Needle injection in CRPS area... (bier block)
 

I've had two bier blocks now, and I'm sheduled for another one next friday. Both times they've injected medications into my foot, where I have the CRPS.

Can anyone give their opinions on the safety of this? I'm reading but I can't find much info on it. But some sources tell me it isn't safe to inject a needle into a CRPS area. And that it can make things worse and cause spreads. I've also read that just a needle can cause CRPS in the first place...

I was told by my dr to not let anyone put a needle or anything else like a blood pressure cuff on my rsd area. I was told that after I had accupunture and they put needles in that area and caused spread of my rsd. My pm dr told me after the fact unfornuately for me, but at least I know for the future. My opinion as well as my drs is DO NOT LET THEM PUT NEEDLES IN YOUR RSD AREA EVER!!! Maybe they can find another spot to put it in. Good luck whatever you decide. I would get more drs opinions on this as well. Take Care.

Thank you for sharing about that needles.I have tried blocks in my leg 2 times,hurt really bad in my RSD leg.Could not get the response we were looking for refused the 3rd.if it does not work why do it!!!!
Question what is it about the ebsons salt??what do you use that for?and How?

Hi Moosey, I'm not exactly sure what epsom salts do, but there supposed to be good to soak in. I was told about them first by Allanira. They do help calm my nerves a little emotionally as well as physcially. I hope if you try them, they help you too. Take care.

thank you..You know I was also wondering if anyone gets mouth sores?Along with all the rest of the rsd..I get blood sacks in my mouth then they pop,its gross.My memory is not as good as it was.I was a good speller,now I really question my-self.I forget what I read and from who.I have to return and return..Oh well I guess there is worse.

Hi moose,

Epsoms can be great things....they work by blocking pain receptors in calcium channels. I think lol. Always use the unperfumed kind.

Use a couple of tablespoons in a warm bath, or put a few tablespoons dry into a damp cloth, fold up, and put directly on burning skin. Works really well on the burns for me.

Definitely never ever any tissue damage in CRPS area (or nearby) - even something as slight as a needle. And when they use a needle in a different limb always ask for a paediatric one as its much finer and causes less tissue trauma. Hence less likely to cause spread...

Good luck,

Bram.

When I was initially diagnosed with RSD, I had the same block as you. My PM doctor told me that it would end all of my pain. It sounded great and I was so excited to have it. I was only 12 at that time so was put under general anaesthetic. When the anaesthetic wore off I woke up and was unable to walk. All of my co-ordination had gone and when I tried walking my leg would kick out in front of me and i'd fall to the ground. I spent over a year in a wheelchair, relying totally on my parents. It took a lot of physio (PT) to get me to learn how to re-walk again.

A few years ago I also developed a ingrown toenail on my RSD limb. It was really infected so I had to have it removed. The needle again caused a bad reaction and I developed myoclonic spasms from it. From that point, all my doctors said that I should never have any operations on my RSD limbs, unless it was absolutely needed.

My advice would be NOT to go through with the block. Since the complications happened to me, I have spoke to so many doctors who have said nerve blocks in RSD limbs is an absolute 'NO NO' as it often causes more damage than enough... I only wish I knew that back then. :rolleyes:

Have you looked into an epidural? If you don't have RSD in your back that may be something to look into. I had one a few years ago with Ketamine in it and it really decreased my pain. It didn't last long (only about 6 hours) but it was worth it and doctors often look into the surgical pain pumps for long term effects if it works.

Take care and I hope things work out for you.

Alison

I have the odd mouth sore, but not as many as I used to - for anything in the mouth I absolutely swear by Manuka honey. It's amazing stuff. A few years ago I had to go to the doc with this massive sore that just wouldn't go - I tried all sorts, nothing worked. In the end in desperation I went to my health food shop and asked them, and they said Manuka. It was expensive and I was pretty skeptical, but I like honey so I thought if it didn't help I could eat the darn stuff! Within two days my sore had healed, and was completely disappeared within a week. I've used it loads since then, and on my daughter who gets them sometimes. It's fab and I can't recommend it highly enough lol. Just make sure you get the decent stuff from New Zealand with a Manuka factor of at least 10.

Best thing is there's no side effects and it's very gentle on your system. Plus as a bonus, honey doesn't go off, so one pot lasts for years!

Bram.

Thank you so much.I was wondering about the mouth sores.They really hurt.I will have try that.I am so glad I found this site.I am really touched.:

Injections in the area where you have RSD/CRPS should never be done. It's dangerous.

Typically...for injuries in the lower part of the body they do injections in the back. Lumbar sympathetic block is the kind I had initially (RSD started in my left ankle). For hands/arms they typically do the injection in the neck.

It's always important to remember that ANY injections, blood draws, etc can cause the RSD/CRPS to spread. Done correctly the risk is reduced but still there. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have the treatments as they are going to be your best shot at remission...but you need to go in with eyes open and know the risks. ANY trauma can cause spread.

Spread from injections used to treat RSD/CRPS is rare but does happen. Unfortunately I know from experience that it can happen. I now have RSD in my back, both arms and hands, and my neck after spread from my last LSB.