Bursitis, what are the options?

My orthopedic surgeon is great but has a big ego (surprise there), but it would take me about another two weeks or more to get results from the orthopedic surgeon and I am just in too much pain NOW and this radio frequency procedure is something they want to put on the books as a new procedure for pain management, so I will let them fill their ego's for now. (I love to watch these doctors ego's) but seriously I will investigate further. Thanks, will keep you informed.

Had another radio frequency procedure but to the hip for bursitis by my pain management doctor, who is really trying everything he can, I give him credit. Since the radio frequency procedure is new for bursitis he was leery to actually burn the nerve so he 'stretched it'. I also had a series of 7 steroid shots along my areas of pain. Here is is one week later and my pain levels are about a 5 out of 10. He recommended this Voltaren Gel and I have to admit this stuff worked especially at night. I could become very addicted to this gel BUT I follow the directions accordingly. I have been the route with NSAID pills and I have tried most of everything. (Celebrex I like but it is very hard for me to get. My family doctor's hospital will not cover Celebrex in their formulary dept.) I have to get a special appt with my pain management doctor to get Celebrex because of my constant flow of NSAID medications. I have a double refill on this Voltaren Gel and it seems to work. Pain level is down with relief from this gel and so far so good, better than the procedure. I will keep you all informed and thanks for the support. It makes a mental difference to know and to gain an education from all of you. Thank you!

Then we have my pain management doctor, who appears new in his field (I can tell, I have been to enough doctors), but my pm doctor has now resorted to the Neurostimulation Therapy (Spinal Cord stimulator), but at least he is willing to try something! I had my last series of steroid shots with little relief. Since the Bursa is not a muscle, surgery in this area is NEW to most of these doctors who have little medical information about surgery to this area. I have no choice except to try this stimulator and hope for the best while I research more doctors. I have a full week ahead of me to make decisions and try new treatments but at least I feel that there is someone who really believes in my pain and is doing all he can to help. Thanks for listening everyone and I will be in touch with what I have learned.

This team listened and did a great job. I am very happy with the results. I am walking again although the muscles do not like this 'shock therapy'. I know the nerves grow back but I am hoping to get a 'run' on keeping them active. So far so good and it feels good to brag for a change after all the poor treatment I have received in the past. Have a lot of physical therapy ahead of me but looking forward to having this opportunity. Thanks for listening and for all your support.

I'd like to ask you about the VA, if I may? My husband and I are both Air Force. He served 20 years, then retired and I served 5 years, then separated due to pregnancy. So he and I both use TRICARE for insurance. I am disabled, so I also have Medicare as my primary insurance. Recently we both received in the mail a request to file for VA benefits, because of the Affordable Care Act. I certainly don't want VA insurance, as providers all around me take Medicare. But my husband might, as military facikities are some 40 miles each way from here. It sounds like you thought the VA was top notch? Are you near a big facility? Was it nice, doctor's skilled and so on? Did you have to pay any copays? I'd appreciate any info you could give me. And I'll be interested to hear about your SCS as well. I love mine - it takes away some 30-40% of my pain. I had to have it all replaced this past January as all the electrodes on the leads were going bad. I had tons of scar tissue and evidently while trying to navigate through it some nerves were damaged. I shreiked like a wild animal in pain all night, then don't remember the next week. Had a tough time! Evidently electrodes quitting like that is pretty rare. Be sure to go to the Race Against Pain website - the "Experience with Treatments" area and have them tell you all the ways you should be careful moving - as in no bending, lifting, stretching or twisting. I bought myself a nice TLSO back brace, and it has helped. Some 20% of people have problems from their leads migrating, and if you don't move much for 3 months that problem is greatly lessened, as scar tissue forms an holds it in place. Best of luck with you!! EJ23