I soak. It could mean you are very responsive, and they just need to adjust amt. Takes away burning and super swelling for me. I have the red, burning every morning if I leave them up too long. Ah, but so far the blocks bring relief, and I'm about due for another.

I think the block is helping...my foot still hurts but the fire seems to be put out for now. I have another block in two weeks for the other foot. At least I think its for my other foot. Do they normally do blocks for the same area over and over, or do they address other problem spots right away?? Thanks for everyones input! You guys are lifesavers.

It is common to have a series of blocks directed to the same area. But, with multiple problem areas, it would be your docs call.

Well, so much for the block helping for pain...started having the burning on fire pain again yesterday afternoon. So the block worked for approx. 1 and a half days. But I gotta say, that day and a half was fantastic! (right foot only). I need to ask, do these blocks build up in your system?? Meaning, after block #4 in 4 weeks from now will it have a better effect for longer because I have had so many of them?? Karen

Yes, that's the theory that doing a series of blocks over time can bring you greater relief by the last one. Doesn't work for everyone but the fact that you had relief for a day and a half is a good sign that this treatment may work for you. I will keep my fingers crossed that you have even better success the next time.

Hi Catra, thanks for the good ju-ju!! I need all the finger crossing I can get. I have been doing a lot of reading on RSD. It sounds like the fact that it helped, even if it was for a short time, is a really good sign. Thanks again! Hope you have a awesome day Catra Karen

Blocks are often used as a diagnostic tool, as well. Relief, even for a short period, confirms RSD is the correct diagnosis.

The skill of the doc perfeorming the block can make a big difference as well.
I had some done by the local pain mill doc, and others by a former spine surgeon, turned pain doc. The second were harder on me (I was awake and my reactions helped him pinpoint the area) but vastly superior.

The pain mill doc's were more hit or miss, where as the spine doc's blocks all lasted 2+weeks.

Just make sure you're getting the best RSD care available in your area.

Hi Lit Love, you are quickly becoming my best friend on this site! my neuro doc actually sent me to a PM doc that is 140 miles from where I live because he has little faith in the ones in the town of 20,000 people that I live in. So, I hope that I am seeing the best of the best in my state. My PM doc is somewhat of a expert on RSD and almost all of his pts. have it. I hope this is a good thing?? He sure seems to know every little thing about me even before I tell him. He says my RSD has spread very quickly and it is aggresive (sp?). But from what I read on here, its that way for everyone who has it. Hope you have a great morning Lit Love! And once again, thank you so much for your help. Karen

Karen
My blocks turned my foot bright red has also. It felt good because my foot is always ice cold. Until the last week. Now I'm back to a mix. Glad you got through it.