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Anyone had this procedure?? RF - Radiofrequency Ablation/Lesioning

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Old 06-25-2009, 01:01 PM #1
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Help Anyone had this procedure?? RF - Radiofrequency Ablation/Lesioning
Since the blocks are not working my Pain Specialist want to perform this procedure... RF - Radiofrequency Ablation/Lesioning.

Has anyone had this procedure?

I am researching right now to find out more about it. Any input would be great! Thanks
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** W/C injury...Diagnosed with CRPS w/ nerve damage in Apr '09, after a long 2 ½ yr battle with a knee injury. RSD has now spread to entire body.
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Dew58 (06-25-2009)
Old 06-25-2009, 01:15 PM #2
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I had it done twice and it did not work for me. It was painful for several days after the treatment. My RSD is full body.
I wish you the best of luck.
Take care,
Sherrie
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Old 06-25-2009, 03:14 PM #3
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Sympathectomies, that's what it is, are contradictred for people with rsd. It only makes things worse not better! Run away screaming no! lol

Quote:
RADIOFREQUENCY SYMPATHECTOMY

The most traumatic of all invasive treatments is Radiofrequency Sympathectomy (nerve ablation and block). It is done with a heat generating Radiofrequency electrode causing a boiling hot temperature at the target area which coagulates, destroys and kills the nerve fibers and nerve cells.

Because the Radiofrequency damage causes high temperature in the adjacent areas of the target, it also destroys the adjacent normal nerves causing a much larger lesion and scar formation with spread and aggravation of pain in a permanent fashion.

In CRPS the sympathetic system is dysfunctional rather than simply being hyperactive. The longer the disease is left untreated and the more surgical scars, the more dysfunctional the sympathetic system becomes. This is the reason for practically 100% failure of treating CRPS with sympathectomy, radiofrequency, and chemical sympathectomy with phenol, alcohol, etc.
From RSDX

Quote:
Early treatment is the key, Leading experts now believe that any invasive procedure or injury can cause the RSD to worsen or spread. Treatments such as spinal cord stimulators, pain pumps and sympathectomies are now considered contraindicated. As well application of ice to the affected areas is also not recommended.
From Power of Pain Foundation.

Quote:
"One of the biggest positive change is that in the past year more and more Drs. have come to realize that the practice of performing Sympathectomies is barbaric and nearly always fails and is usually the cause of even more
pain and spreading of the disease; (sympathectomies are the cutting/burning of nerves to stop the pain of RSD). This kind of nerve damage also removes the possibility of some of the newest treatments
ability to work." Keith Orsini, Director of American RSD Hope (www.rsdhope.org) - April 2003 - quotation used by permission
From RSD Alert

As you can see, not a good idea at all! Hope this info helps you.

Hugs,

Karen
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aj822 (06-25-2009), fmichael (06-27-2009), loretta (06-25-2009), Mslday (06-25-2009)
Old 06-25-2009, 04:17 PM #4
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Karen, Thank you so much for the research. I've read similar info about this procedure.'
If I don't write it down, never remember where I read it. But I have read some horror stories. Thanks again, loretta
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Old 06-26-2009, 06:48 AM #5
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Karen,
You are the best! Thank so much for posting this information. Your insight and knowledge has helped me so much. I appreciate it!!!!!

I am worried that Work Comp is going to pressure me have this procedure since it is being recommended as the next plan of treatment. I have an appt with my Ortho next week so I plan to talk with him about this. He is my primary doc as far as WC is concerned so maybe he can help me find a better next plan of treatment.
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Old 06-26-2009, 05:49 PM #6
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I have been on the wc merry-go-round myself but you can still say no. They can't force you to do anything that is going to endanger your health. With solid info in your hands, that should help.

The trick I've found they do most often if they really want you to do something is to cut off benefits and care. I hope you have a good lawyer. He or she will appeal immediately should they do that but it can take a long time to get a hearing depending on many factors, such as how backed up wc judges are, and how many delay tactics and cancelled hearings wc tosses in.

I hope it doesn't come to that, but this is very dangerous to do to a rsd patient. Barbaric is a good word for it.

Hugs,

Karen
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