RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) Who had this, "burn or kill" the nerves?

[Ozworks]

Hi, I am interested in anyone who has had this procedure done and the effect of it? It may be called RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) where they "burn or kill" the nerves. The area I am researching would be those that have had in for lower back issues.

If anyone can provide feedback, I would appreciate it.

Thank, Oz

[philnoir]

You speak truth, my friend. I've had RFA in the cervical and lumbar regions, at multiple levels, and I've had great results in pain reduction.

I begin to feel moderate pain about 6 months after an ablation. I'm now 16 months out on my lumbar, and 13 months from my last cervical procedure, and I'm now getting worked up for another round.

Last year Cigna refused my prior auth for more ablations. I now have another insurer, and I hope that I do not have the same problem with an insurance company rejecting my request.

Best of luck to you.

[PainInButt98]

HI, I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS RFA'S OF LUMBAR & SACROILLIAC.. THEY DO GIVE RELIEF, I USED TO GET ABOUT A YEARS RELIEF BUT NOW IM DOWN TO @ 6 MONTHS.  I RECENTLY HAD RFA'S OF LUMBAR FROM L-3 TO L-5 AND AM HAVING GREAT RELIEF IN THAT AREA, BUT SACROILLAC IS KILLING ME , IM WAITING FOR APROVAL FOR THE SACRO RFA'S.. I HAVE HAD FUSION AT L-4L-5 AND NUMEROUS LAMENECTOMIES, SO YES THEY DO WORK AND YES THE NERVES DO COME BACK AND YOU NEED TO FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOUR BODY. I TRY DIFFERENT DISTRACTIONS, BUT IM UNABLE TO DO ALOT OF LIFES NORMAL LIVING,

[TheMadMan]

RFA's have made a difference in the quality of my life.
Each doctor I went to gave me steroid injections which only lasted two weeks. I have degenerative joint/disk disease and CA NO LONGER have steroid injections due to the deterioration it does to my bones.
I have had serious hip (piriformis) issues along with sciatic nerve issues. I have been to many a doctor and all they would do is shots. I got tired of the shots not working so off I went to see another doctor. This time, I went through the VA and found they had a pain management clinic that was educated and well informed on this procedure. I have had RFA's in the past and they always worked for me but no other doctor I went to would take on this procedure. They said they would but when I arrived and asked about an RFA, they responded with shots.
The VA I went to was rather amazing. I was awake for the procedure and had my hip done as the doctor explained to me what he was doing. I asked this doctor why I was always 'put out' for this procedure and the doctor responded that they prefer to keep the patient awake to make sure they are hitting the correct area. His response to my question was 'that is one way to pad the bill'.
The next procedure with RFA was done two weeks later on my sciatic nerve. Again, he explained to me what he was doing and showed me the fluoroscope afterwards where the needles were inserted.
Yes the nerves do grow back but with physical therapy, the nerves have a better chance of recovering the correct way.
I have had RFA's in the past and they kept me walking, something I haven't done in quite some time, due to the pain. I am now walking again and very happy with the education I learned as the doctor was doing the procedure. It's nice to have confidence in a doctor again especially in the VA system. The doctor noted in my records that I am not to have any more steroid shots! Amazing to see an educated doctor do the right thing now a days and I am thankful for this experience of walking again and out of pain. Yes I know the nerve will grow back but the doctor informed me to call him in the event I have any pain for follow up before the situation gets out of hand. My waiting time between appointments was reasonable and a note to the hospital director about the professionalism of this team was worth the recognition. Recommend writing to the director for both good and bad comments but I will say, my experience was good.

[philnoir]

Pink -- your doctor can prescribe a cream to help with the 'sunburn.' Call him today!

[Pink_Buttercup]

I forgot to mention that I had this performed on 8 locations on my lower back.

[Pink_Buttercup]

I am two weeks post RFA. My first 10 days were very painful, but then finally I started improving. This is not normal from the experiences if some friends who's pain after was much less. Now, the biggest issue are a large area on each hip that feels badly sunburnt. I follow up with the dr tomorrow and hope he can help in some way. However, if anyone has any tips on how to treat this, I'm all ears!  I responded well to both sets of injections before hand, so I have high hopes for my improvement over the next few days.