As the holiday season approaches, I find myself preparing for two more lumbar ablation procedures with Dr. Pines. On November 25, I'll be addressing the left side in three places, followed by the right side on December 19, also in three places. These procedures mirror the ones I had earlier this year in January and February, which brought significant relief from the back pain that often limited my home and activities.
Lumbar ablation, also known as radiofrequency ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure where heat generated by radio waves is used to target and deactivate specific nerves in the lumbar spine. This process interrupts the pain signals sent to the brain, providing significant and often long-lasting relief from chronic back pain. The procedure involves inserting needles to deliver the radiofrequency energy. While you remain awake and receive only minimal anesthesia, the experience is not particularly painful. It's mostly uncomfortable and can be likened to pinches and bee stings. In fact, wisdom tooth extraction is typically more painful.
Reflecting on the past year, I realize just how much these procedures have improved my quality of life. The relief from chronic pain has allowed me to engage in activities, from simple household chores to more enjoyable hobbies and outings. It's incredible how a targeted medical intervention can make such a difference in daily living.
Interestingly, Terry will also be undergoing lumbar ablation in December, but with a different doctor. It's comforting to know we're both taking steps toward better health and pain management, even if our paths diverge slightly in terms of medical providers. We're supporting each other through these experiences.
As we gear up for these upcoming appointments, there's a mix of anticipation and gratitude. The journey through pain management isn't always easy, but having experienced the benefits earlier this year, I'm optimistic about the future. Here's to hoping these next procedures will be just as effective, allowing us both to continue enjoying life with less pain and more freedom.
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