Radiofrrequency What??

My husband just called me a grumpy cat. All because I wasn't happy that he blamed me for losing an MRI bill that HE misplaced. The bill was paid but the MRI people owe us $154 that we overpaid and they haven't sent us a refund. Big fucking deal! They will send it when they get around to it. Just give them time.

Anywho, It's beautiful today and nothing is going to ruin it. I have lots to catch up on. There are oodles of blogs to read that I haven't had time to read last week. I was busy running all kinds of errands and buying shit before tomorrow.

I'm having a Radiofrequency Ablation done on both sides of my lumbar spinal area. The pain in my lower back has gotten worse and it's been hard to sit, stand, or walk. So tomorrow I will be getting this done. I have a little explanation if you want to know how the doctor will perform this.

What Happens During Radiofrequency Ablation

An intravenous (IV) line will be started before the procedure begins. It will be used to give the patient drugs to make the procedure more comfortable and to calm fears. The area will be carefully cleaned and numbed before the IV line is inserted.

During the procedure, the patient needs to be alert to help the doctor to correctly place the electrode used during the ablation procedure.

The doctor will use X-rays to guide twin, insulated needles to the proper place next to the nerve. A tiny electrode is placed inside the needle. A small radiofrequency current is directed to the medial branch nerve of the joint capsule for 60 to 90 seconds. The radiofrequency waves make heat. This destroys the nerve tissue that is sending the pain signals to the brain.

The procedure is done with sterile technique to minimize the risk of infection.
After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area. The nurses will monitor you and be sure you do not have an allergic reaction. You will be allowed to leave once you are stable.

You should rest for about 24 hours. During that time you should not drive a car.

You may feel more pain for several days after the procedure. Your doctor may give you additional pain relieving medications until this goes away. There may be some swelling or bruising where the needle was inserted. A cold pack will help reduce the swelling.

Via:
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Pain-Center/Head-and-Neck-Pain/Cervical-Block---Radiofrequency-Ablation.aspx

I've had this done before, but it always feels different. So I have been told to take it easy after the procedure. No dancing, jumping through hoops, running the 5K, picking up elephants, etc... I'm to lie down with an ice pack and take it easy for 24 hours. Then I can pick up that elephant. Really, I know what I'm supposed to do. So I will really take it easy and behave myself, or David will beat me, hurt me, and make me write bad checks.