PM appointment today

[slipnslide]

I had a PM appointment today to follow up on the RF's done on my hip & abdomen. My PM wasn't in today so I saw the PA (really nice and personable guy). He's stumped as to why the RF's didn't work this time around, and quite honestly, so am I! These nerves are "waking back up" more and more, day by day. The pain is becoming more consistent and more intense. He DID say that it could possibly take 6-8 weeks to tell if the RF's were a success or not, so I'm scheduled to go back in 4 weeks. In the mean time, he has upped my RX for Lortab from 7.5 to 10, and doubled my RX for the Keppra. The PA said that if the pain continues to increase and get's intolerable, to call and get in sooner than 4 weeks. I think it's awesome that they want to make sure it doesn't get out of hand, but unfortunately I already have episodes when it is paralyzing, and I can't even roll over. What I should have asked (hind-sight is a wonderful thing:rolleyes:) is "what else can be done for these nerves in the hip and abdomen?" I didn't even think to ask because he had said to give it a few more weeks to see if the RF worked.

Kim

[Nana4&cntn]

Kim,

I am sorry the RF still isn't working, I am happy to hear the PA was willing to help the pain and not poopoo you as some do.

When I met with the doc yesterday about the Facet blocks, he mentioned RF after the second block if they didn't work. I am going to be doing a bunch more research prior, as I have said before my old bod doesn't respond as most do.

I hope things kick in, if not get your hienie back in there!;)

[Kathi49]

Kim,

I am sorry too that you have been through so much. But glad they have upped your meds. :) I hope you can get relief and much needed sleep.

[lobelsteve]

Is this the correct diagnosis?
Did they miss on the RF?
Did you get sensory and motor thresholds tried before they number you up for the RF?
RF for peripheral nerves is an uncommon procedure and is not well studied.
I like alcohol for neurolysis better than phenol and prefer both to RF. I'd do a pulsed RF on a peripheral nerve especially if it has a motor component.

Food for thought.

[slipnslide]

Steve, Is what the correct diagnosis?...:confused:

I believe they didn't miss, I felt that vibration/static feeling in all the right places each time they placed the needle close to the nerve, and it was in the same places I have pain. The final one even illicited the same intense pain that keeps me from sleeping, so I'm assuming he didn't miss. And....pardon my ignorance, but could you explain to me what you were saying in your last two sentence:confused::o

Thanks,

Kim,
___________________________
Kathi,

To be quite honest, I'm not happy about the meds. Yeah I need them, but it's not the direction I want to be going in right now.:rolleyes: I'm just so discouraged and disappointed with this whole deal right now.:(

Thanks,

Kim
____________________________

Kathy,

I hope they work better for you than they are for me right now;). I know how well it can work since I got great relief the first time around, that's what doesn't make sense, they did the exact same procedure to the exact same nerves, but it's not getting rid of the pain:(. I hope you find something that works, if you do, let me know;).

Thanks,

Kim

[slipnslide]

Is this the correct diagnosis?

Did you get sensory and motor thresholds tried before they number you up for the RF?
Food for thought.
One more thing Steve, is that where they turn it up slowly until you feel that vibration feeling along that nerves distribution?

[Mark N]

Slipnslide, sorry the RF hasn't worked yet but it is good they are aware you may need in sooner than four weeks. Even though you don't like the increase in meds at least they are trying to get your pain under control.

[slipnslide]

Mark,

I agree about them trying to keep the pain under control, but...lol...I wonder what good it would do to go in earlier if the pain "gets out of hand". The reason I am questioning this is: 1) it's already out of control and that is why I've repeatedly been willing to let them stick long needles in my belly to begin with:rolleyes:.....2) the RF's are the best treatment they can offer apparently, otherwise they would have tried something different after the last failed RF (or at least I would think so;)) ....3) The only other thing I'm aware of at this point that would actually make me not feel this pain would be for them to take a mallot and bop me over the head, and knock me out when I hobble through the door!:D;):p

I'm just thinking out loud here, if there was more they could do, wouldn't they have done it by now?:confused:

Thanks,

Kim

[lobelsteve]

Your case is too difficult and too protracted to be adequately addressed in an internet forum. Ask your doc to send you out for a second opinion- not treatment or transfer of care, just for a second opinion.

Getting a fresh set of eyes on something is always a good idea.

[Domzy]

Kim,

I feel bad for you! It sounds like you have been thru the wringer! I too am glad that your doctor is willing to treat your pain. You sound like me, with the trepidation in taking the meds. Maybe you can just call the doctor's office and let them know what is going on. I know some of our patients do that and the doctor is more than willing to listen!

Take care, I hope you feel better.

Kathy

[Mark N]

Kim, Steve is right about needing new eyes to look at your situation if you want something more than new meds. I have dealt with my situation so long I was willing to go with opiate medication to handle my pain but you may not be there yet. It will take a new doctor, second opinion, to see what else could help your situation. Good luck with whatever course you take. I agree your current doctor would have already done something else if he had a better idea. His ideas may be the best ideas but getting a second opinion will verify that if he is right. It gets frustrating doesn't it. It would be nice if our bodies were like cars and they could plug us up to a machine and our computers would tell it what is wrong so the doctor would know what action to take.

[slipnslide]

Thank you all.:) I've been away because one of my best friends husband passed in his sleep and she was devastated. I've been with her since it occurred. I'm hoping to have things return to some form of normal by the weekend, then I will have more time to think about posts without feeling so overwhelmed.

[Kathi49]

Kim,

I am soooo sorry to hear this. This wasn't Donna's husband was it? And bless you for being such a good friend. I can understand your feeling overwhelmed. I did leave you a post last night on another thread regarding the pics of my cervical spine. I know it is beside the point right now, but they are ready for you to look at...whenever you are ready. I just need your email address again...of course later on. And again, I am very, very sorry to hear this about your friend's husband. :(

[Mark N]

Kim, I am sorry to hear about your friend's husband. It is good she has such a good friend like you. Get back when you can.

[Nana4&cntn]

Kim,

I am so sorry for your friend and I am glad you are there for her. You are a good friend!! I can only imagine the stress and trauma she is going through. You are a wonderful friend and should stay as long as you can. I am sure your support is a huge amount of help to her.

Take care,
Kathy