Diagnostic Medial Branch Block Reactivated RSD/Candidate for RFA
 

I had a diagnostic medial branch block (MBB) done a week ago. I experienced pain relief for 7 hours and then I got an increase from 6.5 to level 8 pain afterwards along with a reactivation of RSD symptoms (burning skin, skin/sound sensitive). I am now a candidate for radio frequency ablation (RFA) according to the pain management staff. Has anyone had the MBB with reactivation of symptoms and gone on to do the RFA, and if so, how did it turn out?

As background I have generalized RSD but with the most pain in my lower right back (where the MBB procedure was done).

I'm scared ****less about the RFA. A member of my support group had it done (by my doctor) and got 1 yr 2 mo pain relief. I sat next to a lady at my pain management office who was getting a nerve block to calm the nerves down after her ablation done two weeks prior.

I see my doctor tomorrow but am interested in YOUR opinion.

Thanks so much.

please check into a RSD site or do more research before you sign up for this. my research says that the pain finds a way around the abblation
sorry

I underwent a radiofrequency neurotomy (a variation of what you'd be under going) shortly after I was diagnosed with RSD, which caused me untold complications and a MAJOR increase in pain.

Please read the following, I found it years to late:

http://rsdrx.com/crps_and_sympathectomy.htm

RFA's are a Major NO-NO!!
 

PLEASE do your homework on any RFA procedure before having it done in connection with RSD - I have NEVER read of RFA and RSD going together...usually it's the opposite.... please proceed with caution...

The best of luck to you, XOXOX Sandy

Thanks for the reply's.

My NP said it sounded like the medial branch block (MBB) didn't help me and that the MBB (and then the RFA) procedure is more for someone with arthritis. (The PA I was seeing at the same pain management place ordered this thing so I'm glad I dumped him and got the NP that knows more about RSD and acts more like a human).

I got a lumbar sympathetic block yesterday to calm things down.

If this MBB was a preview to what I could experience from the RFA, I won't have it done.

Thanks again for the input.