Thanks Paul. I haven't gotten any relief from the lumbar RF Neurotomy, three weeks out. The doctor told me it would be two to three weeks before I noticed any relief, but that he can't do anything more for me if it doesn't work. Blocker injections were sucessful in temporarily relieving pain, which as diagnostic tools were strong indications that the RF burn would be successful.

With no relief yet, I am hoping to hear some stories that will encourage me to be patient and keep waiting. I don't care how long I have to wait, I just hope it works in the end. If I had a better idea of how long I might have to wait before the relief comes, it would certainly help my patience.

I had my lower back done,in january 2008,i had both sides done.It does take about a month to work,mine lasted about a year...

I am 3 months from my RF and my pain is worse, my doc said to give it the entire 8 weeks before evaluating the pain.
Jay

My genearal practitioner told me yesterday that i should probably try this procedure for my dislocated coccyx(tip of tailbone). I will talk to a pain management physician this Friday to discuss if this would work for me and other options as well. In the last 3 years, I've had caudal epidurals and trigger point injections which I felt was just a bandaid fix. I let you know what I decide.

Vicki(Agriman's sister)

I have been getting this done for the last 4 years. It is the best relief that I have ever had and takes about 4-6 weeks to get results because it takes that long for the nerve to completely die. It has lasted anywhere from 9-12 months for me as the nerves will eventually grow back. Good luck and keep us posted.

After the initial pain from the surgery itself, my relief was immediate. By the evening of the surgeries (I've had three), my pain levels were greatly reduced. The first two gave me approximately six weeks of relief, the third one gave me about six months of relief.

Tracy

I had a Lumbar RF done last Wednesday. Was pretty sore for the next 2 days. SO far not much relief. My Dr said it may take up to a week before any results.

I got mines on Monday the 13 of April 09. I'm still evaluating the results. So far I have had some pain relief I don't have the groin pain, and the pain to my leg has diminish somewhat, I notice the numbness in my hips is there somewhat. My expectation got the best out of me. what would be next? Dan

Got this done about 3 months ago, cervical spine and occipital nerve. After one month, I was worried that not much was working, then neck got much better, but still had severe headaches. Now, headaches are much less frequent and neck still really good. %75+ improvement overall.
So, for me, yes. I'll do it again asap if needed.

I had one done about a month ago on my right side. I noticed only a slight change in my pain. It isn't enough to change the amount of pain meds I take, etc so now I am going for a SCS.

I'm Spanish and not very good whit my spelling but my comment or concern is the Medial branch Neurotomy treatment will help me? Lower back pain L3,L4,L5 and if is truth the nerves they burn or kill regrowth back up in my case I had many different type of injections and my Doctor is recommending these treatment, the very possible extend time and minimize pain relieve I will be getting these done in the near future 2-3 weeks. (father of 3 16year 11year and 5year old.)

Your English is great! I am having the same procedure at the end of this month and will let you know how I do. You be sure and keep us posted. Don't you hate living with all this pain??? And on top of it all, I have the swing flu. UGH. Best of luck. Kathy

Had radiofrequency nerve ablation about a month ago for low back pain...did nothing for my pain.

I just had this done on Tuesday and it is now Friday. I felt really good on Wednesday and Thursday until the evening when I started to get the little twinges in my butt cheek that starts before the actual pain. (My pain is mostly in my butt when I walk, vacuum, bend, etc. and sitting down or laying down makes it stop hurting.) My doctor said I would know in a week if the procedure worked or not but I have noticed in some of the comments that it took much longer than one week so I am wondering if this could possibly work after all.

I'm going in at 8:30 am tomorrow for my rf procedure. My doc told me that he's alot more interested in how I feel 6 weeks after the procedure than the 1st few weeks. Said it'll probably take that long to see results. He also said that it wouldn't take away all my pain but we are hoping for a better than 50% improvement. I'll keep those who are following this thread posted. K

Don't give up yet. My doc also told me that it should only take a week or two to get results the first time that I ever got one done. I found out through personal experience that it actually takes 4 weeks or more. I have had this done about 5 times and it always takes at least 4 weeks. Good luck.

Had a cervical neurotomy Oct 1st. First week post procedure I didn't see improvements and I did not get much post op pain. 2nd and third week were harder (burning and achy) and I wasn't able to be on my feet for long. I'm just over 4 weeks now and maybe have some improvement over 2nd and 3rd week reaction. Spoke with the doctor today and the chances this will be concidered successful are less likely at this point, but still may happen. I'm going to try to back down on pain meds and see if I'm dealing with pain issues due to being sensitive to withdrawl from the meds.

Hi,
I am hoping for some info from fellow suffers.I was in informed last week about Radio-frequency.It caught my interest.I was hoping someone could help me.I was reading about some of the side effects.I was reading about,some people where having pain,some weakness,strange burning,in the tale-bone area,going up and to the sides.I was thinking of have the Raf done, but I already have these horrible feelings and they can't can't seem to figure out how to stop it.I am on enough pain meds to put down a horse with no break.The only thing that seems to give a little relief is my trusty electric blanket,Any body else hear anything like this,or any other info would be great. thanks Jule

I had RFA. I had pain that lasted several weeks afterward- I was reassured by my PM that it is pretty normal. Indeed the pain cleared up and the RFA gave me pain relief that lasted several months.

I am interested to get the results of my latest scans to see to see if my facet joints are actually showing wear already.

I just had a RF about 3wks ago. I have had no relief. It is worse. What do I do next?