[joby7165]

Hello all,

The color mottling and pain in my right hand is increasing and when I went to my neurosurgeon last week he told me that stellate ganglion nerve blocks can be used as a diagnostic tool for rsd and that my neurologist may try that.

My neurologist sent me to the neurosurgeon sent me to the surgeon to get an opinion on a small cyst thats in my spinal chord.I've already had an MRI with contrast but the surgeon has me getting a closed MRI for even greater resolution tomorrow.

I'm seeing my neurologist tomorrow.He didn't think I had rsd since all I had was the burning pain but now I do have the red mottling color and other times just deep red so he'll be able to see that as well.Just in case he does recommend the stellate ganglion nerve block I would like some opinions of the members of this site,without this site I would be lost.

thank you

[AZ-Di]

Hi Joby,
I have no idea about the cyst situation or how that may complicate things.
I've had 22 Stellate ganglion blocks now. I was scared to death at first.
I have other suggestions on that if you want more info. right now I'm short on time & it takes me forever to type.

In my case I had ALL RSD symptoms full blown in hand & wrist. The first
three SGB's had a dramatic effect by reducing the swelling & some of the pain.
This in turn made immediate Physical therapy visits more successful.
I was able to regain about 30-40 % of movement (over time) when I had 0.
At first I could not stand to have them hardly touch me in P.T.
From what I've read this means the pain was "sympathetically managed" as
in sympathetic nervous system.

[Russell]

Hi joby,
A nerve block was used as part of my diagnose too. All I can say is to go ahead with it. They're probably looking at where the RSD starts and which nerves are involed. That's what my neorologist was looking on me.
Good luck with your endevors...

[joby7165]

Thank you both,there's nothing better than advice from those that have been there!

[tullis]

Originally Posted by joby7165

Thank you both,there's nothing better than advice from those that have been there!

Good Afternoon, I broke my arm December diagnosed by my Orthopedic Doctor I had RSD/CRPS. Needless to say I was very very scared but I have had two blocks and the pain and been reduced by 80%, still stiff in the finger joints. The doctor also put me on gabapentin.(I am currently off that) I will be going back to work next week I am still not 100% but I am going stir crazy. I feel so blessed I have had aggressive doctor with treatment and he has listened to me. Good luck. My fingers were also blotchy and red

[KathyWP]

stellate and epidural blocks and they helped for a while. They were also used to diagnose the rsd along with temperature study, img (which I will never do again), and nuclear bone density tests. All confirmed the rsd. I was diagnosed in 1995 and haven't had a significant spread. I would agree with getting the blocks they can help slow rsd down and maybe give you some relief. Good luck!

[MELwith RSD]

Hi Joby,
I also had the stellate ganglion block for my left leg/foot about 7 months after my foot/lower leg turned blue(ish), mottled and so COLD. Well, it was wonderfully warm and pink after, so it confirmed the RSD dx. It's important to go for it-I had no pain from the procedure at all, I only wish it had stayed nice and warm and pink You'll do fine. I've had a rough start and haven't been on in a long time, but this group is here for you. Keep in touch.

[Nanc]

I agree with the others and would recommend SGB's. I was diagnosed with RSD 23 years ago and they used SGB's to diagnose and get me in remission for many years. They didn't help so much the second time around when I had a new injury and spread occurred. But I wanted to try and still would recommend them.

Good luck to you!
Nanc