Quote:
Originally Posted by llrn7470
Hi all-I am new to the board and new to CRPS. I have just been diagnosed about three weeks ago after elective knee surgery and a nerve block for anesthesia (or lack there of, in my case). Anyway, my PMR doc is pushing for a sympathetic nerve block. Ironically, I am a neurosurgical ICU nurse by trade, so I am not afraid of the procedure itself. I am afraid of what it may or may not do for my condition. Any experiences or suggestions? Just got off steroids and am being trialed on Neurontin and Lyrica with Ultram-my mental state is shot due to all of these medications and all I can be is afraid. Hope someone feels like being the voice of reason for me.
Thanks for giving me a safe place to talk about this incredibly crappy condition with those who can relate.
Lori Lee  |
LoriLee
There should be relatively little harm if you have the block done by an experienced and competent anaesthetist. However, some people do have massive, ongoing problems after routine blocks are done. For others, although they have a diagnostic benefit, they have little or no therapeutic benefit. It is all well and good to have these blocks done quickly after diagnosis but it doesn't automatically follow that it will make any differencve for you (it didn't for me).
Make sure you are happy with the person doing your block, discuss the risks and benefits beforehand and do what you think is right for you. The liklihood is that if it is done properly it won't do you any harm and if you are fortunate it may give you some relief.