Originally Posted by bbpoolgurl

Hopeful,
I have had 17 left lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks for my RSD- is this the type of nerve block that your doctor is suggesting? There are several different types, that's why I am asking.

It's a minor procedure, and you are not put out, only light sedation, so you don't "freak out". My procedures last about 45 minutes, but I have heard that is a long time, and my doctor told me my lumbars don't always like to cooperate, plus my BP doesn't always cooperate either (it drops suddenly, and I have low BP to begin with), so sometimes we have to play with the drugs before we can even start!

While it's outpatient and a minor procedure, it's no walk in the park either. It's a 12 inch long needle that goes in from your side, all the way up to your spine and the nerve. If you are only beginning them, then you won't have to worry about scarring in the muscles and all that- that's when it really starts to hurt me, because she has "pop" through the scarring to get to where she needs to be. It's uncomfortable, sometimes really painful, but they give you IV pain meds to help.

For me, the beginning ones helped tremendously. Then, the effect started to wear off. Now, I usually only have them if I am flaring- they do wonders for me of getting me out of the flare-up, and bringing me back down to "normal". Sometimes, the relief is longer than others, and I have had two which have brought my pain levels down enough that I was able to be off meds and working. So, there is something to be said for it.

If you are really thinking about doing them, I cannot recommend my doctor enough. She is WONDERFUL and known for doing Nerve Blocks. Dr. Ginger Chiang, of Delaware Back Pain. Really, she's awesome, and I cannot recommend her enough if you are planning on going this route.

Let me know what you decide, and feel free to PM me if you have more in depth questions. Good luck with whatever you choose!