Stellate Ganglion Block Any others? Success?
 

I went for the Stellate Ganglion Block which is supposes to stop the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)to stop misfiring (I think). It was used as a diagnostic tool to see if in fact I have RSD. It was done with light sedation. No pain! After the injection, 30 minutes later the color and temp changes were amazing.The reddish was pretty much gone in my fingers and left hand resumed to a natural color and the temperature went from ice cold to average. Amazing! So they feel that I do have RSD. They recommend a series of blocks as there is a cumulative effect. (I think) I go back to the pain management dr on Tuesday. I was a bit groggy when I was talking to him so I want more clarification. From what I recall only 1x a month he preforms injections on a Saturday otherwise it is on a Friday. Any one else every have a SGB for RSD or any other nerve pain? If so, what were your results? How long did it take to see some long term results? How often did you get them, how long did they work each time? Any input is greatly appreciated from your personal experience. Thanks!

Just wanted to say congrats! I am so happy that the blocks were successful for you. This is very encouraging. Please remember to take advantage of when the pain is gone/lower to do physical therapy. Blocks are only one piece of the puzzle. But this is really fantastic. Blocks didn't work for me so I can't answer your other questions but I just wanted to let you know that this is wonderful news.

So happy the block helped you! I think the blocks have to be administered early enough after diagnosis to be effective. A month is a long time to wait for another one.
I have had stellate ganglion blocks, quite a few!! I was initially diagnosed with RSD back in 1992 in the right side of my face. I was treated pretty aggressively with the blocks and medication. I received them once or twice a week and I cannot remember how many total were administered, but they helped! I was in remission for 13 years, then I had a bad flare in 2005 and it was treated with medication. Then in 2009, I hurt my right hand and everything changed! I developed RSD there and it seems it took forever to get a correct diagnosis (probably 1 1/2 yrs - don't get me started on these doctors - ugh!). My faced flared up then too. When I was finally diagnosed, they tried 6 blocks which didn't help much at all - it was really too late for them.
The RSD is now in my face, both hands, left arm and left leg. My new doctor tried blocks also (while I was awaiting approval for the SCS) and they didn't help much either. I wanted him to try them on the left side and he did, also did cervical and lumbar blocks...no relief until the SCS. I wanted him to rule out all treatments before getting the SCS.
I think that while the blocks this last go around didn't help so much of the pain, I do not have much discoloring of the effected areas. Except my hands tend to turn a purplish black color on part of them.

Good luck to you and I hope they continue to work for you!!
Nanc
:hug:

So glad to hear your blocks are working. My last set of lsb's helped me a great deal. They did them 1 week apart. Congratulations:)

The SGB lasted for a few days. I asked if they can give me a SGB in more than one area and the answer was no. How i wish they can give me a lumber and a cervical one at the same time. My feet hurt to walk at times. OUCH. My hands also swell much more so in the am when I wake up and it is touch to make a fist. Any one else have that issue or is that just my arthritis? Can't tell one symptom form another. Hopefully it is not too late to deal with my feet also. First symptoms surfaced in November that I have documented. I may consult another recommendation.

My problem is in my feet. In the am they hurt in the ankle joint which I think is a touch of arthritis at night the one turns black blue and both are sensitive to touch more in the evening.

Don't you just love the black blue. The first time the bottom of my foot turned that color I noticed it in the bath tub and tried to scrub it off thinking it was dirt. I had color issues for two years, particularly in my hand but since treating with tDCS I have not seen the black, blue, purple in my feet or hands.

Maybe tDCS would work for you too.

ballerina,

I have been considering it. We will see has we go into spring. I had a good reaction to my last set of blocks and with my once a week whirlpool therapy. *(on my own) I am walking 10 times better and not using my rollabout. I have also started using a stationary bike. Can't go very far because the joint and the top of the foot start burning but doing as much as I can.

Alt...that is GREAT news! I bet you are very excited to not need the rollabout. It sounds like you are making wonderful progress. Keep it up. :)

tDCS
 

I have to research the tDCS . There was an article in the local paper about using the device for depression not for pain. Being on the computer for 20 minutes makes my hand turn blue and get ice cold so my time is very limited on the computer for research. When I go back for my next SGB and to the OSS I will also ask both of them about the device.

I have nerve blocks for my feet/ankles/legs. Since Sept/2010 I've had 5 or 6. Mine didn't start for 10 months after my injury, so the series thing wasn't an option, but I do get one about every two months in winter and in summer they last longer. But even though they reduce my pain levels, I'm still not able to function like I did before my accident.

And nope, you can't get two areas at one time. Disappointing I know. You must wait at least 2 weeks between injections, as least that is what I understand. If your feet are really bothering you, do you do epsom soaks. Those totally help me, and actually they provide the most relief I get, at least as long as my feet are in the water. 1/2 cup epsom salts in a dishpan of warm water, heaven!

Thanks for your reply. I have not done an Epsom salt bath for my feet. I am willing to try. I had my second SGB. I am amazed that the hand goes back to a normal temp and color within 30 minutes. Everyone in the office came to feel and see the difference. Both of my feet and hands seem to be affected. This will be a very long process. Hope the results are long lasting.

Usually the blocks are spaced depending on your length of relief. After having a block. Having a few days relief does help with a RSD diagnosis, but won't be enough to put you into remission... All blocks are not created equal though! Ask your docs what he's using in your block cocktail. Research what is considered most effective online. Also, was this done while you were awake and helping him pinpoint the optimal area? If he did it blind--these are not as effective--but probably most common.

I've had several. The blind don't last nearly as long. The meds make a big difference. I had up to 3 weeks of significant relief, and as little as a day...

Thanks
 

Thanks for your replies. They were completed with conscious sedation. I do vaguely remember talking to the doctor. Not sure about what. Due to my schedule I was going every other week for the first 3. If they want to do more blocks I will be off of work for the following 2 weeks so that they can be done right after each other. What was in the block cocktail that you had. I did ask about different meds in the block and something that can be added to make it last longer. I tend to have many questions. He feels he is the expert and knows best. I'm sure he is very knowledgeable and knows what he is doing, but. . . .

Hope everyone had a less painful or uncomfortable day.

Not a good sign that your doc did not fully answer your questions. He may be an expert and he may know best. He also may be fond of the hammer and nail patient relationship. He is the hammer and your are the nail. He only knows one way. Or he may just be arrogant.

The trouble is you really have no way of making an assessment given his response to your being a savy consumer.

When it comes to CRPS many times a doctor's failure to answer questions is a red flag.

Hi,
I have a question on Sympathetic blocks. Since these injections I de-activate the sympathetic nervous system, isn't it bad for you? I mean, the sympathetic system in the body must be there for some good reason and if it is deavtivated, means it won't do the stuff it was doing earlier. Does anyone know?

I see a lot of you had some or a lot of success with nerve blocks. I am going for my first one on Thursday.

I just started therapy again last week so Im hoping between the block and therapy I will start to see some results. Only thing is my therapist seems to think it is just a knee injury not discovered and untreated for over a year now, I have four doctors right now all agreeing to the RSD. She does work with RSD a lot and has had success for remission. I dont agree so much with her, but I do trust her and one could only hope shes right after being diagnosed with this. Now sorry for rambling.

I was just wondering what I can expect to feel like after the block, it is for my right hip to my foot. I see the results everyone talks about, but I mean can I walk after, will there be any pain at the injection site? Any information what to expect would be nice. My parents are going out of town for the weekend and leave the day I get it done (bad timing, I know) I have a friend staying with me the first night, will I be ok on my own for a few days after that?

Hi there!!
Sorry about the problems you are having. If your PT doesn't agree with your diagnosis, you might want to think about going to someone else. I know you said you trust her, but you certainly do not want more damage done.

I have had many types of blocks, some successful and some not. Of course it will hurt getting the block because the needles don't feel great and the medication burns some going in. If you are sedated then you will not feel as much. The injection site will be sore, but not for long. You should be able to walk afterwards, but maybe a little unsteady. I always went to work the next day. Having someone with you the first night of getting your first block is a great idea!

This is all just my opinion based on my experiences.

Wishing you the best of luck, hope it helps you!!
Nanc
:hug: