rsd
 

hi i was told today that i need nerve blocks in my neck for rsd. i fell and hurt my arm and shoulder in jan. 2010. i've tried different kind of meds but nothing so far has worked. this is also a workers comp. case. so i have to wait for them to aprrove everything that is going to be done. the dr today told me about the nerve blocks. i have no idea what to expect. i'm in pain every day to the point that i sit and cry. i go to p t 3 times aweek which to me is a waste of time no relief what so every. i take pain meds every 4 hours and lyric but nothing seems to work / does the blocks help with the pain. after my shots i'm to have p t right after has anyone else done this.
i also am trying to stop being so hateful with every one in my family but i don't think they understand what i'm going though i have always done everything for myself never asking for help this is something that i'm having a hard time with. sometimes i think they don't beleive me about the pain
i'm so frustrated that i don't know what to do.

Kelsey, you sound exactly like me a yr and a half ago. I had a series of 6 nerve blocks. They helped for about 1o days then it all came back. I am on Lyrica, Cymbalta, mobic and asthma meds-albuteral, advair and singulair. they feel now that my asthma is worse because the lyrica and cmybalta can suppress your respiratory system. I just won an appeal to try a pulsed radio frequency. I didn't want it a yr ago but I am to a point now that if there is any chance something can help me I'll take it. My hand/arm seem to be getting worse.

I would try the blocks. There is hope that they will reset your nervouse system. that is my hope also. They sedaed me for the blocks so i didn't feel anything. They use ultrasound guidance to make sure they get the right spot. i alo had pt after, the thought is to get moving while there is no pain. Sorry about my spelling and typing but I've given up going back and fixing mistakes my other hand gets so tired and achy from over using it. Good luck. I would do the blocks and hope they help you.

Hi kelsie203,

I'm sorry for your pain. It's hard for people to understand you're hurting when they can't see an obvious injury.

It sounds like your doctor is talking about stellate ganglion blocks. I've had quite a few of these and they have helped me. For me, it usually takes a few over a week or so to calm things down. If needed, my doctor schedules a chiro appointment for me after the block as I'm able to move better.

I don't know if I can post this...but here's a link to my pain specialist's website where they show live procedures being done, one of which is a stellate ganglion block:

http://arizonapain.com/pain-center/p...cedure-videos/

Good luck to you and make sure your doctor does the block via fluoroscopic guidance.

Nancy

blocks
 

i had blocks a few year a ago work great for me but i would not go to pt for at least a few day after and make sure if it work they do not over do it in pt that what happen to me and am in wheelchair now

Hi and Welcome,

Having a pain condition is a tough road but can be controlled but like I said it's a road. The blocks in your neck the doctor most likely is referring to are called Stellage Ganglion Blocks I have had many in the past and yes I was recommended to go to PT after. I believe it's the standard protocol. And it really isn't that big of a deal but it does help calm the pain from the RSD. Worth trying.

It is hard for people in your family, friends and co-workers etc. to understand that you can be in pain all the time, especially if it was not a really big accident with hospitalization, surgeries, and major procedures to justify all this pain. But with RSD it can come from a simple sprain. So the maybe they should try and educated themselves. There are many websites that provide very good information that may be helpful.

I saw you said it is a WC Case. There are some very knowledgeable people who post on this form in regards to WC and there experiences.

Get treatment so you feel better, make sure the doctor is experienced in RSD and really experienced not that he just tells you he is and do your own research. If there is one thing I have learned through my own experience with insurance companies, lawyers and doctors is you have to talk up for yourself.

gabbycakes

Dear Kelsie

my heart goes out to you dear. i know how frustrating it can be when your family dont understand. the only thing you can do is educate them. print off info from websites to show them what has happened. show them this site so they can see what we go through. i have internal rsd an am mostly in bed. my hubby has to take care of me, all my meals, clean the house...everything. i ave been ill for 5 years and just got diagnosed 5 months ago. so many doctors didnt know what was wrong with me, that my hubby doesnt even believe i have this..but it all fits me. some days i dont believe it but i know i have it.
the hardest thing is , is that we lose our old lives and have to adapt to this new one with a body that has limitations. its a struggle but be patient and educate your family, its the best you can do. dont argue with them, understand that they miss how you use to be.
hugs
Lori