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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> RF...Been there, done that 
        
(Message started by: UnsolvedEquation on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 10:36pm)

Title: RF...Been there, done that
Post by UnsolvedEquation on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 10:36pm

They actually called it RFG, Radio Frequency Generator. It was virtually painless (I was given a medicine which causes temporary amnesia). Anyways...2 needles guided by an x-ray machine were placed into my neck (L C2-C3). Once they were inserted, electrical current was sent through to stimulate the nerves so the doctor could pinpoint exactly which nerves to be microwaved, I had to tell them where I was feeling the electricity, when the nerves were located, I was put to sleep and the nerves were 'microwaved'...which is supposed to 'stop pain signals from reaching the brain'. The nerves targeted were the Facet nerves. The doctors were at a disagreement about weather to do the Facet nerves or the Occipital nerves. I'm now on a 'wait and see' if it worked or not. Chronic for 3 years, I hope it worked. If not...they want to target the Occipital nerves next. If still no good results are achieved...I will be one of the First people in the world to get a stimulator device that is supposed the control chronic pain from 'Advance Bionics'...their site is at http://www.advancedbionics.com/aboutus/mission.html. Nobody has had this stimulator device yet. Only 10 people will be able to try this at first and I have been picked. 5 will be picked from MHNI and the other 5 from a California headache speciality hospital that I don't know about.
I'm doing okay for now...still shadowing just a little (kip 2). The full effects of the RFG are supposed to be within 2 - 6 weeks. I'm glad I did it and I pray it will help. I'll keep you all posted and Thanks EVERYONE for your support and prayers !!

Special thanks to MAST for your care package ! :) It's people like you that make me keep my head up high !

PS. My neck has to black holes in it ...I look like I've been bit by a vampire !! lol

Gosh...I hope this procedure helped !

~Unsolved~ (maybe)

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Woobie on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 10:44pm

WOW!!
I know you said that it was "virtually painless".. but it sure does SOUND painful.

I also hope it works!!! Wouldn't that be sumthin if it works.. and it's "virtually painless"?? That would be a Godsend for a lot of people.

I'm sending vibes to you ...

Just oughta curiosity - does insurance cover this procedure??

Praying for you!!!!
Tina :-*

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Artie on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 10:45pm

Hi UE,

Glad to see you are back and doing ok. Hope it worked!!! wishing you pain free days and nights! Diana

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by UnsolvedEquation on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 10:50pm

It was probably painless cause of the medicine I was given. I just don't remember any pain. My neck is a little stiff that's all. And yes my insurance did cover it. I couldn't have had it any other way. It cost over $10,000 I know.

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by goaway on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 10:50pm

PFDANTYAY!!

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Zonie on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 11:33pm

on 09/23/03 at 22:50:15, UnsolvedEquation wrote:

Hurray for you. I had been checking the boards tonite to hear from you. In fact you can ignore my post on the Meds/Treatments Board. I had checked here earlier and thought that maybe you would be over there.

Anyway, I'm glad that it's behind you and I, as well as all of us, am so anxious to see how it works. Undoubtedly you have great insurance...mine won't even get me oxygen.

Again, I'm very thankful that things went well for you and hopefully this will be the beginning of a new "pain free" life. Good Luck and here comes a big ole ATTABOY your way.

Title: first hand
Post by rumplestiltskin on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 11:50pm

THANKS SO MUCH

Please continue your updates here. I consider first hand reports like this worth gold. Please send us any other patients involved, if ya run into them, and if they want to come here and help others.

I think a lot of us here want to hear all the details as you go along.

Wage peace
den

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Carla_Comiter on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 11:57pm

Michael,

I'm thrilled to hear that your procedure went so well. You are like a pioneer for the rest of us, pretty brave, actually.

I'm honored to be part of your CH family. Keep us posted and let us know if you need anything.

Carla

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by TxBasslady on Sep 24^th, 2003, 1:32am

;)

I thought about you today, Michael..........

Glad to know that all is ok. 8)

Sending ya lotz pf pf vibes.......

Jean

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Woobie on Sep 24^th, 2003, 1:35am

WOW

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Sep 24^th, 2003, 2:11am

yeah, what woobie said...wow!!

I'm sitting here with my eyes open WIDE!!!

Thanks so much for the update EU and please let us know how it goes.

I'm sending the BIGGEST vibes that this works for you!!!

good luck and you are very welcome :)
Mast

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by OneEyeBlind on Sep 24^th, 2003, 5:01am

Glad to hear everything went well. Now sending vibes that it works and gives you everlasting PFDAN's !

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Prense on Sep 24^th, 2003, 8:02am

Any side effects to this UE? Thanks for the update and please keep us posted. I hope it works for you!

Chris

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Cerberus on Sep 24^th, 2003, 10:13am

WOW.......another woobie-ism,

I'm with them it really sounds painfull, even if you say it ain't......good grief.
Lotsa luck to ya.......hope its the beginning of the end for you.

Ramon

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Melissa on Sep 24^th, 2003, 10:34am

Will be keeping positive thoughts for you Unsolved!

I really do hope this gives you the much needed relief for your poor aching head! http://forum.lowcarber.org/images/smilies/pftroest.gif

Keep us posted!
:)mel

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by fubar on Sep 24^th, 2003, 11:59am

Even *if* it doesn't work (any of those treatments), it's progress. Thank you for letting the doctors 'practice' on you. That takes guts, even if you are motivated by the hellish pain we live with. Way to go my man!

-Fu

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by stevegeebe on Sep 24^th, 2003, 1:05pm

UE,

I pray that your bravery is matched with as much success. Keep that sprit.

Carla and Fu...could not be more on point.

Steve G

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by Jackie on Sep 24^th, 2003, 1:10pm

Bless your heart, UE.....you, Sir, are a brave soul. We're proud of you!! Keep us posted, please.

Good Luck,
Jacks 8)

Title: Re: RF...Been there, done that
Post by TxBasslady on Sep 24^th, 2003, 1:18pm

:)

How ya doin, Michael ????

Hope all is ok with you today, sweetie. ;)

Jean