Originally Posted by Dr. Smith

That sounds much better; I hope things work out!

I got lucky with my PCP too; he has 20+ yrs in PM, communicates well (both ways), and has been very open to my ideas/input. He acknowledges that patients often know their own bodies, and more about their conditions, than the doctors that treat them.

Assembling the right interdisciplinary team is paramount for pain patients, and the right PCP is the cornerstone/quarterback of the medical branch (shown in blue) of that team.

The procedure suggested by your new PCP is also known as Radiofrequency (or RF) ablation and sometimes as facet rhizotomy.

I found these other links describing it as well:
http://www.aradiology.com/procedures...ion/index.html
http://www.eorthopod.com/content/rad...uency-ablation

From these four links (and where they may lead, along with Google) you should be able to glean enough information to be able to talk to your doctors about this procedure, and how it relates to your individual situation, in order to be able to make an informed decision.

We're in the same boat as far as finding a good migraine prophylactic. After enough years, I've pretty much given up, and continue to fight the battles w/ ins. for enough abortives. I have gotten some relief with some PT exercises and changes in diet & lifestyle -- enough to reduce my frequency to below chronic (<15/month).

Your new PCP should be able to help you with referrals, but I've found I still have to do my own homework in finding the specialists I want to see (PCPs recommendations didn't always work out -- not his fault), and then my PCP will give me the referral to see them. It's a lot of work, but again, having the right team of professionals in your corner makes a HUGE difference in the care you get.

Best Wishes,

Doc