Talking back

[voyager]

For maybe 20 years I've suffered activity limiting back pain.   Since so many others here report periodical if not daily episodes I thought we might compare notes.

Several months ago I cried, "Uncle" and saw my ortho guy who sent me to their pain management specialist.    Seen and evaluated (xrays and MRI),  Radio frequency back ablation  was chosen as appropriate.     Medicare requires two test procedures that look for the efficacy of this treatment before agreeing to it.    I found profound relief from both tests, so we proceeded yesterday with the final or real procedure.  

While doctors and clinics may vary, I experienced 0% pain during either tests, and 4 day exquisite relief after each and before normal pain returned.    Yesterday's experience was equally painless.   i mean absolutely free of pain.     No after treatment pain, fabulous night's sleep, standing straight and tall this morning,    Mr. Google suggests modest pain after procedure and delay of relief, but not this time.

This procedure is not guaranteed to provide relief and that it usually lasts for one, possibly two years.    However,  I will be more than delighted with that much relief.

Will report progress, or regress.     (For anyone in the Bay Area, I will happily share my doctor's name and recs,)

 

Edited May 2, 2024 by voyager

[small h]

Did you have the procedure? And does it involve any risks other than the usual stuff one would expect from getting stabbed?

[voyager]

1 minute ago, small h said:

Did you have the procedure? And does it involve any risks other than the usual stuff one would expect from getting stabbed?

Yes, final procedure yesterday.    I was not made aware of frightening risks.    While my docs all warn against Googled advice, there is a lot out there by legitimate medical centers if you need, like me, to stick your tongue in your cavity.     As with any procedure, I would consider only a provider who does this procedure with great frequency.

[small h]

Okay! Hope it works.

[bloviatrix]

@voyager - chronic pain is the worst! Glad you're getting relief.

[MitchW]

As someone who has had a "number" of back/cervical surgeries due to various fucked up discs and associated pain/nerve issues, I'd like to throw out that when I was in pain a number of months following my last (and final) micro-lumbar surgery, I had a cortisone treatment administered by the pain management specialists at HSS (the same place I had the surgery).  It worked like a charm, and that was like 3 years ago - knock on wood. But no matter what, proper exercise/stretching and being careful are still important.

Also - never read MRI/CT Scan reports, or you'll drive yourself nuts.

[Wilfrid]

A few weeks ago I had some pain reminiscent of the sciatica I had years ago. Happily the same stretches from years ago still work.

[voyager]

2 hours ago, MitchW said:

As someone who has had a "number" of back/cervical surgeries due to various fucked up discs and associated pain/nerve issues, I'd like to throw out that when I was in pain a number of months following my last (and final) micro-lumbar surgery, I had a cortisone treatment administered by the pain management specialists at HSS (the same place I had the surgery).  It worked like a charm, and that was like 3 years ago - knock on wood. But no matter what, proper exercise/stretching and being careful are still important.

Also - never read MRI/CT Scan reports, or you'll drive yourself nuts.

When I mentioned my back xrays to my knee guy (same practice as the ablation guy), he quipped, "Back xrays of anyone your age look like trainwrecks."

[MitchW]

1 hour ago, voyager said:

When I mentioned my back xrays to my knee guy (same practice as the ablation guy), he quipped, "Back xrays of anyone your age look like trainwrecks."

And my doctor said, "you don't even have to be that age!"

[Mitchell101]

I had back problems last summer and after ortho looked at X-rays he asked me if I played college football.😁

[Wilfrid]

This thread is very exclusive of people with shoulder problems. 

[maison rustique]

I've always had minor back pain--since I was a kid. But now that I'm old, every joint in my body is arthritic. Good days, bad days. I took way too much ibuprofen for it back when it first started, so now have pretty serious gastritis and can't take anything other than acetaminophen or prescription pain meds, which I will avoid like the plague for as long as I can. If they'd even give them to me. The older you get, the more they think the least little thing will make you a fall risk, including pain meds. I use the OTC Voltaren (topical gel) on my hips and knees. That's actually a big no-no. Knees are fine, but they say don't use on hips. I asked my doctor and he said do it anyway. So, I do. It helps a little. I do stretches and core-strengthening exercises every morning unless I am on my deathbed. It helps more than anything else.

[MitchW]

11 hours ago, Wilfrid said:

This thread is very exclusive of people with shoulder problems. 

Just so you don't feel alone, I had a SLAP 2 repair like 15 years ago. When I tore my shoulder up, I had tripped and fallen, and went to catch the fall with an outstretched arm - not necessarily the greatest idea, but I guess better than smashing one's skull.

[Wilfrid]

My shoulder impingement is trivial in comparison. And it's getting better.

[StephanieL]

17 hours ago, Wilfrid said:

This thread is very exclusive of people with shoulder problems. 

You could always start a new thread called Shoulder to Shoulder.

[bloviatrix]

6 hours ago, Wilfrid said:

My shoulder impingement is trivial in comparison. And it's getting better.

I've had impingements in both shoulders. First one sent me to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. They suck.

[voyager]

Have no explanation for it, but since the back ablation most of the pain in my bone-on-bone knee joint has vanished while considerable flexibility has returned to it.    A puzzlement but I'm not complaining.    Also sleeping like a cat!   

[Wilfrid]

Explanations I have abandoned. As soon as my shoulder impingement eased I enjoyed the gift of arthritis in my left foot. That went after a few days but has returned today in my left knee.

[MitchW]

5 hours ago, Wilfrid said:

Explanations I have abandoned. As soon as my shoulder impingement eased I enjoyed the gift of arthritis in my left foot. That went after a few days but has returned today in my left knee.

Oh, there’s a medical term for that!  Old age.

[voyager]

8 minutes ago, MitchW said:

Oh, there’s a medical term for that!  Old age.

When asked where "it hurts", I often go into my routine.

[Wilfrid]

2 hours ago, MitchW said:

Oh, there’s a medical term for that!  Old age.

If only. I’ve had osteoarthritis attacks since I was in college (diagnosed much later).