Back pain

[precious123]

Hey my friends just checking to see if any of you have ever had RFA on you back? My pain management doctor wants to do that because other than pain meds there is nothing that can be done for my back. I saw a neurosurgeon and she did mri with contrast. She said that she would have to give me a whole new back to help me and that wasn’t possible. I’m scared of this procedure. Any advice you can give will help me. I’m at the point now where I’m gonna have to go on MS Contin for the pain. I’m currently on oxycodone 10-325. Anyone else on MS Contin?

Thanks and gentle hugs to you all

Peggy.

[KittyJ]

May I ask what RFA is please precious?

[precious123 in reply to KittyJ]

It’s radio frequency ablation. Where they put a needle in your back and burn the nerves. I’m just nervous about the procedure. Thanks for your question. I should have explained it.peggy

[KittyJ in reply to precious123]

Thankyou for explaining 😊

[Barrister]

Yes, I had this done many years ago by a doctor who came over from Australia and used me to show how it was done! It was extremely painful (but this was in the mid 1990’s so don’t know what it’s like now). And it did nothing for my pain.

[precious123 in reply to Barrister]

Thank you that is what I needed to know and from what I’ve heard it’s still very painful.

[dawkin_S]

My other half was considered for this, but the specialist said that before they opertaed they could tell if it would work by doing a steroid injection into the affected (in his case, facet) joints and if that worked, the RFA would work. It didn't, so it was pointless to try the op and has had to try and ease things with physio etc. He has health insurance through his work so maybe that is why they tried that first? So sorry you are suffering, I know it made him miserable.

[precious123 in reply to dawkin_S]

Thank you so much. Yes the pain is unbearable at times and right now I’m on oxycodone 10-325 four times a day. So that’s why my pain mgt dr said maybe I should try the MS Contin since I’m not going to do the ablation on my nerve endings in my back. Hugs

Peggy

[Circledancer]

Hi precious123, my young brother has had RFA twice, due to degeneration of spine causing severe sciatica. Once about 6 years ago and again last year. Both worked and made a big difference to his life. He said it was painful at the time but worth it for the result.

[pinkieponky]

Hi Peggy, I have been aa member of some health unlocked sites for a few years now. Although I often read questions and replies I haven't yet answered any. Until yours..... I can feel the fear in the question about rfa and hope I can help. I have several health conditions, Degenerative disk disease, osteoarthritis in most joints, problems with facet joints, sacroiliac joints etc. Approx 7 years ago I had rfa using live fluoroscopy. It did NOT hurt. The consultant can see exactly what he is doing on the screen and although I was scared, there was no pain. It gave me a few weeks of less pain. Unfortunately it did not cure me but a cure was never offered in any case. I also take Ms Contin and oromorph. I thought oxycodone was equivalent or stronger than morphine?

Regards Tracey

[precious123 in reply to pinkieponky]

Pinkieponky I actually had my face time call with my pain management doctor today. He asked if I wanted the procedure done and I said no. So he put me on the fentynl patch instead of MS Contin. But he also left me on the oxycodone and tramadol. But no the told me that MsContin was stronger than the oxycodone. I’m praying that this patch will help me. They only gave me a months worth to see how it works. Thanks for your reply

Hugs

Peggy

[pinkieponky in reply to precious123]

Hi again Peggy, the fentanyl patch is definitely stronger than the ms Contin. Read up on it, especially the side effects. Wow you're on a cocktail of medication. tramadol didn't do a thing for me but we're all different. Maybe the rfa is an option for the future...... Hopefully you won't need it.

I know when we have lots of never ending pain, it's awful and at times you would do anything to try to ease it. I wish you well in your search for help, Tracey

[precious123 in reply to pinkieponky]

Tracey I put the patch on last night around 7:30pm. When I woke up this morning I felt good. Much different than I have been feeling. After being up about 3 hours hip and back began to hurt so I took one of my oxycodone pills. Eased that right off. Praying this is the answer to my problems. So thankful for the meds even tho I would certainly rather be on none of them. Praising my Lord through it all. Thank you for your replies. Hugs to ya

Peggy

[pinkieponky]

Hi Peggy, so pleased for you, having some relief!! What a difference it makes to how you feel both body and mind. Long may it continue.....

Fingers crossed for a second night of good sleep and feeling improved. Just don't get carried away, like I do. When I do have a better day I try to catch up on all the stuff I've not been able to do, then end up back to square one!! I never learn lol. Take care, Tracey

[precious123 in reply to pinkieponky]

Yes Tracey I do the same. Had a good night last night again. Work up feeling as good as yesterday. Which I’m surprised because I did do some stuff I shouldn’t have yesterday. Thank you son much for your replies Hugs for a good day for you.

Peggy