Tens or burning damaged nerves?

janet54
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Hi,I am new to this group and would like to hear if anyone has had experience with any of these 2 procedures.I am a lung cancer survivor of 1yr.7months.I had the old barbaric lobectomy,upper right lobe removed.I dealt with the "nerve pain"until a few months ago when the pain felt as though a knife was stabbing me,I can hardly breathe sometimes.I take the usual pain meds.Fentynal patch(200mcg)alternate morphine(15mg.)&Dilaudid(2mg).The pain Doc I just started seeing wants to do a tens procedure,I have to take a short class 1st. I am not able to do the corti-steroid nerve block so I have had 1 trial of just numbing the area with a fluoroscope,doing a 2nd. on mon.He said he has to get the precise spot because he is using something to burn the nerve.Unsure but something like fent,or phent? PLEASE,some advice,input,info, would be greatly appreciated.I want to get away from the narc. meds.but the pain gets so bad,i truely want to take the whole bottle of pills!I never would,but I am sure many of you can relate.Thanks so much! Bless you all,Janet

2 replies

KateG
  • By KateG
  • Posted October 15, 2008 at 9:48 am

I've had something called "facet nerve denervation" or something like that. The doctor burned the nerve endings at three levels on either side of my spine the first time and just the right side the second time. it didn't work for me. it's uncomfortable but i'm so used to procedures that i just hang on till it's over. so basically i've had everything done for my spine. but the fusion has created too much damage now, 20 years later, so i'm strictly on pain meds. "tens" is a term i only know from physical therapy. it's electrical stimulation and that worked. i have my own "tens" machine but don't use it. any help? kate.

janet54
  • By janet54
  • Posted October 17, 2008 at 8:16 pm

Thanks Kate,it did help. I did go through with the injections of phenol,it did not work either and hurt like heck,but,as with you ,I white knuckled it. Went to the "class"about the unit which is'nt the tens but is similar in theory.To me this was more of a sales pitch than anything. They put the unit under your skin and leave electrodes on the skin but covered. If it works you have a surgeon implant the entire unit close to the spine and electrodes implanted where needed.The battery stays active for 9 yrs.Prior to all of this you have to be cleared by a pyschiatrist.I plan on a 2nd opinion.Ever hear of this? the rep. said it's been around since the 70's.I will stay in touch. thanks, Janet

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