That's great to hear. I'm having my neck done in a couple of weeks. 12 months of pain relief would be SO great, I know it isn't the same in every patient but I have had my fill of other methods - chiropractic, steroids, opioids, muscle relaxers, acupuncture, physical therapy - 18 months of getting nowhere, I just want something that works.
Daniel, the two doses of lidocaine blockers I had for trial were fairly painful. Concerned the burning will be a lot worse. What is the pain comparison between the two?
I've had it done twice on my left side, and had my right side done just this morning. Don't know yet if it will relieve my hip and leg pain, but I know it relieves my lower back pain. This is the first time I've watched the procedure being done lol. I would recommend it. I have recommended it. 🌞
I had this done 5 weeks ago for SI joint arthritis, helped a little but not enough to repeat. My diagnostic blocks were positive, my insurance balked at coverage as they considered the procedure not scientifically proven. I had local anesthesia and valium pre-procedure and the only pain was the pinch from the local. Very sore for about 2 days post procedure.
I have RFAs (R & L one week apart...I wish they'd just do it all at once) done a couple times a year (I'm 49yo & have suffered with severe lumbar chronic pain since age 30...arthritis), with a procedure in just a few hours actually...they certainly work well for my lumbar chronic pain. I do not recommend chiropractic as it's largely pseudoscience that can easily do more harm than good. Losing weight & then weight training (adding muscle) has worked very well for me...getting stronger & less fat won't take the pain away, but it reduces it incrementally so that other mitigating measures like this procedure & medications (after trying nearly literally everything, methadone is by leaps & bounds the best (for me)...nothing else even compares to it in terms of all-day relief, day in & day out for years) can also take chunks of pain away, & before you know it you're actually able to live a normal life again & have enough bandwidth to enjoy your life instead of merely surviving it. I wish I had known this stuff earlier, & acted upon it all earlier...but hey, let's focus onward. Best of luck my fellow chronic pain suffers, there really is hope for you, even if you can't imagine it right now. Oh, P.S. I highly recommend (hopefully your insurance covers this part) opting for sedation for these RFAs. I did the first few without, as I didn't even know sedation was an option, & ya...it sucks. Not ridiculous pain, but not minor pain either...for me, it's a painful procedure. With sedation, bring it on...I remember the Doctor administering the medicine via an IV in my hand, I always try to stay alert & see if I can feel myself losing.....but nope, it's always the same. The next thing I know I'm coming to with the procedure all but over, with next to no pain, & then there's some soreness for a couple days afterwards. Get the sedation!!!!!!!
I had this done yesterday! When I pulled off the band-aids it felt like they were no where near where the pain is! I still have pain in my back but the doctor said it could take a few weeks to feel the difference. While I was waiting I noticed 4 boxes with expired labels. But I'm going to trust the process. I'll either have pain relief or money from the lawsuit 😊
I am about to do this awake. I prefer anesthesia but the surgery center is too far and can't get a ride so sitting in office now waiting to do this in about 10 minutes.
@@thewholeworldisbeautiful It was fine the first two weeks -and then the pain returned. Will have a second one done soon - at least they know that nerve is the culprit, it's just very stubborn
I had this dont couple of month ago on my l3,l4,l5 and it hurts so bad. They gave me more numbing to help with the pain. Sad point is this didn't even work on me. I don't understand how the test shots worked great but the real shots didn't.
Mine only last about 8 or 9 months. The pain either drops down in my s2 or up in L3 . I get burned at L5. L4 & S1. How the hell is pain so sneaky like that!? I guess you don’t feel what else hurts till you cut it out in one area. I’d need my neck to tailbone numb to be really pain free!!
Im 36yrs old and have to get this done on my l2-l5. For the results normally lasting 2 yes max said here, how many times is this allowed to be performed with me being so young still? What would a next step be?
Im 41 now and Im having my 2nd one done about a year after the first one on March 1st. Though Im concerned a little about being young to have them I dont have much of another option due to having 2 torn disks in l4 l5 region that when the nerve gets aggravated is so painful I cant stand/walk or barely crawl and move. Also the left side pain is gone so theyre only doing it on the right side this time and adding in some PT to strength the area after. Regular chiro or massages probably would be a good idea too
What diagnosis does this help? I have severe foraminal stenosis at L4-L5, and lots of degeneration. I’ve had “injections “ that use to last 4 months or so, my last one didn’t really help much except for maybe a week.?? Anyone ??
I also will never Hava spinal stimulator put in me , I've been warned about this year's ago ! They can break..cause scar tissue damage..and migrate..not worth the risk for a low percentage rate of 30 - 50..%. No thank you.And once it's in you can't remove it !!!!
@@edfarese8731 Yep...I also find it interesting when folks say stuff like "I will never have it done..." Then you're not in real severe chronic pain. Anyone suffering with actual severe chronic pain will do anything to help, because it's not about toughing it out, it's about survival. If you're currently, or have in the past, toughed your way thru pain, then you my friend are/were not experiencing severe chronic pain.
@@jadeosborn9362 I've had this done many, many times along with epidurals. This is, by far, my preferred method. Not the side effects of steroids. It is very safe and effective.
@@jadeosborn9362 No idea what this commenter is referring to, as RFA has nothing to do with skin. If your pain is coming from your facet joint nerves, then absolutely this is the procedure for you...I repeat mine twice a year & it takes away a big chunk of my chronic pain. Opt for the sedation, as it's not without some real pain without it.
Had this procedure done in 2018. It's now 2024 it has made a world of difference for the better.
That's great to hear. I'm having my neck done in a couple of weeks. 12 months of pain relief would be SO great, I know it isn't the same in every patient but I have had my fill of other methods - chiropractic, steroids, opioids, muscle relaxers, acupuncture, physical therapy - 18 months of getting nowhere, I just want something that works.
Aren't you getting it done every year they say they only last for about a year then you have to have it redone
Daniel, the two doses of lidocaine blockers I had for trial were fairly painful. Concerned the burning will be a lot worse. What is the pain comparison between the two?
Still working?
Can't wait have mine done spinal arthritis is agonizing heard nothing but great things waiting for ins so can be scheduled tired of pain and tears!!
I had this done and it only lasted about 6 months, but I will have it done again. It works a lot better than the infusions.
In my book, any relief is good relief! Pain saps the joy out of living. ❤
Plus the injections have the potential great risk of getting arachiditis, right? 😢
Which infusions?
I had my test done yesterday it worked well I'm looking forward to this procedure next month.
Any updates plz?
I've had it done twice on my left side, and had my right side done just this morning.
Don't know yet if it will relieve my hip and leg pain, but I know it relieves my lower back pain. This is the first time I've watched the procedure being done lol. I would recommend it. I have recommended it. 🌞
I had this done 5 weeks ago for SI joint arthritis, helped a little but not enough to repeat. My diagnostic blocks were positive, my insurance balked at coverage as they considered the procedure not scientifically proven. I had local anesthesia and valium pre-procedure and the only pain was the pinch from the local. Very sore for about 2 days post procedure.
I have RFAs (R & L one week apart...I wish they'd just do it all at once) done a couple times a year (I'm 49yo & have suffered with severe lumbar chronic pain since age 30...arthritis), with a procedure in just a few hours actually...they certainly work well for my lumbar chronic pain. I do not recommend chiropractic as it's largely pseudoscience that can easily do more harm than good. Losing weight & then weight training (adding muscle) has worked very well for me...getting stronger & less fat won't take the pain away, but it reduces it incrementally so that other mitigating measures like this procedure & medications (after trying nearly literally everything, methadone is by leaps & bounds the best (for me)...nothing else even compares to it in terms of all-day relief, day in & day out for years) can also take chunks of pain away, & before you know it you're actually able to live a normal life again & have enough bandwidth to enjoy your life instead of merely surviving it. I wish I had known this stuff earlier, & acted upon it all earlier...but hey, let's focus onward. Best of luck my fellow chronic pain suffers, there really is hope for you, even if you can't imagine it right now. Oh, P.S. I highly recommend (hopefully your insurance covers this part) opting for sedation for these RFAs. I did the first few without, as I didn't even know sedation was an option, & ya...it sucks. Not ridiculous pain, but not minor pain either...for me, it's a painful procedure. With sedation, bring it on...I remember the Doctor administering the medicine via an IV in my hand, I always try to stay alert & see if I can feel myself losing.....but nope, it's always the same. The next thing I know I'm coming to with the procedure all but over, with next to no pain, & then there's some soreness for a couple days afterwards. Get the sedation!!!!!!!
Thank you! You are very encouraging. Im going in for my second branch block, then will sched the ablation. Im very comforted by your post.
@jeanettemcleese5394 So, how's everything going for you...did you actually schedule an RFA yet? I hope you're doing great!!
I had this done yesterday! When I pulled off the band-aids it felt like they were no where near where the pain is! I still have pain in my back but the doctor said it could take a few weeks to feel the difference. While I was waiting I noticed 4 boxes with expired labels. But I'm going to trust the process. I'll either have pain relief or money from the lawsuit 😊
Oh my! Takes up to 3 weeks to work. And yes, you’re going to hurt, be sore, be in more pain post procedure. Use lots of ICE and try to be patient.
I am about to do this awake. I prefer anesthesia but the surgery center is too far and can't get a ride so sitting in office now waiting to do this in about 10 minutes.
I'm having this donetomorrow in Antwerp, Belgium. Wanted to see what it looks like.
How did it work out for you
@@thewholeworldisbeautiful It was fine the first two weeks -and then the pain returned. Will have a second one done soon - at least they know that nerve is the culprit, it's just very stubborn
I had this dont couple of month ago on my l3,l4,l5 and it hurts so bad. They gave me more numbing to help with the pain. Sad point is this didn't even work on me. I don't understand how the test shots worked great but the real shots didn't.
I have these done. It has never lasted me 1-2 years.. 7mos at best
Mine only last about 8 or 9 months. The pain either drops down in my s2 or up in L3 . I get burned at L5. L4 & S1. How the hell is pain so sneaky like that!? I guess you don’t feel what else hurts till you cut it out in one area. I’d need my neck to tailbone numb to be really pain free!!
Im 36yrs old and have to get this done on my l2-l5. For the results normally lasting 2 yes max said here, how many times is this allowed to be performed with me being so young still? What would a next step be?
Im 41 now and Im having my 2nd one done about a year after the first one on March 1st. Though Im concerned a little about being young to have them I dont have much of another option due to having 2 torn disks in l4 l5 region that when the nerve gets aggravated is so painful I cant stand/walk or barely crawl and move. Also the left side pain is gone so theyre only doing it on the right side this time and adding in some PT to strength the area after. Regular chiro or massages probably would be a good idea too
What diagnosis does this help? I have severe foraminal stenosis at L4-L5, and lots of degeneration. I’ve had “injections “ that use to last 4 months or so, my last one didn’t really help much except for maybe a week.?? Anyone ??
Unfortunately it did not work for me.
Can this be done without any sedation? Can’t take benzodiazepines. Panicking because people are saying the pain is horrible.
What are the medications injected at the end?
My wife has this done it helps some but if you turn it up to high the battery will die sooner ! I will never have it done
Are you maybe thinking of a spinal cord stimulator? The RFA does not have a battery involved.
@braydenbutterfield9848 you're right
@@thewholeworldisbeautifuland James will never acknowledge that.
I also will never Hava spinal stimulator put in me , I've been warned about this year's ago ! They can break..cause scar tissue damage..and migrate..not worth the risk for a low percentage rate of 30 - 50..%.
No thank you.And once it's in you can't remove it !!!!
@@edfarese8731 Yep...I also find it interesting when folks say stuff like "I will never have it done..." Then you're not in real severe chronic pain. Anyone suffering with actual severe chronic pain will do anything to help, because it's not about toughing it out, it's about survival. If you're currently, or have in the past, toughed your way thru pain, then you my friend are/were not experiencing severe chronic pain.
That destroyed the skin on my back!!! I HAD IT DONE 3 TIMES.... NEVER NEVER NEVER AGAIN
Did they barbecue the skin ?
Yes please explain more! This is an option my doctor gave me
@@jadeosborn9362 I've had this done many, many times along with epidurals. This is, by far, my preferred method. Not the side effects of steroids. It is very safe and effective.
@@jadeosborn9362 No idea what this commenter is referring to, as RFA has nothing to do with skin. If your pain is coming from your facet joint nerves, then absolutely this is the procedure for you...I repeat mine twice a year & it takes away a big chunk of my chronic pain. Opt for the sedation, as it's not without some real pain without it.