Wellness

[pdlinda]

I have spinal stenosis that is prominent in my right

lower-back area.

For the last year, my pain mgt doc (very excellent) gave me 3 epidural injections that helped. 

Between the 3rd and 4th epidural, the doc introduced the subject of doing an ablation procedure on me. 

There were 2 mandatory "numbing injections" that I took that were mandated by Medicare in preparation for the ablation procedure.  However, I was hesitant to do the actual procedure because I would have to be sedated with Propofol.

After the 2 "numbing" injections, I experienced no improvement in symptoms.  A few weeks ago I received the 4th epidural injection that I'm entitled to each year.

At this point, my symptoms (pain) seem to be worse than before I took the first epidural injection.

As a result, I'm again thinking about the ablation procedure.

Has anyone personally or anyone you know had success with ablation?

As an aside, I've had 3 joints replaced, 2 hips and 1 knee.  In each case I had the kind of pain I'm experiencing now with my back.  HOWEVER, once the surgeries were done, I had full, painless function with all 3 joints.

In the case of my back, IT CAN'T BE REPLACED so I have to reconcile myself to receiving ongoing and continuing treatment to manage the condition.

Thanks so much for giving me any info that will be useful for me to decide whether or not to try ablation.

[Carmie]

I have never had ablation, but I wonder why you're hesitant in receiving propofol.  This drug is used for a lot of procedures.

I have had it for colonoscopies and even total knee replacement.  You might have had it in the past without even knowing.  It's a pretty standard sedation.

[pdlinda]

I received general anaesthesia with the 3 joint replacements so maybe propofol was part of the mix?  My knee was replaced in 2019.

Would you please tell me when the effects of the propofol on your cognitive abilities resolved and you were back to your normal mental functioning?

Thanks so much.

[jackthebear]

I think propofol is used because it is quick acting and you wake up quickly

OP should discuss with her MD

[CelticCrafter]

---

@pdlinda wrote:

I have spinal stenosis that is prominent in my right

lower-back area.

For the last year, my pain mgt doc (very excellent) gave me 3 epidural injections that helped. 

Between the 3rd and 4th epidural, the doc introduced the subject of doing an ablation procedure on me. 

There were 2 mandatory "numbing injections" that I took that were mandated by Medicare in preparation for the ablation procedure.  However, I was hesitant to do the actual procedure because I would have to be sedated with Propofol.

After the 2 "numbing" injections, I experienced no improvement in symptoms.  A few weeks ago I received the 4th epidural injection that I'm entitled to each year.

At this point, my symptoms (pain) seem to be worse than before I took the first epidural injection.

As a result, I'm again thinking about the ablation procedure.

Has anyone personally or anyone you know had success with ablation?

As an aside, I've had 3 joints replaced, 2 hips and 1 knee.  In each case I had the kind of pain I'm experiencing now with my back.  HOWEVER, once the surgeries were done, I had full, painless function with all 3 joints.

In the case of my back, IT CAN'T BE REPLACED so I have to reconcile myself to receiving ongoing and continuing treatment to manage the condition.

Thanks so much for giving me any info that will be useful for me to decide whether or not to try ablation.

---

@pdlinda that ablation procedure did not work for my mother-in-law.

[Kachina624]

@pdlinda.  I had the. Ablation procedure about 10 or 12 years ago by a pain mgmt specialist.  I went numerous times, I don't remember how many, always having to have a friend drive me home.

After all that, I had no relief whatsoever, and continue to be in constant pain, only worse, today.  I've tried everthing suggested.  Surgery is not an option for me.

[Carmie]

I never had any side effects from Propofol.  When I woke up I was back to normal immediately.

BTW, I get terribly sick on other types of anesthesia.  I had my wisdom  teeth removed at 8 am and the oral surgery center closed at 5 pm and I was still there as sick as a dog and my blood pressure was low.  They were getting ready to call an ambulance for me to take me to the ER because they wanted to go home for the day and I was too sick to move.

There are other incidences as well.  I always wake up sick and throwing up.  I even did this after tonsil removal at age 33.  That wasn't fun.

Propofol seems to agree with me.  I always feel great when I come to, not feel sick or groggy.

[Kachina624]

@pdlinda.  I have a history of bad reactions to anesthesia but had propofol for a colonescopy.  It put mec to sleep instantly and when the reversal was done, I was wide awake and raring to go instantly with no residual effects.  It was so great, I asked if I could get an order "to go".  I was told no.

[jlkz]

@pdlinda 

With each colonoscopy, I had protocol...no delay in cognitive ability or functioning.

As posters have said here, clear wake up and quickly.

[manny2]

My son had the ablation procedure twice. He knew it might last 2–3 years and need repeating, but both times were successful