hi,

just diagnosed after about a year w/pain dr. 1st sgb last week; got neck/back strain (still bad). did something weird happen? face thing only lasted 90 mins. no rush/warmth until day 2- then arm color almost normal, but still have pain/heat. think it improved a little but it completely wore off by day 5.

any advice on avoiding neck/back stuff from sgb or is that normal? does it get better/more worth it?

Thanks

Hi, and welcome to NT

Lots of info here but I don't know where to direct you.

Ugh... "sgb" don't know what that is.

Could you be kind enough to explain?

Sorry-

stellar ganglion block shot.

Thanx

Thxs 4 clearing that up.

I did have bilateral stallelate ganglion injections, (outpatient/light sedation) in 2004, for my scalenes. At that time I was in very bad shape. If it helped any, I couldn't tell. It did give me a lot more radicular symptoms, with pain going into my arms, and neck pain. I have right side face numbness at that time so I don't remember it being any better, worse or giving that area any thought.

For me, in Jan & Feb 2005 or '06, the botox injections I had, X 3 occasions, helped more than the ganglions did. I thought it was in 2006 but probably 2005 for the botox.

I also had cervical epidurals X3 occasions, in Mar & April 2006. (MVA October 2000) Those helped me a lot. I would say that was a turning point in my looooooooong recovery. The epidurals had been recommended earlier, by other doctors, but I was afraid of needles and had other doctors telling me to do something else. So it was really bad, really confusing, really expensive getting to where I'm at now. Had I known the epis would have relieved me so much, then yes I would have done it sooner. There was no guarantees that it would either.

I just grade things as a positive or a negative and don't give in.

Thanks very much. We'll try another after my neck pain is relieved.

Hi sukadog, and welcome to NT! This is such a great place, with lots of friendly, caring, and helpful people.

We're so glad you found us!

Here is a link to the RSD forum to help get you started.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html

" any advice on avoiding neck/back stuff from sgb or is that normal? does it get better/more worth it? "

Thanks[/QUOTE]

MVA 10-2000

My experience with the cervical epidurals X3. 1st PM doc 11-2001 said I need epidurals X 3. I was afraid of needles and he recommended 12 different types, some with multiples, and some of them he wouldn't do brachial plexus stuff and... uh...

2nd PM doc 2003 or 4 concurred with 1st PM doc. Urged me to get the epi X3. I asked to just try one. He said "No. You have to commit to all three."

In Jan 2006 my cardiothoracic surgeon referred me to Orthopedic surgeon for spinal issues. Ortho ordred updated MRIs and later ordered neck injections-not sure if he specificed expi X3 - 3rd PM doc/anesth 02-2006 got order. Went to visit knowing I would be going through procedure. 3rd PM doc says "You have a bad neck. I need to do epidurals X3." I said, "Give me the needle and I'll stick it in." I had to sign all the paperwork and commit to follow through. Strange...

Well, the first procedure - under flourscope - (by the way I'd asked the good doc to give me as little anesthesia as possible - I woke up during the procedure and the nurse was giving me more meds in the IV... saying "You won't remember anything." I remember it very well ) -

After the procedure, my symptoms were as bad as they ever were for a while... maybe a week or so. Then 2 wks later back 4 the 2nd epi. (they must have gave me too much meds this time. after the procedure and after recovery, on exit I threw up - I was polite about it )

and again, my symptoms were bad but not as bad after the first.

3rd epi 2 wks later. (they got the meds just right this time - uneventful )
and after recovery I walked out and my neck felt pretty good. I was turing it left to right, saying "hum... maybe they did know what they were talking about on this.) I got relief, even in my low back, which the doc said that wa just a spillover and wouldn't last. Well, it has. and it allowed me to be able to help myself more in PT.

It's not an easy process, but it wasn't that bad either. If you trust your doc, do as you're instructed. Those were worth it for me.

Did you read the discharge instructions?

Keep in touch. Hope you get relief soon.