I haven't looked in here for a while either. My ON pain is flaring again. I'm waiting to have my next nerve block, but have to wait until the end of the month! I've had mine done by the same Doctor each time(my neurologist) and he has been as gentle as he can be, but it still hurts! But I'll put up with it, when I know it works for me. But the last time I had the block, he used a different anaesthetic and it only lasted 2 hours. But once the steroid kicked in 2-3 days later, I finally got good pain relief!

~Jaime~

Hi guys

Well, I'm pleased to say that the blocks and steroids seem to have now taken effect - woo hoo!!! It took a while and it did seem to get worse before it got better, but I am definitely getting some relief now. In fact I would say that I'm 97% better

I no longer have the constant pressure and headache, but I do still get the occassional twinge in the back of my head and also a funny pins and needles sensation. But on the whole I'm feeling soooooo much better

I'm back to see the orthopedic surgeon on 1 August for a follow up consultation and I think he's going to give me a prognosis for the long term. I have no idea whether I'll have to have this again, but I guess I may.

Thanks again for all the support on here - I'll let you know how I get on.

Charlie

That's great news!

I was sooo hoping they would work. And, yes, it is normal to have an increase in pain before the steroids kick in. You might have to have them done periodically but it sure beats surgery and a ton of meds! And sometimes you can get months of relief...it just depends. Now, just go easy and try not to lift anything too heavy.

Thanks Kathi

Just a quick update.........
The nerve root blocks worked for me for a few weeks and then gradually the pain came back. Admittedly the pain wasn't as bad when it came back, and was more of an aching, tingling, pressure feeling.........but it was back
I called the orthopedic surgeon's office, as he had asked me to if the pain returned (even if it was only 20-30% of the pain I'd had the first time round) and they got me back in 3 days later to do the nerve root blocks again.
So, that was Monday - I went back in, had them done under sedation and am feeling okay so far. He seems to have done them slightly lower than last time, the back of my head is sore, but I do seem to feel better already.
Fingers crossed that once the soreness and stiffness goes I'll be all healed and that they will last longer than 6 weeks this time!!!!!!!!!

I'm hopeful for you. Even if they have to do it every couple of months, it beats this living with this pain. Take care and keep posting!

Ellena

Hi Nik-key,
My husband is waiting to have a stimulator implant. That's pretty much our last hope. He's had the nerve severed and once you do that most treatments won't work anymore. Anyway,if you're interested in checking out the implant there is a video on You Tube of a fellow who had it done. It shows pretty well how it works,the surgery and the outcome of this guy. I went to Google,typed in occipital neuralgia support groups. The guys name is Bobby Sharp(I think). You'll find it on the first page under his name.