I have RSD in my left ankle/lower leg. I have had the condition for 4 years already. I am scheduled to have my first Bier Block next week. I am wondering if others have tried this and what the outcome was. I have already had 2 lumbar sympathetic blocks and 2 saphenous nerve blocks with no success.

My understanding is that a Bier Block is an IV Regional Block (IVRB). You are sedated during it (thankfully). They basically cut off blood flow to your left leg and flood it with a cocktail of medications to attempt to calm the condition and provide pain relief. They typically do a series of 4 of these 1-2 weeks apart. It is being done by an RSD “Super Specialist” at a teaching hospital in Chicago.

Has anyone tried these and what is your experience?

Thank you to all who read this or take the time to respond.

Hi there,

I have had a few guanethidine blocks on my arms which did help quite a lot. The first one was done without sedation---please don't let them do it without as the pain is severe when the pump up the cuff to block the supply and then again when they release the blood back into the limb.
The sedation made it a breeze. I have not had the same results from my legs, it has helped for a time but not long enough for my liking but I am a long way down the road compared to you so that could be the reason for that.
I wish you all the very best--it sounds as though you have a good team on your side---that is always a plus.
cheers
Tayla

They were of no help to me but I had had the condition a long time and they had tried most of the other treatments already.

I had 4 Bier blocks. But I was not sedated. I wish they had done that, But the nurses were so good. they all stood around me making jokes, reading me stories and my husband held my hand the whole time. Iam not going to lie, it was very uncomfortable but like I said I wasn't sedated. They didn't work for me but I wish you much luck with this.

Sue K.