The first stellate ganglion block for me was just wonderful. It felt like the RSD just went away entirely. Unfortunately it lasted less than two hours. Each after that was worse and the 4th and final one was a minor disaster. They hit the motor nerve and paralysed my whole arm after never having warned me that was a possibility. I couldn't get ahold of the doctor's office to find out if it would be permanent or not. It was probably the stress that caused a minor flare. There was no movenment for nearly five hours.

I'll add that say what you will but bedside manner is exceedingly important when being treated for this condition. You have to have a lot of respect for knowledge and competence but RSD requires a little more care than just hitting the right nerves. If you can't trust the doctor then you are battling the disease, the disability, and the world alone.

I spent 'Early time' with Dr S, in Philly. Back then, (late 80's) he was beyond using blocks for anything but diagnoses. I truly believe that they're useless for anything but that, besides an income for the Doc/hospital.
He used them on me, upper left, and lower right. (I think i got that right, it's been so long). But, even way back then, NOBODY, ever thought blocks as a treatment!
They're only Diagnostic!
What's going on here? They're still selling blocks to us and our Ins. Companies? No wonder our Ins. co's are so skeptical!!!

They don't solve anything, and can cause the 'spread'!!

For Cryin' out loud!
What are these 'Apprentice RSD Docs' doin?
They're pissin' off our Ins. Companies, that's what!

No, I don't believe they do anything other than diagnostic. NEVER a cure, or even a Treatment!
Who are they kidding?

Not us!
Blocks are about as useful as loosening your laces on your sneakers, as a treatment!
They can determine, where your RSD is based, beyond that, forget it!
This is only my opinion, but, being around some of the best RSD docs in the world, this is my conclusion.

I would NEVER have a 'nerve block' as treatment!
NEVER!

There are other treatments that are more effective, efficient, and cost effective! Don't buy into this 'block syndrome' that some of our Beginner doctors seem to be stuck in......

All the Best....

Pete
asb

PS, sorry if I'm a bit adamant about the whole 'block' thing.... I been there.

I tried the nerve blocks 3x and I had relief for about a day but the headache was horriable, finally my Dr decided to do the SCS which was placed in Feb of this year..my pain is gone everything is different now trying to adjust to the vibrations in my legs but I feel like I have a chance to be a mom again and so grateful the pain is gone!! Good luck to you..

Has anybody tried laser therapy?
 

I have RSD in my left elbow since last Oct. after getting lab work done. The pain is terrible. Pain Dr. was going to give me nerve block but I have too many drug allergies and cannot have dyes so can't have that done. Did myofascial relief and had horrible reactions to it........the therapist said my body too sensative so stopped it. Ultra sound did not help at all. I am now getting info to have laser therapy and have info from a couple places saying it works very well.
It is worth a try...........so wondered if anybody has had laser therapy. If so, did you get any relief from it.

This is my first posting so don't know if I am putting it in the right area but will put it in a few places.........if I figure out how to do it.

Maizy