Hi MSMD,

Just to clarify an IV Lidocaine infusion treatment is not the same thing as a beir block using lidocaine.

The IV lidocaine treatment is given intravenously, in my case they insert the IV in my hand, give me a 100 mg bolus and then add 700 mg to the saline solution bag, the infusion runs over 2 hours. We must be monitored on a heart monitor during the infusion. My pm Dr. got the protocols from Dr. S in Philadelphia.

I have very quick relief of pain and my range of motion returns immediately. Typically other than feeling tired I feel like I could dance on my toes all the way out of the hospital. It also helps my brain, as typically I find I'm right back to being able to think and speak clearly. This lasts me for about 2 weeks than it is like a battery wearing down. There does not seem to be any long term side effects with taking this.

Because of the large number of RSD patients my pm Dr. is now treating with lidocaine he has started to administer the lidocaine subcutaneously with a small inexpensive pump (it looks like a baby bottle). It doesn't need to be monitored on a heart monitor and the patient is sent home with it. The subcutaneous infusion runs for about 8 hours. I tried it twice but I feel I have better results with the IV method so despite my doctors efforts to switch me onto that he finally agreed to continue with what works best for me. Other RSD patients find it works just as well as the IV. This method of deliver is allowing the pain team here to treat more patients and at a lower cost.

I don't believe there are many long term studies that have been published about this, most likely because it is not going to make anyone the big $$$ like ketamine is starting to do.

You are right RSD is like a jack in the box and it does suck! Mainly it is not one of the "Sexy" diseases that attracts enough bright minds and money for research. I think that is starting to change but slowly.

Wishing you and your family well.

MsL