Originally Posted by Sonny1

Hi, I am brand new here and looking for some much needed information from people who have/had nerve blocks.

Brief summary: Bilateral carpal tunnel (started in 2006), bilateral basal joint replacements, bilateral thumb IP fusions, Left MCP fusion, left tendonitis, right trigger thumb. These are all surgeries I have had since 2007, last one in July 2010. (worker's comp case). Each surgery amazingly helped the problems, yet after the last one, I noticed this burning sensation in both hands. I thought, this is new and scary. Surgical sight was healing a lot slower than prior surgeries. Doctor (hand surgeon) tried managing it for about 3 months and has since referred me to pain management.

First PM visit 2 weeks ago: put on lyrica (which caused my eyes to blur) and lidoderm patches (which caused my whole body to itch uncontrollably). Doctor wants to do nerve blocks. I am less than thrilled about it as I am afraid of needles and have never had success with cortisone shots. Of course I looked procedure up on computer to find that doctor goes in through front of neck/throat!! YIKES....anybody have these done?(for hands/arms) I would appreciate any information!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Lisa in Ohio

Yep, had that one. I was sedated the entire time the procedure was being done and don't remember feeling anything. I did have some pain relief in my left arm, wrist but I did have a rare side effect. After that , since I was so nervous about it, the doctor did not make me have any more that went in through the front of the neck. I had two that went in the back of the neck with minimal relief, but no side effects. It is a good way to see if your RSD is receptive to treatments other than drug therapy. Talk to your doc and the anethesist (sp) about your needle phobia and they will help you out. I have a real problem with being physically restrained and let them know this and the put me out before they restrain me. Lisa