Radiofrequency Rhizotomies

[pzad]

Has anyone had this surgery? I am scheduled to have this done on June 18th by Dr. Schwartz at Sunnybrook and would appreciate any feedback about this. I an 55 years old and after 2 1/2 years of pain I finally got some answers as to what I actually have and am having this surgery. The pain was getting so bad, that there were times that when a shock hit would hit and my whole right cheek would visibly twitch. If I was outside and there was a small breeze I would be paralized. Lyrica and Tegritol did not help. Not being able to eat was the tough part and I lost 30 I finally quit my job as i was missing so much work, and when I could function, I was in pain at work and found it hard to conentrate. I am on now Gabapentin 300mg, 3 pills in the morning, 2 in the afternoon and 2 at night. I have been on this for almost 2 months and have only had a few very small shocks...just enough to remind me that it is still lurking there.
thank you.

[Jan]

Hi.  I know of a couple of people who have had a radiofrequency Rhizotomy and I will see if I can get someone to talk to you about it.  It seems that it is far more popular a choice in the USA than here in Canada.  When I was at the TNA conferences in Portland and Detroit, lots of folks had had that - but here in Canada I only know a few.

There is lots of information on the internet and if you have trouble finding the links, let me know and I'll see if I can make a list for you.

There also a section in the Striking Back book. 

All the Rhizotomies share some features - about the same results for the same length of time.  If you are one of the lucky ones you should be feeling a lot better by June 19th.

Please keep in touch

[Jan]

Hi I have a name and phone number for you - I'll send a personal message.

I also know one fellow in Regina who had that procedure but have not been able to contact him to pass along your name.  Another fellow in Calgary had the radiofrequency thing done in Ontario - but again I'm having trouble reaching him.

I added your question to our June 1 Newsletter so I might get some more feedback.

Jan

[Jan]

I have another response for you:


I'm finally spurred on to send my TN story.
In July 2009 I underwent the Radiofrequency Percutaneous Rhizotomy surgery at Vancouver General Hospital.  Dr. Christopher Honey performed the successful surgery that has given me my life back.  I no longer am debilitated by the constant piercing pain of TN.
In early May 2008 I had my teeth cleaned ultrasonically.  This is what triggered the onset of the TN pain.  I had experienced previous sharp tinges of what was to come for a few years previously.  My family doctor diagnosed the TN on my initial visit with my face contorted in pain.  I have many drug allergies.  Was prescribed Tegretol initially, but reacted negatively to that and was then prescribed Gabapenten.  I took one dose at night and the next morning upon arising went into anaphylactic shock and was taken to hospital by ambulance and kept under observation.  They suspected I'd had a stroke as the right side of my face was paralyzed by the Tn.  My heart was fine.  The only relief I experienced until the surgery was from occasionally applying a topical ointment that contained a local anesthetic.
Akira H.
Vernon,BC