Patient Stories: Isolation Causing Pain Finds Relief

Patient Afton J. shares her story:

I have end stage bilateral petellofemoral arthritis. My knees have bothered me for years, but I had been able to remain very active despite the minor pain they caused me.

I began to have excruciating pain suddenly, where I was unable to walk without feeling tortured. I began to no longer [be able to] extend my knee against gravity without feeling sharp pain. The pain in my knees made day to day activities seem impossible. I could not walk down steps or downhill without being very uncomfortable. Exercise became torture and it had always been my favorite hobby.

I began to feel very isolated from my own life due to the debilitating pain I was feeling.

Dr. Richard Coursey at Mckee Medical Center discussed Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) with me after injections in my knee offered me no relief.

After being treated by Dr. Coursey, I can do normal daily functions without feeling tortured. I still do feel pain, but it is much more manageable.

Dr. Coursey and all of the Interventional Radiology staff are extraordinary.

They made me feel extremely comfortable and they were very supportive during the process.

RFA is a really great option for people who suffer from arthritic pain in knees, hips, and back. You can improve your quality of life by doing this procedure. It was very simple and quick to do as a patient and I had zero down time, post-procedure.