Nerve Block Question
 

I searched the search feature and didn't find an answer, so here's my question.

My nerve block is Wednesday (RSD is in my right knee), what should I expect the first 24 hours? Now I am not asking pain wise, because I know all people are different, but from the actual procedure.

I have paperwork that states I will need to rest the first 24 hours, then do light activity. What could I possibly feel, or feel like, for that first 24? Presuming all goes well ;) . How did you feel?

Hi Christine! I had my last nerve block done May 15th. I just had pain at the injection site. this third block also gave me numbness on the right side of my face, shoulder, droopy red eye and some grogginess(my P.D. gave me 2 mg. of xanax an hour before the procedure) are you having a ganglion(neck nerve block done?) ask your Dr. before the procedure what you can and can't do. My paper listed a lot of what I could do and what I couldn't do also. The one thing, though... when you get the block next to your voice box(Ganglion neck nerve block) done, my paper said you can resume normal eating and drinking! BIG NO NO!! I almost choked on food!! I was hoarse, felt like a lump was in my throat, also ONLY take small sips through a straw when you drink something. I wish you all the best Christine. sending you warm gentle hugs your way! Love, Desi:hug:

nerve block
 

Hi Christine. Is it a lumbar sympathetic nerve block? If so, I have had many. I have high anxiety and freak out easily, so (since my pain doc knows me so well) they usually give me a little something IV to calm me down. Afterwards I feel silly about getting so worked up, but I just can't help it. I usually feel the needle of local numbing medication and after that, I just feel some pressure. Once they find the nerve under fluoroscope and administer the medication, I feel heat in my foot and over the next 15- 20 minutes pretty much all of my pain is gone. The injection site on my back just gets a little bit sore and this goes away (it is nothing compared to the leg pain which is relieved by the block and it is a good trade off) My first block lasted about an hour and a half to two hours, that was a test block to see if it would work and I went right home afterwards and had a short, pain free nap. Each time I had another block, it lasted a bit longer. I would be sent immediately to physical therapy for a really good workout. The idea there is to disrupt and hopefully break the pain cycle and to maintain function of your limb. I usually feel really good and like I have accomplished something after a good physical therapy workout (tired though). When it wears off (for me) it is gradual. Try not to be sad when it wears off, if it worked then it worked and that means it is still an option for you. Good luck and let me know how it went.

Lisa