Hi again Karen--well, I am sorry that you have to WAIT, yet again, to see how your Pain doc wants to proceed...

So, it sounds like you did have the brachial block and the hospital and it did not help? Maybe I misunderstood...

The axillary block is done in the Doctor's office. The Doctor injects local anesthetic into the brachial artery which is located in the armpit.
Karen--when the procedure is done properly, your WHOLE ARM has NO FEELING--which means NO PAIN--NONE AT ALL (they could actually then do SURGERY on your arm, and you wouldn't even KNOW, that is how dead your arm goes)!

For me, Karen, these blocks last about 8-12 hours; I like to get them as LATE in the day as possible--that way, I can take advantage of NO PAIN in that arm, and at least get a better nite's sleep. I have noticed that it also helps break the "pain cycle" somewhat, and I don't have to take as much pain medication for several days afterwards. A few weeks later, I get the OTHER arm done. Even though it is not a "perfect solution", I at least get a BREAK from the pain in one arm or the other...it is MUCH better than having a LOT of pain ALL the time in BOTH arms.

Now, it could be that your Doctor might want to try this, karen. The procedure is very inexpensive (and your insurance co. should be HAPPY!)

I know that I am afterwards !

I wish that I could try the Spinal Chord Stimulator, but unfortunately WC yanked the authorization for that...and it is WAY to expensive for me at his time. BUT, from reading other's stories, it seems that it might be something for you to really consider, if this is what your Doctor thinks may help you.

First, you have to have the "trial"--temporary electrodes are placed up in your neck. It is usually done as an out-patient procedure. The electrodes stay in your neck for a few days, and then when you go home, you get to select the type and intensity of the stimulation that you receive in order to help control the pain.

If the "trial" helps control your pain, then it might be that you will want to have the permanent implant. BUT, you won't really know unless you do the TRIAL. I can understand how scarey it all seems, Karen. I RESISTED the whole idea, and then when i FINALLY broke down and told my Doctor to schedule the Trial, the Ins. Co CANCELLED the day before I was to go in and have it done!
So, for now, I will NEVER KNOW if I could have been in a LOT LESS PAIN for the past TWO YEARS...

I hope that you find SOMETHING that helps with the pain, Karen, even if only temporary...at least it is a BREAK for a little bit...


Hang in there, and keep your chin up!

Brokenwings