RF Ablation?

[lyzziesmom]

Has anyone had this done or know somebody who has?

Background:
I have been misdiagnosed with sciatica for several years. I finally found a pain specialist who now tells me I have degenerative arthritis in my SI joint (where the pelvis meets the spine) on both sides. The reason other dr's thought it was sciatica is because the symptoms are similar, due to the arthritic area putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. It mostly bothers me on one side. It is getting to the point where I have days that I can hardly move. I walk as if I'm balancing a shallow bowl of lava on my head & can't spill a drop. I have had a cortisone/painkiller injection at the site, gone thru several rounds of physical therapy, and am on a painkiller cocktail nearly daily. None of it gives me any relief. My temper has grown short and I am constantly in pain.

Now this dr. has strongly suggested that I have RadioFrequency Ablation done on the sciatic nerve. From what I understand, this involves basically inserting a probe next to my spine and "zapping" the nerves electronicallly. There is no guarantee that this will help, and there is a small chance it will permanently worsen. I am not concerned about the procedure itself, but I am afraid to try something that is even semi-permanent if it will just be another thing that doesn't bring me any relief. I am also concerned because it seems like this dr. does this procedure often. I'm not sure if that's because he's a pain specialist with a sub-specialty in backs, or if he just sees it as a 'cure-all' favorite procedure and/or diagnosis. I am thinking of getting a 2nd opinion, but my co-pay has just increased by 300% and I'd hate to go through another series of dr. visits just to hear the same thing again.

Question:
Has anybody had RF ablation, or do you know anyone who has? What was the outcome?

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't know the answer, but just wanted to let you know that this is a fine place to post your question.

 

[RNMOM]

My DH had several ablations done in the past few years. He had chronic neck and arm pain with numbness and burning for 7 years following a whiplash injury. He had an anterior cervical fusion done last Oct. and the pain has nearly disappeared.

He had good results from the RF lesioning as his pain specialist called it. He had both sides done but only at the same time once. He did well for a while then they didn't seem to help so the went back to the facet's injections. It is then they did the repeat scan and saw the ruptured cervical discs and recommended surgery.

He didn't seem to have any more problems from the RF and was back at work the following day each time.

If you have confidence in your doctor you certainly could try it. Do some more searches on line for further information. As you probably realize, there are new things popping up all the time. The surgery my husband had was not available even 5 years ago due to the specialized microscopic instruments and the training and talent of the surgeon. We are very glad he waited for the right time and it was his pain management specialist who got us connected. Good luck and God bless.