Charliebubs, i've had two rhizotomies and I was in a lot of pain after both. The first was for a good while (over a month) I think, and the second I'm at a month and I'm still feeling it, although the second one isn't as bad as the first. My doctor warned me that I'd be in a lot of pain post procedure and it is to be expected since they damage the nerve. I hope yours told you the same. It gets worse before its better. I wish I could give you some more encouraging words, but it really does get better. Has your doctor given you any meds to help?

As far as the time frame, I understand that every person is different and they try to estimate, but it seems its an individual thing and that you just have to wait and see.

As for a pain free period, I've got overlapping issues and multiple things going on, so I'm not pain free. My case is slow going and I didn't expect that I would get total relief. Where your occipital nerve was done, I would hope that once the procedure pain passes that you'll be able to get pain free. Please post and let me know how you do once the nerves settle down. I'll be anxious to hear.take care, ee

Hi EE

Just a quick update to let you know that I'm doing okay. It did get worse before it got better. The procedure pain went eventually and I've been better since.

I think I was hoping for 100% results, and that hasn't happened, but it is much, much better than it was before. I'd say 70% better. I do still get twinges and a tingling feeling in the back of my head. I've also noticed that certain things make it worse....like if I'm tired or stressed or upset or if I've driven a long distance.

I went for a check up last week and the Dr said that the long term prognosis is good for me. I don't have any issues with movement of my head or neck and he said that's a good sign. He thinks there is a chance I'll have to have the RFA repeated, but that once more should do it.

Here's hoping!!

Now that I'm feeling 70% better I think I'm going to settle the PI claim that I have ongoing with the insurance company of the lady who put me in this position (she was driving too fast and caused the RTA which caused this ON )

I hope you're doing okay.

Charlie

Now that I'm feeling 70% better I think I'm going to settle the PI claim that I have ongoing with the insurance company of the lady who put me in this position (she was driving too fast and caused the RTA which caused this ON )
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Hi Charliebubs,

I'm glad you're doing better. I am still getting some benefit from the last block I had a little over a month ago. I'm getting twinges, the hot spots come and go, the throbbing headache and pain is there, but it hasn't totally flared up yet.

For what its worth, if it were me, I wouldn't settle the PI claim if it affects your medical. You don't know the long term efficacy of these procedures and it will probably have to be repeated. I'm in the "wait and see" stage with mine. I would be cautious about any type of settlement.

Take care!

Thanks EE

I do agree with you in part, but I have been to see an independent orthodaedic specialist as part of the claim and he is going to add his long term/future prognosis into his report for the insurance company. They should then make an offer for settlement based on the fact that I am likely to have to have the procedure again.

I really just want to get the claim over with and get the insurance company off my back.

I can always have more treatments in the future if needed, as I have private health care which will cover the cost.

Wow didn't know there were others like similar to me out there. I was in a car accident when I was 18, almost 14 years ago now, and to make a long story short I have to get nerve ablasions done from C-2 - C-7 on both the left and right side along with with burning the occipital nerves on both sides. In addition that I am on Kadian, baclofen, savella, topamax, flector patches, percocet for break through pain, which is a joke and all of this still barley keeps me functional. I still am in a lot of pain on a day to day basis and have to work full to to have insurance so I can go to the doctor to get all of these procedures and medicines. However, I am very fortunate to have wonderful doctor's, both my PM and neurologist who are determined to find something better and will are always there for me, sorry to hear that all of you have not had the same experince with your doctor's that I have had with mine though. I am at the point, however, that I just don't think I can go on the way I am and am afraid to bring up the subject of disability because of my age but I would rather die than go on living like this. I know this sounds drastic but I haven't any quality of life. I work and spend the rest of my time in bed trying to ease my pain and when I'm not working I don't get out of bed at all, I just hurt too much. Any how I don't mean to go on because I'm usually a positive and upbeat person which is part of my problem I think becuse I don't seem sick it's hard for people and even doctotors, to some extent, to fully understand how bad off I really am, but I try not to dwell. Any how best of luck to all of you and if you have any questions about my experinces please don't hesitate to ask.

Christy

did you get relief and is it permanent? Any problems?

Hello all, new to the forums here...so like i said, i had an RFA procedure done 8 days ago and i am still in ALOT of pain. The first 3 days after the procedure the pain was quite dimmed down than what it was. But i started to feel the pain again at the fourth day. I am currently taking tegretol 200mg which seems to help with the pain but the it makes me super zombieish. Doctors have had me on ssri's and snri's in the past but they dont seem to work long term...why is that???? Any comments greatly appreciated