Radiofrequency Ablation
 

I have severe pain in my right SI joint. I saw a pain specialist and after giving me an injection and tracking my results, he recommended that I get this treatment. Prior to this injection, I have had about 5-6 injections over the past 7-8 years.

I am willing have this procedure because the pain at times is unbearable but I'm afraid. The doctor I've been referred to is an expert at doing RA on SI joints but still the thought of having this done just scares the heck out of me.

I would appreciate hearing from any of you who have had RA on any part of the lower back or SI joint. I'd like to know about how you felt after the numbing meds wore off and how long it took for things to calm down. Also, what degree of relief you got and how long it lasted.

Thanks, Kathy

Hi ~ I had this done in the year 2000, in the lumbar spine, and it didn't do ANY GOOD at all. It was done with fluoroscopy too, so I KNOW he got the right nerve. Why it didn't work, I do not know. You have to remember that this is A temporary fix. This doesn't last forever. You may get relief from 3 months to one year or you may not get any relief at all. Also the nerves grow back at the average rate of 1" per month. So like I said, this is TEMPORARY. You'd have to have this done again.

After the procedure, I felt sore, but nothing bad. All I did was put ice on the area, and it was fine. I didn't even need to take extra pain meds. The day of the procedure, he told me to take it easy and not do much. The next day I was ok - that area was just a bit sore, but nothing big. I didn't need any pain meds for it. You'll be fine - there's nothing to it.

Don't worry about the procedure cause it's a snap. Just worry if it's going to work or not. :confused: Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee