I recovered well after my 3rd hip surgery in 2022. However, my Left SI joint is just not having it. I continue to see my pain management doctor every month, and receive SI joint injections every 3-6 months. In early 2023 My pain management doctor referred me to a spine specialist who offered to do a SI joint fusion.
So I went to my hip surgeon who did the osteotomy, and he was not a fan of this. Stating it could affect the surrounding joints and my pain level could even increase. Ugh! He sent me to another hip surgeon, Dr. Wells, who is the replacement of my 2nd hip surgeon who retired, Dr. Martin. Hard to keep track, right!? To many cooks in the kitchen. However, he agreed that no SI joint fusion at this time, especially since it is irreversible.
So, what then? Well, my insurance actually approved a radio frequency ablation (RFA) of my left SI nerve.
A radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is a procedure that uses radio waves to heat and destroy nerves. These nerves carry pain signals from the injured sacroiliac joint to the brain.
I underwent RFA in Aug 2023 and did fairly well afterwards. I was able to cut back on frequency of pain medications and had about 6 months of some relief. This was at least better than the 2 months relief I experienced with steroid injections.
I was referred to a physical medicine physician at UTSW by my hip surgeon, Dr. Wells. He recommends trying the SPRINT nerve stimulator.
It will be a temporary device, in for 60 days. However, I can’t be submerged in water during that time, so I am waiting until after the Summer season.
I am currently sitting in preop. It is time for another SI joint injection. It is really bad and I have waited way too long. I probably should have requested it a month ago. I am really suffering. Believe it or not, my good right hip SI joint really hurts. I think I have been overdoing my right hip since I have been babying my left hip. Therefore, Dr. Heil will be performing bilateral (both) SI joint injections. Hopefully this will give me some relief until my next intervention.
Prayers 🙏🏻 are always appreciated. I try to always 😀 smile, but I am always in 😣 pain. My family sees it more than anyone, since I just can’t physically do much when I get home from work. It is a challenge everyday, but I won’t let this knock me down. I will continue to search for solutions.
Living with Chronic Pains 