Hi Lefty,

I had 8 Stellate Ganglion blocks. Or was it 9? Anyway - I think the most important advice I can give you is to make sure you are with the best doc possible for one of those because the injection is made through the front of your neck all the way to the back of your neck into your spinal cord. Check that your doc is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management and has lots of experience, and only does the procedure with the help of a flouroscope.

Also - you may request that you be sedated (but not asleep) for the procedure. It makes it a little easier to tolerate. My doc gave me IV Versed for that. Afterwards you will need someone to drive you home.

The first few SGB I had gave me pain relief in the back of my head and my shoulder for 24-30 hours or so. After that, they didn't work as well. And at the end, after I had had RSD for a while, they may have even caused it to spread because I ended up with it in my leg. I'll never know for sure.... its all a crapshoot.

Good luck to you. I really hope you make out well!! Let me know if you have any other questions. XOXOX Sandy