I had hand surgery a little over two weeks ago. A nerve block was administered in my neck long with the use of a general. During the second week of recovery I started to have some soreness in my shoulder and elbow, which ran along the top of my arm to my wrist. Two days after the discomfort started I woke up unable to left my arm without sever pain. Any movement in my shoulder and arm was very painful. My doctor was in surgery when I called the office and the staff told me to go to the ER where my doctor was and he would be able to communicate with the ER.
After running test checking for blood clots (neg) and X-rays, they told me they were not sure of what was wrong but thought it was an inflammation that ran through the nerve from the block. They had me start on prednisone dose pak (21) 4mg for six days.
I took my last dose this morning. The pain got better the first two days, but then started to get worse with each passing day. I am in pain and it is very hard to use my arm again.
Any ideas to how long this goes on? I was told to use heat and go back into the sling until I was better.

Hi, welcome to neurotalk. I am soorry to hear your block did not go well. (leaving you with a dilemina) I am sure there are others here who have had similiar experiences so hang in there.

In the meantime, feel free to look around the forums, ask questions, or answer questions.

Good luck!

Scottie,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Perhaps some pain reliving physical therapy - ultrasound, low level laser, IF stim, massage might be helpful? Ask about a few trial sessions to see if it helps.

Sometimes heat alternating with ice helps to resolve things.

What was the surgery for?

Hi! I had wrist surgery a few weeks ago and have had several shoulder surgeries where they'd put a nerve block in right above the brachial plexus. It sounds like this is the block you had. I think Jo Mar's suggestion is a good because the area is likely inflamed and needs to calm down. Physical therapy would help with this.