had radio frequency ablation? or know what it is? the doc that did my ketamine infusion is reccommending i have that done now that i'm getting pain again. along with the norm. SG blocks.

Yes, I did! ALthough it was 1990- 1991, I think was one of the first few to have an "Upper Thoracic Radiofrequency Sympathectomy". Mine was done at the Univ. of Mass. The doctors in my area were still entering from the front of the chest to reach the spine with surgery. So traveling to Boston was OK, so I did't have to have a large incision on my chest.
I don't know how different they are today, but in my personal case....it was temporary pain relief. I still have a very little sweating in my right hand (basically none) and very little sweating on the right side of my upper body.
I'll try to talk to you tonight. Maybe others will have more recent experience, than me. Hugs Di

Hi Andrea, I have had 2 radiofrequency ablation blocks. One of mine they just pulsed the radiowaves to heat up the ganglia.(located below adams apple in neck) it gave me relief for 3 weeks or so. They were hoping for 6 moths or more. The PM doc I have went back to doing the Stellate Ganglion Blocks which gave me 2 weeks relief. A few months later is when he did another but this time with more heat to try to settle down the sypathetic nervous system. I have always tolerated them well(according to the doc). I never took medication to relax me because my doc wanted me to be able to tell him whats going on. Added sensations in limb etc...It is his personal preference. Some give you something to relax you. Some people have really good luck with them. It is the next step before sympathectamy where they actually cut the sympathetic nerves. As it was described to me. My doc was trying everything he could for my partricular case to avoid sypathectomy or spinal cord stimulation.

I wish you good luck with it if you choose that path......one thing with rsd it seems like i have had too many choices to make sometimes. That is what forums are good for. You might not run into another person in your drs office with rsd to get info from but there is an abundant here.

hope my info helps and if you have any other questions please ask. Take care

debbie

Andrea, My friend had this done a few monthes ago. It was extremly successful. I was scared for her because this procedure is so controversial. But it went well. She was pain free until she had to have surgery not related to RSD. As soon as she did the pain was back. They are thinking of doing the procedure again she did so well. She had pain levels of zero much of the time after the procedure. DO alot of research & ask alot of questions is my best advice. SHe is from Alabama so I know you don't have the same doctors. Good luck.
Hugs, Denny

Andrea, I had mine 11-15-08 for SI joint pain (pelvis area) It was done with aid of a CT scan machine. I was very uncomfortable afterward for about 10days. My pain was lowered, not eliminated, but I was able to get off pain meds for about 8-10 weeks. I don't think I will try another one, just not enough results...and was costly too. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions..!

thanks u guys! i'm gonna go talk to my doc about it on thursday. hoping between the RFA and some blocks it'll minimize the pain in my hand till i can figure out how to get ahold of the money for another k infusion.

hm... anybody got any experience in robbing banks? haha