Pulsed Radio Frequency Abilation vs. Thermal RFA

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Lynne720

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My boyfriend and I went to a pm doctor that does the radio frequency abilation. He went for 3 diagnostic shots in the SI joint area and they helped so this should be the next step. He is currently scheduled for the procedure next week but he is not sure what to do now since we had no idea there are two types of abilation. The pm doctor explained the differences between pulsed and thermal. The biggest problem is that pulsed is considered experimental and so the insurance companies won't pay for it anymore (they stopped coverage last year). His only option because of insurance is thermal and we were told that a) there is a chance that his glute muscles can become very weak after this procedure and you need them to hold you up, B) that recovery is longer than pulsed, C) the nerve branches can grow back differently and so the 2nd time around this might not work at all. and D) the nerves are just stunned with pulsed but burned with thermal. We would go thru with the pulsed (by the way that would be over the course of 3 treatments in a few weeks) IF we knew that it lasted for a long time but to pay for it out of pocket and possibly just get a few months relief is not worth it. Has anyone here gone thru either with relief? I really need some feedback here soon. Thanks!
 
Hi! I do not know much about pulsed ablation, but I have had the regular thermal RFA many times. I have had it done on my lurabar facet joints, L3-L5 with very good results, lasting about 8 months each time. I did discuss having my sacroiliac joints done as well, but decided to just get injections a couple times per year, as they were not as bad as my lurabar joints. When I have the RFA done, it takes about 45 minutes total. They insert a hollow needle at each level, and then put in a probe which is heated for about 90 seconRAB. You receive conscious sedation, so the pain is not so bad. I would recommend asking for the pain meRAB during the procedure, because I have had it done with less medication and it was been pretty painful. With adequate pain control, the procedure is not bad. My insurance covers the regular RFA, and I'm glad it does, because it is expensive. Hope that helps! Kera4
 
My PM doctor explained to me that pulsed RFA is not done at all on the SI joints but is done on other areas of the back. I had the non-pulsed RFA done twice to the right SI area (S1-S4) and also L5 and found it to be a life-saver. It did not take away 100% of my pain but brought it down to a tolerable level. I still take Lyrica and a small dose of Oxycotin but I now feel like I have a life again. I also went to a pain treatment center at a major teaching hospital to have my procedures done.
 
Thanks for the feedback. The procedure was postponed till next week (on their part) but hopefully it will give my boyfriend some much needed pain relief.

Lynne
 
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