2.
Im right now 5 weeks post the fourth RF and my usual pain is for the most part completely gone. However, I am experiencing a far more debilitating pain- a deep burning/ache and its excruciating at the end of the day and when I first wake in the morning. It began immediately after the procedre and has been occuring daily since then. I saw a huge improvement after the first week but very little improvement since then (I'd say 15-25%). I have doubled my pain meds. This is nothing like what I experienced the first 3 procedures. My doctor is not too concerned as he has not returned my 2 calls. I cannot find anywhere on the internet repportsof a similar experience more than one month post a lumbar RF. Anybody have any ideas? I am just looking for a way to get some relief!
Whatever we call it -- ablation, nerve destruction, or rhyzotomy -- this procedure traumatizes an area of the back near spinal nerve junctures, and injury and swelling will increase pain for a limited period of time. Deal with this pain using cold packs for the first 48-72 hours post-procedure, and then alternate cold and heat for 1 hour up to 8 times a day.
You cannot go to another doctor yet, as you need to follow up with the doc performing the procedure. Although the risk is small (something like 1/16 of 1%), there is some risk of infection and/or internal bleeding with these procedures. (Remember signing your waiver?)
If you still have serious pain after two weeks, it should be looked at asap.
You cannot go to another doctor yet, as you need to follow up with the doc performing the procedure. Although the risk is small (something like 1/16 of 1%), there is some risk of infection and/or internal bleeding with these procedures. (Remember signing your waiver?)
If you still have serious pain after two weeks, it should be looked at asap.
I have had sever back pain for many years now. My Doctor has attempted steroid injections for about a year and they gave me temporary relief. But now he has gave me a rhizotemy 12 days ago. I am in worst pain now that I have ever been in. My Doctor keeps telling me that it could talk up to 6 weeks for the pain to go away. But RIGHT now I can not get up out of my chair. I do not feel this is right. I do not know what to do,wait it out an see if it will get better or go get another doctor.. Any advise would GREATLY be appreciated.
Thanks and GOD BLESS
Ken Wiginton
Thanks and GOD BLESS
Ken Wiginton
Hi,
I had a similar experience to yours when I had the RFA performed on 4 discs in my lower back. The procedure was really painless as I had general anesthesia and woke up after the procedure was completed. I had very little pain after the procedure, and good results as my pain was really alleviated by the procedure.
Unfortunately, the relief only lasted 5 1/2 months. It appears my nerves have grown back already and my pain is perhaps worse than it was before the procedure (or maybe it's just that I forgot how bad my lower back felt after several months of relief).
Can anyone else who has had the RFA procedure advise how long pain relief lasted for the lower back, and what kind of pain you got back after the nerves regenerated.
Thanks, Mari
I had a similar experience to yours when I had the RFA performed on 4 discs in my lower back. The procedure was really painless as I had general anesthesia and woke up after the procedure was completed. I had very little pain after the procedure, and good results as my pain was really alleviated by the procedure.
Unfortunately, the relief only lasted 5 1/2 months. It appears my nerves have grown back already and my pain is perhaps worse than it was before the procedure (or maybe it's just that I forgot how bad my lower back felt after several months of relief).
Can anyone else who has had the RFA procedure advise how long pain relief lasted for the lower back, and what kind of pain you got back after the nerves regenerated.
Thanks, Mari
Hi Puggles, I just had my first of four scheduled lumbar RFAs a few hours ago on L1-3 on the left side. Like you, I was nervous about it even though I had been doing a lot of research on it since it was first suggested to me in Spring, 2014 by my pain management team at the National Spine & Pain Center in suburban Washington, DC.
I even compiled a list of 30 questions and finally got an appointment directly with the doctor who would be performing this procedure. Getting an appointment to meet with him directly took about a month of talking to office managers and higher-ups and left me completely frustrated, but I finally got one.
I feel this is a vital step for you as well to be an informed medical consumer and to have all the data you need to make an informed choice. For instance, I found out that this doctor had never performed the procedure on someone who had an unsuccessful kyphoplasty performed for a compression fracture (L1) and that it was primarily suggested to me because of arthritis and other ancillary issues like stenosis, etc.
I had to have 4 test procedures first and those helped me to gauge how successful the RFAs would be and also satisfied Medicare guidelines. Medicare will only allow a quarter of the lumber region (L1-3 left side first) to be done at one time.
Since my entire lumbar area is in pain, it was difficult to gauge success in the test procedure for only one-quarter, but after 4 of these tests I felt there would be enough possibilitie--possibly 50%--of success and that was enough for Medicare to approve.
So since the risk of serious injury during the procedures is minimal and the doctor performing has never caused one, I decided finally to endure 4 procedures. I must heartily agree with the prior poster who challenged his insurance carrier only paying for 2 levels at one time. I would much rather have all 4 quadrants done at the same time, get through the initial pain all at one time, and get to the relief phase ASAP all at one time.
Since that's not possible with Medicare and these procedures must be scheduled two weeks apart and relief for the first procedure should begin just as I'm having the last procedure (two months), I will not get to a point of having all nerves healed until four months from today.
I've been told that for many patients their nerves grow back in 6 months. If I'm a speedy healer, that means I would only have a 2 month benefit of having my total lumbar region pain-free after going through 4 months of pain more severe than the chronic pain I have had..
But I've also been told some patients have nerves that never grow back and that's what I'm hoping this provides me. Also, optomistically thinking, while I was told the novacaine used for my procedure today would wear off two hours after my procedure today, it is now 3.5 hours later and I feel no more pain than I normally feel.
In fact, the actual procedure seemed to be less painful and speedier than the test procedures I have had.
Now, as luck would have it, my normal monthly appointment with my pain management nurse practitioner for monthly prescriptions and urine tests was postponed until yesterday. She asked me what was up. I told her I was finally scheduled for my first procedure today and I was still very nervous.
So, she gave me a prescription for four Valium 10mg and told me to take one 30 minutes prior to the procedure and to take my normal Percocet 2 hours prior to the procedure which is technically the last time I was supposed to have anything to eat or drink. I asked her if I could take a swallow of water with the Valium and she said that was ok too.
When the surgical assistant came into the pre-op room to take me in for the procedure, I had nodded off already. I was very relaxed and not at all nervous and even joked with the staff during the procedure. I felt fine during my stay in the post-op room and even though I had a friend to drive me home, I felt I could easily drive, say, to New York from Washington with no problem.
This makes me feel very positive about my experience so far. Although I had intentionally made no appointments for me for tomorrow, I don't see me having any problems in doing some work or in driving this week starting right now if I had an appointment.
So my suggestion to you is to 1) be a pain-in-the-*** and eventually get an appointment directly with the doctor who would be performing the procedure and have questions written ready to go and when he gets snotty with you for wasting his high-priest-of-medicine time, just maintain your professionalism and get your answers; 2) have 2 test procedures on the same area to satisfy insurance requirements and to really gauge your discomfort; and 3) have your pain management doc or assistant give you a prescription for Valium 10mg to take 30 minutes prior to the procedure and take it with one swallow of water.
Hope my positive experience so far helps you with your preliminary online research.
I even compiled a list of 30 questions and finally got an appointment directly with the doctor who would be performing this procedure. Getting an appointment to meet with him directly took about a month of talking to office managers and higher-ups and left me completely frustrated, but I finally got one.
I feel this is a vital step for you as well to be an informed medical consumer and to have all the data you need to make an informed choice. For instance, I found out that this doctor had never performed the procedure on someone who had an unsuccessful kyphoplasty performed for a compression fracture (L1) and that it was primarily suggested to me because of arthritis and other ancillary issues like stenosis, etc.
I had to have 4 test procedures first and those helped me to gauge how successful the RFAs would be and also satisfied Medicare guidelines. Medicare will only allow a quarter of the lumber region (L1-3 left side first) to be done at one time.
Since my entire lumbar area is in pain, it was difficult to gauge success in the test procedure for only one-quarter, but after 4 of these tests I felt there would be enough possibilitie--possibly 50%--of success and that was enough for Medicare to approve.
So since the risk of serious injury during the procedures is minimal and the doctor performing has never caused one, I decided finally to endure 4 procedures. I must heartily agree with the prior poster who challenged his insurance carrier only paying for 2 levels at one time. I would much rather have all 4 quadrants done at the same time, get through the initial pain all at one time, and get to the relief phase ASAP all at one time.
Since that's not possible with Medicare and these procedures must be scheduled two weeks apart and relief for the first procedure should begin just as I'm having the last procedure (two months), I will not get to a point of having all nerves healed until four months from today.
I've been told that for many patients their nerves grow back in 6 months. If I'm a speedy healer, that means I would only have a 2 month benefit of having my total lumbar region pain-free after going through 4 months of pain more severe than the chronic pain I have had..
But I've also been told some patients have nerves that never grow back and that's what I'm hoping this provides me. Also, optomistically thinking, while I was told the novacaine used for my procedure today would wear off two hours after my procedure today, it is now 3.5 hours later and I feel no more pain than I normally feel.
In fact, the actual procedure seemed to be less painful and speedier than the test procedures I have had.
Now, as luck would have it, my normal monthly appointment with my pain management nurse practitioner for monthly prescriptions and urine tests was postponed until yesterday. She asked me what was up. I told her I was finally scheduled for my first procedure today and I was still very nervous.
So, she gave me a prescription for four Valium 10mg and told me to take one 30 minutes prior to the procedure and to take my normal Percocet 2 hours prior to the procedure which is technically the last time I was supposed to have anything to eat or drink. I asked her if I could take a swallow of water with the Valium and she said that was ok too.
When the surgical assistant came into the pre-op room to take me in for the procedure, I had nodded off already. I was very relaxed and not at all nervous and even joked with the staff during the procedure. I felt fine during my stay in the post-op room and even though I had a friend to drive me home, I felt I could easily drive, say, to New York from Washington with no problem.
This makes me feel very positive about my experience so far. Although I had intentionally made no appointments for me for tomorrow, I don't see me having any problems in doing some work or in driving this week starting right now if I had an appointment.
So my suggestion to you is to 1) be a pain-in-the-*** and eventually get an appointment directly with the doctor who would be performing the procedure and have questions written ready to go and when he gets snotty with you for wasting his high-priest-of-medicine time, just maintain your professionalism and get your answers; 2) have 2 test procedures on the same area to satisfy insurance requirements and to really gauge your discomfort; and 3) have your pain management doc or assistant give you a prescription for Valium 10mg to take 30 minutes prior to the procedure and take it with one swallow of water.
Hope my positive experience so far helps you with your preliminary online research.
I am scheduled to have RF next week. After reading all of this I am scared to death. I have had three back surgeries and basically its this or another surgery. I have had more injections then I could ever count. I had an accident in my home when I was 33 and my life has been nothing but hell since then. No one and I mean no one understand what it is to live with this pain, unless you go through it. Please let me know if it's worth it. I've had mylogram's, discograms, you name it. My doc told me I had to be awake for it. I've just had it with pain and surgeries....needles, doctors. Please if anyone can help me out I'd appreciate it. This rollarcoaster is just getting very old after ten years. Blessings to you all. Leah
that's just it, the rhizotemy does only treat the symptoms, so this means that although it will help the pain, it is not a cure. :( what to do, what to do. I am at my wits end and getting worse everyday. Ready for retirement but have 4 1/2 more years. I don't think I can make it. Thought about trying the disability route. If I can't get my long term disability and/ss disability, I guess there's always collecting cans and selling worms. So much pain and can't do the job anymore. sigh now trying to figure out how to apply and get accepted before I starve to death and lose everything I own. Life's a beach and then you die! lol
Oh government run insurance will be better! After 20 years of chronic pain, I finally went back to the VA for my healthcare. Sure it took 3 months to get a specialist appointment, but once there, the ball got rolling. The surgeon said my back was too subluxated to do laminectomies, so I asked about those new minimally invasive procedure? He thought about it a minute and said, "Yeah, okay. Let do that first." So a couple of days later I got a call from the patient outservice coordinator. I got to pick the pain clinic I wanted to go to. I already had researched UCSD as they have one of the most innovative and technologically current methods of minimally invasive surgeries (the birthplace I believe). In a few days I had my appointment.
My DR (Polston) and his colleague examinined me and felt it was NOT my disks at all, but the facet joints at the L3-4-5 & S-1. They did the medial block. If >50% pain relief, I'd be a candidate for RF. My immediate relief was 100%. 2/8/13(FRI). He told me if they don't call to schedule me to make an appointment on Tuesday myself so I can be seen next Thursday or Friday. (2/16 or 2/17). After 20 years of TRICARE insurance AND out of pocket expense (chiropractic) running into the thousands and my life & livelihood stolen from me by this pain, I LOVE Government medicine.
The best med service is usually a place like UCSD, where they have all the funding for the latest in technology and innovation, and the brightest students & docs. They are also NOT FOR PROFIT. So the patient is #1 and the measure of your success, NOT the bottom line.
I am looking forward to not having this pain anymore even if it's just for a year. I am 52 and my QOLfor the past 20yrs has been so dismal. I lost two careers (ARMY & teaching) and have not been able to work at all for the past two years. I used to be very active (dancing, surfing, hiking, skiing). I haven't been able to do any more than watch TV and I've gained 12 pounds. I had a heart bypass in 2009, and maintaining my weight is crucial to my health. I can't even walk my dogs. (they got fat too!) They have turned on each other from the lack of stimulation & the outdoors they had become accustomed to.
I was ready for full on surgery 10 years ago but the docs refused. They all had to have a 80% certainty it would work. Didn't matter what my pain level was. Dozens of psychotic and narcotic meds later nothing ever really helped. Only trazadone for sleep and alcohol ineebriation during the day on the worst days. Narcotics OXCONTIN & vicodin off and on so as not to get addicted.
Te RF has given me hope, but it only treats the symptoms and not the cause. Anyone know if there is a "cure" for facet joint disease?
My DR (Polston) and his colleague examinined me and felt it was NOT my disks at all, but the facet joints at the L3-4-5 & S-1. They did the medial block. If >50% pain relief, I'd be a candidate for RF. My immediate relief was 100%. 2/8/13(FRI). He told me if they don't call to schedule me to make an appointment on Tuesday myself so I can be seen next Thursday or Friday. (2/16 or 2/17). After 20 years of TRICARE insurance AND out of pocket expense (chiropractic) running into the thousands and my life & livelihood stolen from me by this pain, I LOVE Government medicine.
The best med service is usually a place like UCSD, where they have all the funding for the latest in technology and innovation, and the brightest students & docs. They are also NOT FOR PROFIT. So the patient is #1 and the measure of your success, NOT the bottom line.
I am looking forward to not having this pain anymore even if it's just for a year. I am 52 and my QOLfor the past 20yrs has been so dismal. I lost two careers (ARMY & teaching) and have not been able to work at all for the past two years. I used to be very active (dancing, surfing, hiking, skiing). I haven't been able to do any more than watch TV and I've gained 12 pounds. I had a heart bypass in 2009, and maintaining my weight is crucial to my health. I can't even walk my dogs. (they got fat too!) They have turned on each other from the lack of stimulation & the outdoors they had become accustomed to.
I was ready for full on surgery 10 years ago but the docs refused. They all had to have a 80% certainty it would work. Didn't matter what my pain level was. Dozens of psychotic and narcotic meds later nothing ever really helped. Only trazadone for sleep and alcohol ineebriation during the day on the worst days. Narcotics OXCONTIN & vicodin off and on so as not to get addicted.
Te RF has given me hope, but it only treats the symptoms and not the cause. Anyone know if there is a "cure" for facet joint disease?
I had The RFA a little over a week ago, spinal stenosis has been wreaking havock for almost 2 yrs now. I even had surgery, ( lamenectomy ) and still no relief. After reading about a lot of people's experiences with the RFA, at least I still have hope that it will give me some relief.
From what I've been told, if the RFA is not successful, the only other alternative is a multi level fusion. I really don't want to have to go that route, as I'm only 47 and would really like to be able to go back to work for another 20 years or so.
I do hope you've found relief, as well as everyone else here, who's dealing with cronic pain.
From what I've been told, if the RFA is not successful, the only other alternative is a multi level fusion. I really don't want to have to go that route, as I'm only 47 and would really like to be able to go back to work for another 20 years or so.
I do hope you've found relief, as well as everyone else here, who's dealing with cronic pain.
Hi, I had RF for lumbar pain with excellent results! I am thrilled and am completely medication free now. I would recommend this procedure for anyone who had tried other treatments that have not worked. I live in Grand Rapids Mich and my MD is Kevin Fitzgerald, who comes recommened by other medical professionals. ~Susanna
To Jim Humphries, I just noticed your postitng is really old, hopefully you had it done. If so, please let me know if you see this posting how yours went!
I just had this done today--it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I had it done in the L5-S1 area by a certified pain management doctor/anesthesiologist, Dr. Mark Meyer, in Colorado Springs. I had a steroid injection 6 months ago, with no improvement, I had been suffering with this back pain since August of 2012, almost a year ago. Muscle spasms on the lower right side, almost above my buttock, sounds just like yours. Excruciating, I went to PT for months and even had hollow needling done, which helped some. I've been on Cymbalta for 6 months, it has helped tremendously I cut my use of opiods in halfMade it liveable. Can't take NSAIDS, because I'm in early stages of kidney disease. It was somewhat unpleasant, but they do sedate you--just don't knock you out. But the pain of the RF was nothing compared to the constant back pain I've been in. He said it would take a week to start feeling improvement, I guess it takes that long for the lesion to grow over the burnt nerve. It's not that bad, felt like the shots from the medial nerve blocks I had to diagnose the level. I'm still feeling the muscle spasm pain at lower right, that's where most of my chronic pain is coming from. But the left side already feels better from the arthritis (facet joint pain). I'll repost in a week to let you know how much it's improved.
i am sorry too, Jim....you have been so helpful in providing information and i was hoping good things would come back to you!
my 2 medial block diagnostics went well...so i am scheduled for RF this friday...excited and nervous...
Jim, Shelly and braveheart2....were you guys prescibed additional pain meds for post inflamation pain ...that is meds in addition to what you may have been already taking...just trying to get my questions ready etc..etc..any other thoughts, suggestions or 'heads up'??? how much post RF pain do u think compared to the diagnostics...which was not much...but this one RF i guess causes inflammation flare i heard...i'm wondering if i should have a prescription ready just in case before friday...i see my PCP tommorow who takes care of my pain management (with approval from RF dr)...so i am do for my normal meds and wondering if i need something else 'as needed' type...i now take an ext release every 12 hrs w/ breakthru as needed as we are just on the first month of ER...any thoughts??
my 2 medial block diagnostics went well...so i am scheduled for RF this friday...excited and nervous...
Jim, Shelly and braveheart2....were you guys prescibed additional pain meds for post inflamation pain ...that is meds in addition to what you may have been already taking...just trying to get my questions ready etc..etc..any other thoughts, suggestions or 'heads up'??? how much post RF pain do u think compared to the diagnostics...which was not much...but this one RF i guess causes inflammation flare i heard...i'm wondering if i should have a prescription ready just in case before friday...i see my PCP tommorow who takes care of my pain management (with approval from RF dr)...so i am do for my normal meds and wondering if i need something else 'as needed' type...i now take an ext release every 12 hrs w/ breakthru as needed as we are just on the first month of ER...any thoughts??
Thank You Jim, I appreciate your explanation. It helps me to understand the Drs answer just a bit better.
Perhaps Monday we'll give the Dr the go ahead. I did note that you stated above that at this point your pain is worse. What the Dr intends to do will give me about a month before the actual RF procedure is preformed. If your pain does not start diminishing by then.... well then maybe you could note that here??? At any rate I thank you for helping me to better understand this procedure.
Perhaps Monday we'll give the Dr the go ahead. I did note that you stated above that at this point your pain is worse. What the Dr intends to do will give me about a month before the actual RF procedure is preformed. If your pain does not start diminishing by then.... well then maybe you could note that here??? At any rate I thank you for helping me to better understand this procedure.
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