Radio frequency ablation for Meralgia Paresthetica?!
 

Hello, fellow MP :grouphug:
I have had constant severe MP for 6 years. Have tried every drug the doctors could think would help - none did. Next week I am scheduled to have a Radio Frequency Ablation at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. As I understand it, a thin needle that is attached to a radio frequency emitting device will be inserted into the nerve that the doctors have identified as causing the MP. I have been told that they will bring the frequency to 45 degrees (frequency, not temperature). They say that this often causes the nerve to go "dead" without burning it or cutting it.

I am hoping and praying that this will be the answer:smileypray:

Have any of you had this procedure? Did it work for you? Any advice?

I am a new member and look forward to chatting with anyone who understands this pain.:circlelove:

I used Lidoderm patches for my MP. 2 weeks using those put the nerve back to sleep. I had my MP for over 10 yrs, due to damage of the nerve during a C-section + an exploratory looking for a tumor at the same time.

This thread discusses my old MP -- Lidoderm patches and has links to useful other sites with pictures.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread124259.html

The lateral femoral nerve can be damaged in the back (lumbar) or in the abdomen as it exits thru the inguinal canal to go to the thigh.

I did not use drugs for mine, as most of the newer ones like Neurontin/lyrica were not available. I never used opiates either.
Tylenol was a far as I got.

One thing I did notice was that heat really activated that nerve so no hot baths, or steam rooms. I can't last in a steam room more than 5 or so minutes. Also tight clothing is out.

My nerve does not shoot or stab anymore, and my thigh is not numb like it was. But if I overextend the leg getting in or out of the car I can get a light twinge of what was! Recumbent and other bikes tended to set it off too. So I avoid bikes now.

I have had MP for years and don't have any info on the radio frequency ablation for you. I wish you the best with the procedure! I hope you will follow up on the results. I have tried Neurontin & Lyrica with only crazy side effects and not able to tolerate the drugs. Good luck!

RF Nerve Ablation, MP
 

Hello,

I would like to know how your RFNA went?? I have had MP for 2 years. Gabapentin works, but sick of taking drugs, let alone the 40 some pounds it put on me. I have had three nerve blocks that have not worked at all. I am scheduled 8/4/10 (weds !!!) for the RF Nerve Ablation. I am kind of freaked out. They sedate you, then burn the nerve. The nerve blocks about killed me because I cant stand needles, let alone the fact you cant have pain med because you NEED to feel it! So, I am wondering how yours turned out. I really hope I can reach you before I go. Let me know everything, good or bad!

Best Wishes
Mary

thunderdog4 update: RFNA for MP
 

Greetings, Mary!:hug:
I had the RFNA done on 8/13/2010 at the Mayo Hospital in Scottsdale. I was given a novacaine injection (which was just a prick of pain) at the site where the needle was to be inserted for the RFNA. The procedure was somewhat uncomfortable as the doctors moved my leg muscles so they could see the nerve on the screen, but it was not painful. Once they were quite sure it was the correct nerve the RFNA was activated. I felt only a bit of a wavey vibration. The doctors said it would be about 6 weeks to know for sure if it had been effective. It has now been 4 weeks, and during that time I have had periods where the pain has reduced dramaticly, but come back. Now at 4 weeks the pain is less frequent and the area is becoming more numb (which is the goal). :D If all goes well, somewhere around 6 week it should stay numb, with little or no pain. I'll try to post again then. But I am very hopeful - have even been able to climb stairs with no pain!
Hang in there!
Susan:hug:

I have a 13 year old who has just spent a year with burning/stabbing lateral thigh pain before she had a diagnosis of Meraglia Paresthetica. We are considering the radiofrequency ablation at the University of Michigan. But the doctor had us try a topical nerve block first, which is a compounded mixture of lidoderm, nuerontin and an antiimflamatory. It is like a miracle cure right now. It has completely numbed her nerve pain. SHe had been so disabled by this pain over this last year but now she is rarely in pain and is weaned off lyrica and other pain meds.
I can post the exact coumpound so others can research or ask their doctors about it if requested.
It has been 5 weeks and we no longer are in need of getting the ablation. The Ann Arbor pharmacy said this coumpound can be used for a long time with no complications. Only a little of the actual medicine is actually absorbed so there are little side effects.
My daughter developed MP after fracturing her pelvis a year ago doing the splits. THe injuried leg was the leg that went backwards injuring this nerve.
KC

That compound?
 

I realize that this is a few years late, but if you could post the pain compound I would be extremely grateful. (and an update on your daughter's experience).
I wrote a book about my MP experience and lots of people write asking for exactly what you describe!

Did this work for you? I am in thse midst of trying to make a decision of trying ionophoresis, phonophoresis, or decompression...did you try lidocaine patches or tens units...

Please let me know the compound mixture and is her relief still present?

Hi sidster,

I know you are searching for help, advice, and responses from people that have tried various treatment modalities for MP.

This is an old thread and the people from whom you are requesting their experiences and outcomes have not posted in several years and only had a few posts even back then.

Little KC had only that one post and thunderdog4 only posted twice.

If you look at the left of the blue bar at the top of a post, it will show you the date the person made the post. You can also see how many posts someone has made if you look at the left side of the post.

If someone has only posted once or twice and that was 3 to 4 years ago, there is little chance they will respond.

There are only a few MP people that are still active on the forum.

I don't want you to feel abandoned when you do not get responses to your posts from the specific people to whom you have asked questions.

Wishing you the best and I will be happy to help you in any way I can.