I have heard a lot of talk about "gangleon (sp) blocks". I am, tomorrow, seeing my first RSD Specialist/Pain Specialist. And, should this be a course of treatment that he recommends, I sort of would like to know "what I am in for." After a very painful arthrogram, and NVS nerve tests, I am quite frightened of needles, and well, above all (and, aren't we all) of pain; or further pain I should say.

Can anyone offer me some feedback on the following questions:

1. How is this block preformed? Where is the injection site, or, are there multiple injection sites? Are you awake during the proceedure? If so, how painful, truly, is it. If you are asleep when it is being done, how much pain are you in when the proceedure has been completed?

2. How much pain relief, post-proceedure does it provide (I know it probably ranges from one individual to another)? How long does this relief, if there is a good success rate of pain relief, does the relief last? How frequently do you have to go back, on average, if this is required, to get them done again?

3. What other type of proceedures are done by an RSD specialist to provide pain relief in Stages I and Stages II.?

thanks for taking the time to read this and give any honest feedback possible based on your own experiences. you are appreciated!