worrying

[Luludean]

I have supposed RA, heart disease and persistent AF. I live alone. On no medication for arthritis.

So far in past 2 months I have had steroid injection in my bum, 2 guided steroid injections in to the top of my feet ( ouch!!!) and last week steroid injection into my knee. 😓In different departments .

I am worn out , cannot take much more , feeling very sorry for myself .

Now the “ pain clinic “, ( compassionate clinc!!) have brought forward a “ facet joint denervation “ procedure , for May 2nd. I know I should be grateful but have reached my white coat limit . I have lots of pre admission info , to be pathetically blunt I am terrified !!!!! Of course I have read the nhs info too.

If I postpone it I will go to the bottom of the list.

My 52 yr old son arrives from NZ on the 4th of May., have not seen him for ages , I am sure he wants to be entertained etc .

Has any one out there had this day surgery ( with heart problems also) ? I need advice please . L

[boatdog]

Hey Lulu, I've had a few steroid shots in the back and even a RFA, a radio frequency ablation.... which sounds about the same as facet joint denervation. When our backs hurt so bad that it is daily misery, then we are compelled to relieve the misery. Before afib the last few years I've had that facet joint RFA to de-sensitize the nerve. Now that I have afib, my back again hurts so the back doc proposes another RFA and I plan to take advantage of it. If you jump to the rear of the line, that means you have to live with the pain for months before the door opens again. Its a tough decision to weigh, but you will figure it out. Good luck!

[Luludean in reply to boatdog]

Thank you boatdog.

I am still worried. Living alone and thinking about “denervation” and no one here after is immobilising my thinking . L

[Buffafly in reply to Luludean]

I feel for you Lulu. I have had very bad osteoarthritis probs this year and haven’t even been to the doctor, mystery abdo pain ditto just because avoiding tests etc. You have been very brave, hopefully with our encouragement you can manage one more scary thing.

Do you know about ‘micro providers?’ In our area we have people approved by the council to help out in whatever way necessary on an individual basis. I am in touch with a lovely lady who will clean, cook, take to appointments or even fun outings, help with operation aftercare etc. I have had a meet and greet with her because I expect to need her in the future as my local daughter doesnt drive and another daughter has strict timetable as a live in carer. She charges £20 an hour. Just knowing someone will check on you at home even if you can’t afford an overnight stay would be reassuring.

Best wishes 💞

[Luludean in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you Buffafly

You must get your tummy sorted!! Lovely post. Micro providers sound a thing to think about in future. Honestly I have 4 old children , but they live not near. One is a paediatrician in NZ but he firmly stipulates “ mother I am your son not your doctor! He is arriving May 4th , he last came 6 years ago for my mother’s funeral. My surgery is May 2nd. If I go ahead. L

[Qualipop]

Oh don't miss that pain clinic appointment. I've been begging to see my consultant again for 16 months now and am in excruciating pain on the highest dose of oxycodone possible which has simply stopped working. Pain clinics are so overwhelmed you could wait for ever. I know right now it feels just one thing too much but if you don't have help you w ill be far less able to cope when you're in pain.

[Luludean in reply to Qualipop]

You are right Qualipop, I know . Lying awake at night worrying not good for AF or my diverticulitis . Was fine till things disintegrated quite annoyingly . Must try to speak with pzin clinic team tomorrow . L

[wischo]

My wife has severe back pain and has had three of these nerve ablations. She is taken in early morning, has a mild sedative and I pick her up that afternoon. They work great for her for a year or more and she has had no bad reactions whatsoever. All her stuff is private as like the NHS our HSE would leave you waiting for ages for these procedures. I would advise you not to miss your appointment and if you can please stop worrying as my wife never worries and never looks up any procedures she has and just gets on with things. Worry is so negative and will never make anything in life better.

[Luludean in reply to wischo]

Thank you wischo, comforting post.

Your wife is lucky to have your support. If she has no fears or other problems why are you on this site, not her?

I can explain my fears,

I live alone.

I have had open heart surgery , nowhave hdart disease and AF , and supposed Ankylosis spondilitis, psoriatic arthritis, scholiosos, bla bla bla. These diagnoses vary. I am tired out..

I will seek advice tomorrow . L

[CinnamonRose in reply to Luludean]

Aww it sounds as if you've got a bucket load of problems, sending a hug xx

[CinnamonRose in reply to wischo]

Thanks for writing that, I've got Osteoporosis and have several fractured vertebrae and asked if anyone has had Radiofrequency Ablation and no one replied that they had, it's so encouraging to hear that it's helped your wives back pain, I'd not thought to look on other forums xx

[wischo in reply to CinnamonRose]

My wife has had two lower disc operations on her back, Rotator cuff repair last year various knee operations and of course the RF nerve ablations on her back. She also broke her clavicle in a recent stair fall and is having an operation to have a plate put in to that end of this month. She gets down but never for long and just has a positive outlook on life in general. I would love to have her attitude but I do not and that is why I am on this forum where as she would not be interested in the least. We are all different though and I really hope that the RF nerve ablations on your back are as successful as my wifes are. Look after yourself and take care.

[CinnamonRose in reply to wischo]

Thank you wischo, that's interesting, our change of lifestyle has been hard for my husband as we went out for walks and visits all around the country and it's all stopped, so he's found it very hard, he doesn't want to leave me and go off on the walks as he says he wouldn't enjoy it. Yes, I'm very much hoping that the pain will be lessened even if not cured

[HollieAdmin Administrator AF Association]

Hello,

Thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear that you have been struggling. Managing various health conditions alongside making decisions about a procedure can cause many emotions to arise so it is important to be kind to yourself and to listen to your body.

If you are having any concerns about the procedure or have any questions, perhaps it would be helpful to speak with your doctor/medical team as they will be able to advise you personally and provide guidance on any concerns.

It is completely understandable to be feeling anxious so it is important to discuss your thoughts/feelings to enable you to feel supported and reassured.

If you would like any support, please do reach out to our dedicated Patient Services Team via Patient Helpline or via email, please visit: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

We are always here if you need us.

Kind regards,

HollieAdmin