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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Paradise
Posts: 855
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Paradise
Posts: 855
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kemmererja
Thank you so much for all your input. It is very much appreciated. My wife had her first Stellar Ganglion Nerve Block today. We are not sure how to interpret the results. She went into the procedure with a pain level of 3 and left with a pain level of 4. She also left with a slight red streak going down her hand that was hurting which she has not had previously. So the nerve block did nothing for pain. But I am curious why her hand with the RSD, which has been cold was now significantly warmer than her good hand. I assume more blood is now flowing into the RSD hand. We were so disappointed in the outcome of no reduction of pain Nurses and doctors were all touting how wonderful the block would be and how some wake up from the procedure with no pain and can move their fingers. While it is wonderful for many, it did nothing for us. We also expected more since the injury happened a little over 2 months ago. So we are sad. The doctor wants to try another block next week to see if we have a better outcome.
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Warming of the extremity is an indicator that the block was on mark. She should have also experienced a temporary Horner's syndrome (Google it). You are in a good time frame to be treating with SGB's so I would continue with multiple blocks. I started with SGB's at 8 weeks post-surgery and started to notice progressive relief after 5 or 6. My results peaked probably around number 9 or 10 but continue to go back every 4 or 5 months for one or two when my symptoms degrade. I have had a total of 17 or so now but they still work for awhile after each series so for a bit, I am happy as pigs in slop.
The fingers stiffness could just be a residual from immobilization, unrelated to CRPS, that will resolve with PT. BTW, physical therapy is essential at this point especially after blocks. Unless there is a reason to do otherwise, she should try to use the hand as normally as possible to help regain function and avoid contractures (which perpetuates more pain and dysfunction).
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