Hi all,
My specialist has recommended a nerve block with pulsed radiofrequency ablation of pudendal nerve.
I have been suffering this for 3 months.
My question is, has anyone here undergone pulsed radiofrequency ablation? Was there any flare up of pain ? Or long term flare up of pain?
I would be very grateful of others’ experiences.
Thank you so much 🙏
following
Hi Nike101,I remember chatting to you recently and I said that I had had a nerve block and pulsed radio frequency and yes, I got a pain flare but that did settle down.
Did you manage to get to see Dr Chow, if so that was quick because I didn't know colorectal specialists did that sort of treatment? What type of specialist is suggesting to have the nerve block and pulsed radio frequency?
Hi Bluelagoon, yes, I got to see Dr Chow. You are right, he is just wonderful. Can I ask, did the pain flare really badly? And roughly how long did it last? I’m concerned about risking a flare up happening when I am kinda managing to do gentle exercise in the pool, and am thinking going back to very part time work, obviously everyone is different, and you don’t know until you roll the dice with treatment.. it’s so hard to know isn’t it..
Wow, I am so surprised you got in so quickly to see Dr Chow but I am lad you did.The pain flare only lasted a few days but I would say give it a go. You are right everyone is different and my pain is different as it is bowel motions that triggers the pain. I have heard some good results of people having it done. It is only temporary pain if it happens, so nothing permanent and you won't know unless you give it a go.
May I ask what exercises you are doing in the pool as I have heard swimming can help?
Take care and good luck with it all.
Thanks so much. Yes i took your advice and managed to call and get a cancellation, so thank you so much. He was just really wonderful and so very caring. That is really good news to hear that the pain flare for you was only temporary. I will see how I go with my pain levels over the next fortnight. Regarding swimming, yes it has been super helpful. I feel no pain in the water. I just gently and slowly swim laps, freestyle only, up and down the length of the pool. I think it is the buoyancy of the water, and because you are laying flat, it causes no pressure on the nerve? That’s what I seem to have worked out. I go every day. Are you getting in the pool? Just doing any movement in the pool seems incredibly helpful without the pressure of gravity…
So glad you found Dr Chow wonderful. He certainly is a very caring doctor. I am glad he is looking after you.Thanks for info re the pool. I have been thinking of going swimming as I have heard that you feel great in the pool. I think you are right it is the buoyancy of the water. I will give it a go.
All the best with it all. Let me know if you have the nerve block and pulsed radio frequency as I would love to know how it goes for you.
Thanks so much for your support. I am just a bit worried about having the PRF. Can I ask, had you had any nerve blocks done on their own in the past, before the PRF ?
Yes I have had 1 nerve block done on its own. 1 also had 1 nerve block with botox into 2 muscles into the pelvic floor and the third nerve block with pulsed radio frequency.The nerve block is more of a diagnostic tool to see how the pudendal nerve responds. Sometimes the relief may be just for a couple of hours, sometimes several days, sometimes a few months. It seems to be different with everyone or you can get no relief at all.
Good luck with it all.
You’re amazing thank you so much for this information!
I think I might have a nerve block on its own first, I’ve never had one yet. One thing I have found helpful last night is a suppository with gabapentin/diazepam/baclofen/lignocaine. It seems to have knocked the pain down this morning, will see how I go today. Have you ever tried a suppository?
Sounds like a good idea however just bear in mind you may or may not even get any relief from the nerve block but I really hope you are one of those people that do.No I haven't tried a suppository with all those ingredients. I have tried a baclofen/lidocaine pessary but I use that vaginally which I do find helps sometimes. I take Pregabalin 75mg 2 x day as a capsule. Pregabalin is similar to Gabapentin.
Did Dr Chow write a script for the one you have?
Thanks bluelagoon no my gp did, but specialist said it was worth trying 
I did a nerve block and it worked, so I am now waiting for the pulsed radiofrequency. It's in 2 months...hopefully it won't cause a flare up of pain. Have you spoken to your doctor about that?
I have had several pulsed radiofrequency ablation. They have taken me from 8-10 to 1-5. I did get a small flare once, lasted 3-4 days. Overall positive for pain relief. The first one was the best. It took me from a 8 to a 0, immediately.
Thanks so much for letting us know
Hi , I’m too having pulsed Radiofrequency Abilation on 18 February , if I’m honest I’m really nervous about it , I had a normal nerve block last August and was good for 3-4 months but wanted to try something better, my own research says that if it works it works quite well for longer I’ve got to give it a few weeks to hopefully start working so I will see , obviously I’ll let you know, good luck
Thanks heaps builderboy. Can I ask do you take any medication to manage the pain?
Hi , yes I take 900 mg gabertentin 4 times a day but not sure does a lot , I was pleased reading the replies on your blog reference P RF Abilation, hopefully you feel the same
Yep, totally feel the same way mate. Hard to make these decisions. But great to hear the feedback from bluelagoon. Please definitely let us know how you go.
The pulsed radio frequency doesn't hurt as it is generally done under general anaesthetic. I have heard good reports about it so I would say give it a go, what have you got to lose apart from a few days of increased pain but it is only temporary. Just bear in mind it can take 10 days to 2 weeks before you see an improvement. Good luck with it all.
Also sorry blue lagoon, for yourself, how long did the nerve block last, in terms of pain relief? 😊
Not that long tbh, I can't really remember as I have had a combination of other procedures and over time they have all helped but I still have pain every day as the nerve is irritated when having bowel motions. Having another MRI for my colorectal specialist, this time a dynamic pelvic MRI.It is just an on-going saga.
Thanks so much. I just sent you a DM about the PRF. Have decided to go ahead.
Trigger point Injections/nerve block 
Cluneal nerve entrapment 
Flare ups
