Had my sympathetic nerve block...foot is burning up!
 

Hello all you kind listeners, well, had my sympathetic nerve block at 3:30pm Friday. I was given some type of mild sedative before hand, so it did not hurt at all. Thank goodness for all of us weenie kind out there! Now I am not sure if I am having the reaction that was intended. My right foot is bright red, burning hot, and splotchy looking. Can you guys tell me if this is what always happens? How long until it simmers down a bit? I read that it supposed to get warm, but this seems kinda strange. Thanks again for listening everyone!!

Hi Karen,

Everybody is different with how they respond and reactions to blocks. I had a similar reaction to yours and it took a little over a day for that to clear...........

Hope you have some luck with the blocks!!

If you have access to lidociane patches, this would be the time to use them!

Are they not a OTC patch? I'm guessing I need a script for them... have you ever used that biofreeze stuff?? I have read on her that it can help. Thanks again!

Hi Karen,
Biofreeze is more or less like Icy Hot or Ben Gay but not greasy. My PT uses it as a message cream on my wrist.
As far as the block, goes all I know from my experience is that it is meant to stop pain signals to the brain. In my case the symptoms I had didn't go away just the pain.
Hope that helped....

It did help, thank you Jimbo!

The commercial name is Lidoderm, and they do require a script. You MIGHT be able to get lidocaine cream OTC, and it is much less expensive. My pharmacy claimed it was OTC, and then later said it wasn't...

When I first had RSD I L O V E D Biofreeze. At some point the cooling effect became too intense for my compromised system. It's certainly worth trying. WARNING: Test in a small area first. DOUBLE WARNING: Do not bathe and then apply Biofreeze. It'll increase the strength by at least double! :eek:

I soak. It could mean you are very responsive, and they just need to adjust amt. Takes away burning and super swelling for me. I have the red, burning every morning if I leave them up too long. Ah, but so far the blocks bring relief, and I'm about due for another.

I think the block is helping...my foot still hurts but the fire seems to be put out for now. I have another block in two weeks for the other foot. At least I think its for my other foot. Do they normally do blocks for the same area over and over, or do they address other problem spots right away?? Thanks for everyones input! You guys are lifesavers. :)

It is common to have a series of blocks directed to the same area. But, with multiple problem areas, it would be your docs call.

Well, so much for the block helping for pain...started having the burning on fire pain again yesterday afternoon. So the block worked for approx. 1 and a half days. But I gotta say, that day and a half was fantastic! (right foot only). I need to ask, do these blocks build up in your system?? Meaning, after block #4 in 4 weeks from now will it have a better effect for longer because I have had so many of them?? :confused: Karen

Yes, that's the theory that doing a series of blocks over time can bring you greater relief by the last one. Doesn't work for everyone but the fact that you had relief for a day and a half is a good sign that this treatment may work for you. I will keep my fingers crossed that you have even better success the next time.

Hi Catra, thanks for the good ju-ju!! I need all the finger crossing I can get. I have been doing a lot of reading on RSD. It sounds like the fact that it helped, even if it was for a short time, is a really good sign. Thanks again! Hope you have a awesome day Catra :hug: Karen

Blocks are often used as a diagnostic tool, as well. Relief, even for a short period, confirms RSD is the correct diagnosis.

The skill of the doc perfeorming the block can make a big difference as well.
I had some done by the local pain mill doc, and others by a former spine surgeon, turned pain doc. The second were harder on me (I was awake and my reactions helped him pinpoint the area) but vastly superior.

The pain mill doc's were more hit or miss, where as the spine doc's blocks all lasted 2+weeks.

Just make sure you're getting the best RSD care available in your area.

Hi Lit Love, you are quickly becoming my best friend on this site! :hug: my neuro doc actually sent me to a PM doc that is 140 miles from where I live because he has little faith in the ones in the town of 20,000 people that I live in. So, I hope that I am seeing the best of the best in my state. My PM doc is somewhat of a expert on RSD and almost all of his pts. have it. I hope this is a good thing?? He sure seems to know every little thing about me even before I tell him. He says my RSD has spread very quickly and it is aggresive (sp?). But from what I read on here, its that way for everyone who has it. Hope you have a great morning Lit Love! And once again, thank you so much for your help. Karen

Karen
My blocks turned my foot bright red has also. It felt good because my foot is always ice cold. Until the last week. Now I'm back to a mix. Glad you got through it.