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

Hi Desi-
Regarding the fusion... I know many people walk around with herniated disc and don't get them fused. I think it depends on the degree of impingement it is causing on the cord and nerves etc. Many herniated disc can cause neurological impairments and sever pain. I would talk to your neuro and see what they recommend at this point. If it is a budging disc then it can be dealt sometimes with physical therapy.
If you do have to have surgery later on remember to have a SG block done prior to so you can help prevent a spread.
I know there are members here that have had spinal surgery that have RSD that can offer you better advise... I know surgery and RSD are a complicated issue..
I wish I could offer you more advice. You could go to the spinal forum http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22 they would have loads of information on the useful site sticky for you there on herniated disc and surgery etc.
Take care and be sure to look into your best interest with spinal surgery and RSD...
Many Hugs
Dawn

Thank you for your post Dawn! your a peach! My shoulder is hurting me so bad I am ready to go to the ER tonight and get a morphine shot!! It is pretty bad. My ortho ordered me more pain pills. they are vicodin except there is Ibuprofen in them. It takes the edge off for a couple of hrs. but then the pain comes back so bad.. feels like I am gonna pass out!! thanks for the link also Dawn. this was much appreciated! Love, Desi I hope that your feeling better!