If you had nerve blocks done was it something you did soon after being diagnosed with RSD or after you tried many other things?

How sucessful was the nerve block? Anyone here had a nerve block and it either did wonders for you or it did absolutely nothing?

I understand that you can get multiple blocks done-- is it something you can't rule out until you've done so?

Thanks.

Hubby had sympathetic nerve blocks and Calcium channel blockers (he was severly burnt with acid and other chemicals) - At first they worked SUPER although he was quite numb and had to be brought home in a wheel chair. They eventually started working (time wise) less and less - After 26/27 of them and only working for about 12 hours they decided to discontinue - Also the Dr wanted him off them for a while.

I do have to say that they WORKED - As he was able to get through massage and regular RSD therapy and it seemed to help with mobility in the end.

Hubby does walk with a brace he has muscle loss/atrophy in his leg (it's 1/2 the size of the other) and will always need a brace for support - BUT over all his RSD is "managable" in his leg - he has good days and bad but he does not need the heavy meds required by some.

HI VANESSA!

I don't know what kind of nerve blocks you are referring to. But I'll tell you what I learned through my experience.

About a year after my accident, before being diagnosed with RSD I had two cervical epidural for the pain in neck, shoulder, arm/hand, because an MRI found a slightly bulging disc at C5,C6. That helped but only temporarily.

Two years later, after they discovered I had RSD, I was sent back to the same PMD for Stellate Ganglion Blocks, which are specifically for RSD I believe. He said it would have been better for me to start the SGB's with the 1st 6 mos after the injury, but that he wanted to try it, even though it had been 3 years.

I was helped TREMENDOUSLY by them!! And the relief lasted a long time. At first it seemed my pain was totally gone. It slowly returned but it took a year for it to get back as bad as it had been. Maybe if I would have been given them early on it would have "cured" me....I'll never know.

But if they offer SGB's to you I encourage you to consider it!

(((hugs)))

DeniseG

I have had eight nerve blocks done. The first couple of them didn't seem to do much, but after a few they started to work. I think they really helped me.

In my research I have been reading some about nerve blocks... I've read that once your RSD has spread, that there is more SIP than SMP, and blocks aren't so sucessful. Any thoughts? Anyone?

Now that my RSD has spread to 3 other limbs (I have RSD in all 4 extremities) than the original sight... I am wondering if nerve blocks would even work?

Hey

I have had several nerve blocks, none of which have been succesful pain wise.

Stella Ganglion one in my neck to block both my arms --> increased temperature of my arms and a pinkness to replace the blackness but that was it - almost no pain relief.

Lumbar Sympathetic blocks: had 4 of these and 1st one led to my RSD developing in my left leg, second temporarily paralysed me, third REALLY hurt and fourth REALLY hurt (by then had RSD back as well).l

But many people I know have had brilliant success with them - so it is really dependent on the individual.

Take Care

Frogga xxxxx

Hello!!! I have had a total of 3 symathetic nerve blocks done....

The first one I was numb for about 7-8 hrs, helped ALOT with my pain... The second one I was numb for almost 24 hrs, helped MORE with my pain... The third one I had done a little over 3 wks ago, and I was numb for close to 30 hrs!!!!! I seen my Dr. for my follow-up appt 2 wks ago, and he said that I am in FULL remission with my RSD!!! Although, he still wants me to continue on my Neurontin and Lexapro untill I see him in 3 months!

I have been pain FREE for over 3 wks now!!! MY accident/incident was on July 22, 06... I was diagnosed with my RSD 1 month of July 22... I have had RSD for 6 months now...

The symathetic nerve blocks that I had done, helped me EXTREMELY!!! I am a firm believer in having these done.... I know that every person's body is different, with reactions ect... This is just my opinion!

I have the UPMOST respect for ALL my Drs, they are nothing but WONDERFUL!!!

Always,
-Heidi

I've had 3 Stella Ganglion Blocks done so far. None of them worked now my Dr. wants to insert something in my spine to administer medicine continuously. I have been diagnosed with RSD since April. So new to this and confused.

Hi Vanessa,

My heart goes out to Frogga after reading about the bad experiences. I just wanted to add that it really is important that you have GOOD/EXPERIENCED doctors to do these types of blocks. That can make all the difference in the world. I'm not saying Frogga's doc wasn't good, because everyone's "system" is so different, and handle blocks differently.

I had 5 of them in a row (I wrote you about it), and I had such a good experience. They weren't painful. I was given "IV Sedation" & don't even remember it being done! But my RSD II pain improved dramatically (at times I thought it was totally gone) for a year.

Hope you're doing well! I'll pray for your wisdom & direction.

Denise

Denise,
I had several blocks with different Docs that were very very competant and none helped me. Maybe one but it was very short lived. Hugs, Roz