Thanks guys. All went well on Monday. I'm still a bit tender but hope that the steroids will take effect soon and give me the relief I've been waiting for.

The consultant said that if and when they wear off again and the pain returns he will refer me to another specialist to have cryotherapy on the nerves. He said that this should give me at least 8-10 months of relief and then the nerves regenerate.

I have read about this on the net and it's where they freeze the nerves. Has anyone here had it done?

I have had the freezing injections one a week for months now. Usually I only get about 5 days worth of relief. Basically they palpate the base of your skull to find where the pain is then inject freezing mixed with steroid into those areas. It's quite painful to have it done and it takes a couple days for the pain that causes to settle before you get some relief.

I am in line to get an occipital nerve stimulator. It's new technology and not covered here in Canada yet, but I got word yesterday I should be getting the trial lead for one soon. I have to pay for this out of my own pocket, but we're hoping it will help and in turn if it does, that we can convince the gov't to cover it for me. Otherwise, I cannot get it-it's about $26,000.

Hope this helps you!

Charliebubs, I had cryo surgery a long time ago for a different problem and it worked great. They use freezing to destroy the tissue is the only difference. I do hope that the steroids kick in soon for you. I had two injections and after the second one, they did calm the nerves for a while. Take care!