Radio frequency ablation/rhizotomy
 

Hi :)

I am new to the site and I am hoping to get some feedback. I recently had a RFA done on both sides of my neck (c-3, c-4). I am hoping that maybe someone else has had this done so I can know what to expect from this procedure.

I can't help but think that it has back fired on me and is causing more problems that I started out with. Is that even a possibility from RFAs? I do have a pretty high pain tolerance since I have been dealing with multiple health/chronic pain issues for years. But this procedure has taken my pain to a whole nother level. When I had it done, I could actually feel the nerves being burnt (which was horrible). Now, 9 days later, I am still in so much pain. The pain goes from the back of my head and radiates down into my shoulders. I am by far worse than before I had this done.

I know that it can take weeks to feel the full effects from this procedure. Is it normal to have such an increase in pain before it gets better? If anyone has any feedback to offer I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

I too had a rhizotomy on the lumbar facet joints two weeks ago tomorrow. I can't wait to talk to the doctor to find out why I've had an increase of pain, but a different type of pain. Good luck and I'll keep in touch with you and you keep me informed when you can!

Jeez ~ when i had it done several years ago, I did NOT have increased pain. I had the same old pain that I had before -- the RF didn't work. I remember that the site where he did the RF was just a bit sore -- and i put ice on it to get the pain down. A day or 2 after I had it done, I was back to where I was before.

Definitely call your doctor -- I've not heard of it making the pain levels go UP. See what your doc says. And please let us know what you find out.

In the meantime, use ICE for 20 minutes every 2 hours (this is according to my Neurosurgeon). The ice should help with the inflammation, plus it can reduce the pain. Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

Thanks for the feedback. I surely hope your doc has some answers for you. Do let me know what they have to say. I will be calling my doc next week rather than waiting until my 4 week follow up. Hopefully we will both be feeling better soon. Take care.

Thank you, Lee. I have read some things on the RFA about the pain increasing before it gets better, but I still don't think what's goin on with me is quite normal so I will be calling my doc first thing next week rather than waiting for the follow up. So sorry to hear the RFA didn't work for you either.

Blessing and hugs to you!
Alaura

I was in to see my doc last week. He said the pain was so intense for me because he was not able to inject the steroid and numbing medication after the ablation because I was bleeding a little too much.

The pain has subsided, but I will have to have the procedure done again in a few weeks, because he didn't burn away all of the nerves that are causing the problems. We didn't realize how far up he needed to go up on my neck. I should be doing good after the second procedure and hopefully it won't be as painful this time around.