Avez-vous déjà entendu parler ou subi la technique de l’ablation par radiofréquence pour soulager la douleur ? J’ai une lésion du labrum de la hanche et mon médecin me recommande cette méthode comme alternative possible à la chirurgie. La zone concernée est dans l’aine et il est difficile d’imaginer l’insertion d’aiguilles à travers lesquelles passent des ondes radio pendant jusqu’à 90 secondes. Mais si quelqu’un a déjà ressenti une réduction ou une disparition de la douleur grâce à cette méthode, veuillez me le faire savoir. Je suis assez méfiant et je demande un deuxième avis.
Hi Paula
I've been getting frequency abalation lesioning done on my neck and back for the past 6 years. I usually opt for sedation when getting my back done, but I don't get any sedation for my neck. I get huge relief from it... though I'm not getting as long out of it as I used to. I'd definitely recommend getting it done. I had really bad sciatica for the past 2 months to the point I was walking with a limp. I had bruises down the back of my leg from digging in, trying to relieve the pain. I had the procedure done last Thursday and I got immediate relief. It can take 4 weeks to get the full benefit of the procedure but I see a huge improvement already.
Opt for sedation if you can but if they don't offer it to you, don't worry.. you'll be fine. I would definitely recommend trying it. You've nothing to lose and everything to gain. Best of luck with whatever you decide
Bonjour Jen,
Merci pour les informations. Avez-vous déjà entendu parler de cette procédure pratiquée sur la hanche ? Combien de temps dure une « séance » (?) ? Quel type de sédation envisagez-vous – des comprimés comme le valium ou une sédation intraveineuse ? Je suis si heureux d’avoir trouvé quelqu’un qui connaît cela et qui a de l’expérience. Merci.
Hi paula
I personally have never had it on my hip but I assume it involves the same type of procedure.
The procedure doesn't take long at all.. I'm usually in and out in 15-20mins. My first one was the longest, I guess because I was nervous and I didn't know what to do (what position to be in) and I was asking a lot of questions lol.
For me, the area is disinfected and local anaesthetic is injected. Then they insert the ports (near the nerve/nerves that are causing the pain) and wire is fed through that. This wire is heated and steroids and local anaesthetic are injected to help minimise pain and swelling afterwards. A dressing is put on the injection site and then I'm good to go... Till the next time :-)
I have only been sedated buy injection.. I'm not sure what it is... But i assume valium or something like it. It's enough to knock me out for a few mins.
When are you due to have the procedure?
Lors de la visite précédant la RFA, je dois aller me faire administrer une injection d'une certaine sorte, qui est censée être un diagnostic ou une méthode pour localiser la zone appropriée du traitement. Ensuite, je reviens une semaine plus tard pour le traitement réel. Je ne pense pas que cette procédure soit très courante pour mon problème – qui est diagnostiqué comme une déchirure du labrum de la hanche. Cela affecte la région de l'aine et est censé provoquer une douleur extrêmement perturbante dans mes jambes pendant la plupart des nuits. Je ne suis pas si sûr qu'ils soient liés, car j'ai également subi deux opérations pour des hernies discales qui ont endommagé mes nerfs et causé des dommages permanents. Une autre option pour la déchirure pourrait être une chirurgie arthroscopique pour la réparer. Honnêtement, cela dure depuis si longtemps avec tant d'étapes que j'ai envie de pleurer. C'est un rêve impossible de trouver un médecin qui adopte une vision à long terme et qui puisse également guider la gestion des symptômes. Peut-être que simplement l'injection de sédatif est la meilleure gestion possible.
You poor girl! It sounds as though you've been through the mill and are still going through it. I really feel for you Paula. There's nothing worse than having nerve pain...it's enough to drive anyone out of their mind!
The diagnostic, I think, is a deep injection of anaesthetic and steroid ... and if that gives you relief then the RFA should give you relief. My understanding of the whole thing is that the aim is to 'break' the signal going from the affected nerve to the brain so you won't feel the pain. The issue will still be there, you just won't feel it. I've been seeing my pain specialist for the last 7 years. I find the waiting to get the procedure the worst. The waiting list is months long here (and that's with private health insurance) so now when I'm having RFA done, I ask my pain specialist to make my next appointment ... for about 7-8months time. I can cancel / reschedule it if I don't need it, but at least I know I have a date in case I do.
I would recommend trying the RFA before the surgery but I guess it would depend on how bad the tear is. You might be better off having the tear repaired if they can do that.
I find the RFA works brilliantly for my sciatica. So hopefully it will work for your leg pain. I go from having constant pain down my leg and not being able to walk without a limp to being painfree and being able to walk for miles. It can take 4 weeks to work but I usually get a couple of years out of it. My neck pain is more complicated and while it helps, I don't get the same relief. It affects everyone differently and I really hope it works for you. It's living hell when you're living with pain everyday... It's hard, I know, but try to stay positive and keep pushing forward... and keep pushing your doctors to find the best solution for you. I wish you the best x
Great discription of the RFA procedure! I just had my lumbar spine done for the second time. I have 3 or 4 different issues going on there. The first ablation I had lasted close to 2 yrs. I think the average is 1 yr. if you'r lucky. I recommend this treatment to everyone with spine pain. The specialist will decide if you're a candidate for it. And as you mentioned, I was totally pain free after a week or two. It's truly a blessing for many people.