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RFA for lumbar pain below fusion-anyone tried it ?

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  • RFA for lumbar pain below fusion-anyone tried it ?

    I had my surgery in 1985 with harrington rod & fusion, T-9 to L-4. i had a good correction and have had a fairly active life until 3 years ago when I began to have more pain below the fusion. Was diagnosed as facet syndrome with degenerative disc disease. I have been to a pain management center for a procedure-radio frequency ablasion to relieve the pain. I have had the procedure 3 times (can only have it every 9-12 months ). The nerves are killed that transmit pain signals, but they grow back. The last time I had no relief. I am hesitant to try it again but the pain is debilitating. I take Celebrex and Ultram for pain meds. Anybody out there with similar experience ? I am a registered nurse but now on disability as I can't sit or stand very long.

  • #2
    disability from pain

    Have you seen an adult scoliosis specialist who has experience with prior fusions? That's what I had to do. Treating the pain with ablation but not the cause is really barking up the wrong tree.
    I hate to see someone go on disability for anything related to scoliosis because so much can be done.
    I am almost 64, pain free, and still working as a CRNA(stand all day) in a hospital.
    Feel free to send a private message.
    Original scoliosis surgery 1956 T-4 to L-2 ~100 degree thoracic (triple)curves at age 14. NO hardware-lost correction.
    Anterior/posterior revision T-4 to Sacrum in 2002, age 60, by Dr. Boachie-Adjei @Hospital for Special Surgery, NY = 50% correction

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    • #3
      I hear you

      I hear you - surgery in 1982 - only my pain is excruciating above the fusion and down my right arm. I'm still searching for answers. (Not even sure if it's scoliosis related but I'm betting so) I'm a teacher by trade - and like you - have led an active life until 3 months ago. Now wiping the chalkboard, writing (all fine motor activities) are excruciating as are walking and sitting for long periods. I would do ANYTHING for pain relief...I even asked my doctor for a body transplant (he he) - he didn't go for it -I don't know why???(Just kidding) All I can do is keep my spirits high even though my body is at an ALL TIME low.

      Take care and hang in there...hopefully we will find answers if we keep looking. I do have an appt. with my spine specialist now set up but can't get in for 2 months (at this point that seems like it will NEVER come).
      You're not alone-
      Always smilin'

      Always Smilin'
      Colleen

      1982 fused T2-L1
      pre op 45 - post op 33 (left thoracic)
      pre op 53 - post op 18 (right thoracic)

      recheck 2006
      right thoracic 57
      lower lumbar 34

      surgical revision April 28,2009
      revision T3-L1; new fusion L1-L4
      unsure of degrees at this point

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      • #4
        Never heard of RFA. I also have 2 dgenerative discs below my fusion. I am fused T6 - T12 (back in `79), and my bad discs are at L4 and L3. It was really painful about 3 years ago, but the pain has subsided somewhat. I just stretch that area and take an rare advil. I'd stick to a scoli specialist.
        Last edited by ; 05-02-2006, 10:20 PM.

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        • #5
          arial6lime
          hi i had my lower back surgeries in 69 and 71 the one in 71 included a fusion of bone taken from my hip to where the disck was removed as of right now an mri doesnt show any fusion t all i guess it disvolved, i had had the series of nerve bloocks to ease the pain i get 3 nerve blocks about 2 weeks aprt then have to wait 6 months for another round last time they went in through the tail bone instead of scar tissue i am in excrutiating pain pain management wants to put in a spinal stimulator im not to crazy about anyone going into my spinal colum like that to attach the wires i go to pt 3 times a week it helps little but cant set but for a few minutes most of pain in hips now doe anyone have any suggestions im on lyrica zanaflex and demoral nothing stops the pain

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