That means that the SGB WORKED !

A series of 6 given within just a few weeks has put some into remission. Doctors knowledgable about RSD tx should have quickly scheduled another SGB.

Their is no valid reasoning in "since I didn't have any luck with that and the only other procedures were just MORE invasive the didn't think I was a good candidate for any other treatments like that." None. Even if this procedure didn't work, which the facts say it did, that would have NO bearing on whether or not a TOTALLY different procedure would work.

"But all I have is Oxycodone 5mgs, it's not extended release.....so AM I taking the "bad one" so to speak?"

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That leaves me confused about why you would keep starting new threads asking new questions, if you already know the answers.


If you just want to vent, you could simply state that. Otherwise, when we really basic questions, we assume you really do need some answers. For many of us, typing is NOT a comfortable procedure. If you know the answers to your own questions, you could mention that in your first post and save us the effort. Many of us are here to try to help. When we see someone who desperaely seems to need help, we do try to step up.

..funny the anesthesiologist who performed it says he will only ever do up to 3. Especially with poor results. He is considered to be the best in town by the way. It did NOT work for me. It started to wear off almost completely the second day. That is NOT a good response. At least as far as my DOCTOR says. And I am getting tired of seemly defending myself against your insinuations. I don't understand your need to constantly question or correct what is going on between me and my doctors, in that regard, or whatever comments or questions I choose to post. I don't know if it's a misguided sense of wanting to help, but you are coming off a little pushy and somewhat demanding. Everyone here knows that everyone responds to different medications and procedures differently. What may work for some, won't for another.

To you separate post below, I did NOT know they were the same thing. I don't buy or hang around people who use it on the streets. And whether or I have a question, can't I express frustration as well? Isn't that what this site is supposed to be for? To talk to or vent or ask questions to people who empathize and support you? Not to feel constantly feel questioned or doing some imagined "wrong" such as having no sense on how to run my household finances? Or that I'm not already doing everything in my power to recover??

Just tone it down for goodness sake....

*admin edit*

I can't explain the oversensitivity on this issue. I don't know anyone else who would consider the advice to discuss the inability to pay for medications with the ordering physician as the insult of "having no sense on how to run my household finances." That advice is reasonable....and absolutely vital in an honest and effective doctor patient relationship.

The standard for determining if it was effective is if ANY pain relief lasted more than the first few hours that came from the local anesthetic. You have mentioned getting several DAYS of relief from it.

It is unfortunate that your local anethesiologist doesn't seem to be aware of the tx of RSD that others are......

http://www.medcentral.org/main/Stell...lionBlock.aspx

"How long the effect of the medication last?
The local anesthetic wears off in a few hours. However, the blockade of sympathetic nerves may last for many more hours. Usually, the duration of relief gets longer after each injection.

How many stellate ganglion blocks do I need to have?
If you respond to the first injection, you will be recommended for repeat injections. Usually, a series of such injections is needed to treat the problem. Some may need only 2 to 4 and some may need more than 10. "

I've posted info about SGB's many, many times over the past few years. And frankly I'm to the point where I figure anyone that truly wants to explore the option will do their own research, but I'll run through it again...

Any reduction of pain is a sign of the block working. If someone has a few days of relief, that's actually not at all a sign of a failed block. If someone has a bad reaction to a block--in otherwords it causes spread, that is obviously a big deal, but that's rare.

So, how does one prolong the results of a block?

1) Change the block "cocktail". If DeproMedrol was NOT used, then it's a really good idea to add it in.

2) Having a series of blocks can have a cumulative effect.

3) Lastly, the skill and technique of the doc performing the block are very important. Is he performing the block via fluoroscopy while the patient gives feedback? This isn't fun--but it is effective. For someone with a low threshold for pain, it might prove difficult. If you're simply being knocked out, and the block is done, then it's a crap shoot...

I've had SGB's performed in the standard, haphazard method I'm guessing is not uncommon. I've had SGB's performed by a former spine surgeon, that treated the procedure like a spine surgery. It was a lengthy procedure, via fluoroscopy. The same doc performed the blocks with DeproMedrol and without. As a result, I had widely varying results. Even with a highly skilled doc, my results only lasted a few days without DeproMedrol. But I've had results that lasted up to 3 weeks when done via fluoroscopy and with DeproMedrol. I have had additional surgery with a SGB beforehand, that didn't result in spread. I believe I could have achieved remission IF the right doc, using the right meds and technique had performed a series of SGBs in the first year of my developing RSD/CRPS. In fact, I'm having a SGB done to try and stop spread in a new area...

You suggested things such as running up credit cards, which I wouldn't be able to pay back. And seem to think that is a good viable option? As far as the "hypersensitivity", it's not. You said, multiple times that was a "lack" of financial planning. Which I explain there is not. Yet you seemed determined to insist there was, that's not being hypersensitive. That's not being hypersensitive, that is telling you I already AM doing everything I can. Which you probably don;t realize. And maybe I wouldn't be some-what sensitive if you would STOP insist thing I'm not doing everything I can. It is very insulting, maybe you didn't mean it that way, but it is. So STOP.

I am going to need to intervene here and ask that members please remember the guidelines when posting to one another. Members are never to make personal negative remarks to one another please. I had to edit a post and hope I wont have to intervene again.

thanks

I wish my SGB worked for any amount of time. All I got was horners syndrome. Not a big deal but I paid $128 for it.

Geez that's awful! Seems like with the medical advances they have now they'd be able find something the at least wouldn't make thing worse! Or have to deal with awful side effects

How long did You experience Horner's syndrome?

12 hrs. But 12 hrs of pain relief would have been better.

Were you under the impression that a droopy eye was unusual or a problem? It's actually a sign that a SGB worked.

http://www.rsdhope.org/stellate-ganglion.html

No that is what happens when they hit the sympathetic/stallate region. Doesn't really mean it worked, just that he hit the right spot.

It is frequently sited that it is often a sign of success. Your earlier post was a little confusing for those that haven't had read info on the procedure. And when the doc asks for your feedback during the procedure via fluoroscopy, and if it isn't rushed, you have a much greater likelihood of several days to weeks of reduced pain.

http://www.completepaincare.com/stel...ve-blocks.html

Asks for my feedback during the procedure? lol he has a long needle in my neck going down to my spine. I am feedbackless during the procedure. And it does not matter how he does it, what he uses, how he uses it. If your or my condition is not sympathetically maintained, Meaning blocks are useless for that particular patient, it will not work. Just the fact medicine hits your stallate region. Sorry if I confuse users who don't know about the procedure. They can read up on it like I did if they want to understand.

I must admit this thread has gone off topic and I will not be going on, not on this thread.

Yes Morgan, it had gone off topic lol. but that is okay, I don't mind. The anesthesiologist, also told me my pain was NOT sympathetically maintained either, so I too have no results other than learning that with my SGB.

I have been able to give feedback during SGB, and while it isn't pleasant, it is possible. If a doc is not performing them this way it just isn't worth it IMO. Even a thumbs up or down works. And DeproMedrol or another steroid needs to be used if someone has SIP.

We can agree to disagree politely. People do use these forums for research, so those that have differing experiences that have proved useful add our experiences as well.