Rhizotomy stories... good, bad, indifferent?

ans · #1 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009, 10:16 AM

Yes, thanks Larry.

I saw a UCLA pain medication doc/interventional type whom I have left. I asked him about doing an S-I rhizotomy and he whined that it would take ~ 7 locals and has ~ 50% rate. Sure seems worth it vs. being pumped w/steroids. Anyways, I'm hoping to hear experiences too so sorry, off-topic.

mmglobal · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2009, 10:56 PM

The SI RF ablation is a completely different animal... nothing like the facet rhizo. The surgeons that I have discussed the SI rhizo with all say that the SI is too highly innervated. There is so much ablation that must take place... might as well have a bbq. With so much to do, there is so much to miss. I have not heard good things about SI ablations from anyone. I'm sure that there are proponents out there... I have not run into them.

Mark

Crystal33 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-27-2009, 11:03 PM

some ppl have posted their experiences below. i apologize if it not acceptable to post the link.
Rhizotomy/Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation? - HealthBoards Message Boards

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 10:00 AM

Mark,
How common is it to do rhizotomy on thoracic facets or how many patients has your paticular doctor done this on? Good results? So forth so on...

jchebert1979 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2009, 11:52 AM

I will be having a rhizotomy from C2-C6 (left side) in a few hours. I had good success with the first block. Not so much with the second, but I have decided to move forward with it. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

jchebert1979 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-31-2009, 09:29 PM

Had the radio frequency ablation and am back home. The surgeon said that from my pain responses during the procedure, he burned each level 6 times. Most only need 1. The anasthesiologist also could not believe that I was as awake or coherent as I was with all of the drugs he gave me. I hear that all of the time so whatever.

I feel better right now. The pain I have on the left side of my neck is more of a severe soreness as opposed to other pain however I always seem to feel better right after procedures and then take a downswing. From those who have had the procedure that I've talked to it will take a few days to a few weeks to feel the full effect. I will keep updating on my progress.

mmglobal · #7 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 03:08 AM

Jason, I'll be following your rhizo progress. Mine was approved and will probably start on Jan 13th.

You signature file is amazing. 4 surgeries this year... that's a bit extreme. I wonder who the champ is. (Mr.B had 5 in 10 months, but 3 were discectomy/decompression surgeries.)