I really didn't want to go the block-route because I had read several places that if a block should go wrong on RSD, it messes with the sympathetic nerve system so bad that it could potentially worsen the RSD. So if one doesn't go well, it could be a potential hazard.

I don't know if insights around this have changed in recent years.

I do know, however, that they get done, and routinely at that!

Thanks Marleen!! What combo of pain meds are you using today instead? My new regimen is helping and definitely heading in the right direction but not 100% yet. I think I may need some sort of long acting opiate as opposed to IR since I only get a set period of relief with that.

I had a couple of blocks. The first was a little more than 6 months after my injury and it had very little impact on my rsd...the temperature changes were reduced significantly afterwards but pain remained about the same. No negative reactions. 2 years later I had a series of blocks done...and the last block caused me to get worse and my rsd to spread to almost full body. I am mad at myself because I let the dr bully me into it when I didn't really want the treatment...but it's on me for letting myself get pushed around. I think getting worse is pretty rare...and any treatment can make you worse so this is not a huge thing to worry about...but it is a risk even if a small one and it does happen. Blocks seem to generally be MOST effective in the first 6 months and can help people achieve remission. But like everything else you need to look at the positives and the negatives and decide if it's worth the risk. I had bad luck but far more people do have success and relief from the treatment.