I started my series of 3 stellate ganglion blocks today. I arrived at the pain clinic at 6am and the block was done by 6:30. It went well the doctor was very good at it; it was quick and just some uncomfortable pressure. It was a successful block my eye became droopy, my nose stuffy and my arm warm. Initially the pain had diminished quite a bit but I have to say it only lasted maybe 5 hours. Now the sensitivity is much worse than before.
When they initially did the diagnostic block it lasted 22 hours but today it only lasted about 5 hours. He had me go to physical therapy to get a good session in as well as desensitization done.
So now I can only hope that next Fridays block last longer...
Well, I'm exhausted So I think I am going to try and get some sleep ..
Many Hugs
Dawn

Hi, Dawn! I am so sorry to hear that your block only lasted for about 5 hrs. darn it! I hope that your next block helps you for a longer period of time.I too had the red droopy eye, it was bloodshot, and my right nostril was stuffy. The reason why none of my blocks helped me(I had 3) was because I found out today that I have a herniated disk in my neck! Anyway I am sending you much needed hugs and praying that your feeling better tomorrow. sleep well my friend. Love, Desi

Hi Desi-
Thank you so much for the needed which I truley needed... I slept so, so last night but that also the norm for me. My arm is back to it's same sensative state today... I wonder if the reason the pain became worse yesterday was due to the fact that the physical therapist was more aggresive with the desensitization.
I'm sorry to hear that you have a herniated disc. I had one as well back in 2001 which was fused or at least that's what the doctor wanted to keep thinking.. My new neurosurgion found that it was acually a failed fusion last 2006 and I was able to get it repaired 09/06 I believe it is acually fusing now as the neck pain is still there but it is not the same plus the doner bone came from my hip this last time. The first one was cadaver.
So Best of Luck to you with your herniated and impending fusion.
I hope that you can have a relaxing Memorial Day...
Many Hugs
Dawn

Thanks Dawn! I am hoping that I do not have to have surgery. wow! I am sorry you had to go through the fusion with your herniated disk, Dawn. Do they always do surgery? Is there any info you can send me, as I am terrified to have any kind of surgery! do you have any kind of information that you can pm me .. that would be so greatly appreciated. I don't want to add this on to my RSD Thank you, and I hope you have an enjoyable and relaxing "pain free" memorial week-end as well, Dawn. Love, Desi

sorry the blocks did not go so well .... hope you have a good weekend with low pain joan

i'm sorry you had an unsuccessful block. i just had my 6th one friday and it didn't do much either. my doc is on vacation next week so i have to wait for another one. by the way, how many shots are enough? i'm never told!

hope you have a more restful weekend!

shalom,
ang