Advise and Words of Wisdom...
 

Hi Everyone...
I usually frequent the Thoracic Outlet Forum, and I normally read thru the threads on the RSD site. But today, I thought it would be the right time for me to start posting here.
My name is Dawn and I have had bilateral TOS for almost 4 years now and surgery twice on my right brachial plexus. I just had a re do almost 2 months ago on Jan 06. Three days following my second surgery I started to have hypersensitivity, a pink hue, and extreme tenderness on the inside of my right arm between my elbow and my arm pit. My Dr initially thought it was the ulnar nerve waking up as it had been heavily encased in scar tissue. So we gave it time to resolve itself. One month passed with no change and my neuro surgeon told me that there was a concern that RSD could be in the works and we should think about a Stellate Ganglion Block at my next follow up. But prior to the block he wanted to get me started on a medrol dose pack. The medrol dose pack only gave me minimal relief and that was a decrease in the sensitivity. Two weeks later the nurse practitioner told me that I could do the block or wait 2 more weeks and see if the problem further resolved itself. At the time I had a pretty bad head cold so I had to put it off as I didn’t want to proceed with the block while I was sick.
Well, today I have made the appt for my block on the 26th. It will be 2 month from that day that my symptoms began. I spoke with the nurse practitioner and she agreed that we should proceed with the block. I have noticed some mild swelling in my forearm and occasional burning in my right hand recently. The extreme tenderness remains as well as the sensitivity.
I had hoped this would have resolved on it’s own but it looks like I might be in it for the long haul. If this block ends up showing RSD in one way or another than I am sure I will be asking for a lot of advice...
I have had great advice from Hopelivehear and Buckwheat throughout all of this.
If anyone could offer there advise to me on what I can expect with this block. I have read many threads and researched the web but it would help to get some personal experience from anyone who may have developed RSD from a surgery and how they responded to there blocks.
I guess I am just getting a case of the jitters and could use some words of wisdom .
Thanks so much
Many Hugs
Dawn

Hi Dawn,
 

I developed RSD after TOS surgery in 2000, I think I'm right on the year.

I can tell you right now I think you are doing the right thing with the block. My first one to diagnose it actually helped put the RSD into remission. I had 2 more afterward. Most Drs. want to do a series. I was to have 15 but just had a bad reaction to the 3rd one which is just me. I was so glad I had them. I have had 3 more before other surgeries and it kept the RSD from spreading to those areas.

Since they are doing this quick enough, I'll pray for you that it does for you what mine did for me.

i was hooked up to an IV and then given a mild sedative before the 3 blocks. The only thing I delt with is talking like Donald Duck for a few hours afterward. The third one I can honestly say I think I had a panic attack mixed in with the block and it gave me problems.

Hang in there and I do hope this works for you.

Ada

Dawn, my surgeon mentoned to me prior to my TOS (mine is bilateral also) surgery on the RIGHT side that I had RSD also. He didn't take precautions and do blocks prior to the surgery - just went ahead and did it. Had I researched RSD ahead of time, I either would not have had the surgery, or would have demanded he do blocks when he did the surgery to stop the spread.

Also, when the RSD spread, my PT doc wanted to do a block...but my surgeon said it was 'too soon after surgery to mess with that area...' and he wanted to wait 8 weeks for that area to heal. My PT doc didnt think that was a great idea, but said since he was under the direction of the surgeon, he had to do what the surgeon said.

It was too late for me by then.

I say you need to do it, hon. I haven't had any blocks. I wish I'd have had it done.

I still have TOS on my left side, as I haven't had the surgery there. And still ahve symptoms of the TOS on my right, perhaps scar tissue is forming. But as far as that block...I really truly think you need to go thru with it. After TOS surgery, the block is sure to be a walk in the park :hug:

Dear Dawn,

I told you I would give you a block myself.:wink:

As you know I was DX with RSD first. But from BT/1 on the TOS site, their was a Ginnybean and Butterfly that were showing RSD SX after surgery. They had the blocks shortly after surgery.

I believe Butterfly went to nursing school after, and from Ginnybean's posts she appeared to be doing better as well.

Maybe JO can add more to this, I am sure she will remember them. Hugs, Roz

Dawn,

Gennybean32 posted today, on the TOS website. Maybe you could chat with her. :hug: Roz

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=15340

Thanks so much Ada, Lisa and Roz I appreciate all your information..
Many Hugs
:hug: Dawn