SCS vs Nerve Block injections
 

Can any of you share your stories on SCS and/or Nerve block injections?

Which seems to help better?
I understand everyone reacts different with treatments, I really want to know what to expect with either one of these.

Do the nerve block injections last or are they to just give an idea about the nerves involved? I can not understand why they are thinking of doing these injections, because I've heard they don't last.

Are the injections steroids?

Sorry for all the questions....Thanks for your help.

I'm really confused at what the doctors are saying, some say SCS some say injections....:confused:

Hi Summertime,

I haven't had the SCS but I have had one nerve block. I had the nerve block when I was first diagnosed with RSD in July 2007, the nerve block I had was a Guanethidine Nerve Block and was injected directly into my left leg, the one that has RSD. Unfortunately I suffered from complications and I lost my balance and co-ordination. After I had the nerve block, my mom read on the internet that you should NEVER inject directly into a limb that has RSD unless you absolutely have to as it can cause complications etc.

I don't want to scare you, I just wanted to let you know that you shouldn't inject into a limb that is affected by RSD incase you didn't already know. I have heard from many people that have had nerve blocks into limbs that don't have RSD and they work really well for them. From what I read, if you are going to get any pain-relief, it usually lasts about 5-7 days. The Blocks are more affective if your RSD is caught within the first 6 months however they can still work after that time.

I wish you the very best of luck and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.

Please keep us all updated when you can.

Alison

Summertime, I had two nerve blocks done prior to the implant of my SCS. I had terrible side effects to the nerve blocks. And my doctor wanted me to keep doing them. IDIOT!!I refused and he found me another specialist closer to home who didn't even believe in doing nerve blocks inthe treatment of RSD. With the first nerve block I had a day of relief but the side effects weren't worth it but I went with the second one thinking I might get more relief but I actually got nothing and the side effects were worse. I had the trial & implant of my SCS a few months ago. I did get some spreading od my RSD from the implant but it was still worth it. The SCS while it doesnt take my pain away takes the edge off most of the time. I would get it again if I had to do it over again anyway. There were not a lot of options open to me anyway. I live in a rural area where treatment is limited. It was the SCS or a morphine pump & I am not ready to do the pump yet. I hope you find the right treatment for you. Remember at least with the SCS you get a trial of it first (a test drive lol!!). SO you will know what it can do for you before you commit to it. Good luck!
hugs, Denny