SI joint Radiofrequency neurotomy after effects

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Lynne720

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My boyfriend had RFA of his SI joint 2 weeks ago (on the right side only). The doctor did it on just one nerve. He has started to feel nurabness in the behind which is causing more problems with moving his bowels. And the pain has increased since Saturday so much that he hasn't gotten out of bed in 2 days. I called the pain doctor 2 times today and of course they didn't call back till after hours and so I got a covering doctor who is probably a fellow and doesn't know my boyfriend's case so of course he said to go to the ER if the pain is that bad (they all say that). PLEASE someone tell me that its normal for the pain to get worse before it gets better with RFA. He has just about given up on his life thinking that this procedure isn't helping yet. I have posted here alot and I am really asking for some answers, some support tonight because he doesn't want to get out of bed anymore. I have NO help from anyone in our families so I am doing this alone and I have to work.

Please someone help me if you can.

Lynne
 
Hi! I have had RFA's in my lurabar area on the facet joints. I will say it does hurt more the first 3-4 days, even up to a week. Then it seems to slowly get better. The burned nerve areas are very raw, and the area has more inflammation from the procedure. I have found that lots of ice and pain meRAB are the best. Just resting for the first few days will let the area heal. Also, since only one nerve was burned, it may be that other areas are still hurting. At the follow up appointment, your boyfriend's doctor may be able to recommend burning another nerve if the pain is not under control enough. I just went through an RFA at the end of February, and it is now feeling much better. I know it's hard to go through.....hang in there! Take care, Kera4
 
I had 2 SI joint RFA's and, more recently, a lurabar + S1/L5 RFA. I noticed that after each procedure, while 2 out of the 3 helped the nerve pain, for some reason, I had muscle spasms after each procedure and this hurt like all get out. I have no idea why this has happened. I read that sometimes RFA can cause muscle spasms at the point of needle insertion. I was placed on muscle relaxants, had several injections into the muscles and am now still in PT. It can be a long, tough struggle in dealing with SI issues. I wish your BF the best.
 
I also get bad muscle spasms from the RFA. I went to PT after this last RFA, but when she massaged the muscles, it made it hurt worse and I got some bruising. So I didn't continue the PT for now. I have found that a TENS machine can help with the muscle pain. Take care, Kera4
 
Thanks Cali and Kera for the responses. Its been 3 weeks since the RFA and my boyfriend's pain is even worse than when I first posted. The dr prescribed some medrol today so hopefully that will help any swelling and pain in that area and he said that if he doesn't feel better in 3 days then he neeRAB to go see him though he has a follow-up appt next Monday anyway. We were supposed to go last Thursday but he stayed in bed all day and so the pain wasn't so bad lying down.

Do either of you know how many nerves are in the SI joint area? Only one was burned and its obviously been stubborn!

THanks,
Lynne
 
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