[theoneRogue420]

Hi there, dham, welcome to NT. Sorry you have to be here at all, though.

I have had rs/crps type II for 15 years now (my "anniversary" was Oct. 27th).

It all varies, sorry to say. From patient to patient, from one year to the next. The blocks vary also, from whether they help or not to length of time the relief lasts.

It can spread, too. Originally mine was in my right ankle. Now, however, it is in both legs from knees down. I also have the beginning symptoms in my right wrist, but I try to ignore that.

The only pep-talking I can give you is this: you must be a truly strong person, probably much stronger than you realize. God never gives you more than you can handle. I also am thankful each and every day that it didn't happen to one of my sons.

[dham53]

I have my appt tomorrow with the PM doc to discuss the sympathetic nerve block. Any suggestions for questions for him? Again, are most of you able to work with RSD? Thanks for your input.

Deb

[ali12]

Hi there,
Hope you are Ok, good luck with seeing your PM doctor tomorrow.
Questions to ask him about the nerve block:
1. What are the side effects of the block?
2. How long do most people get pain relief for?
3. Am I awake or asleep when you do the nerve block?
4. Where do you inject into?
5. How many people have you treated that have had some pain relief from the block?
How are you
Take care
ALISON

[wakegirl]

hey i am lauren and have been off for a few days but i wanted to try and answer some of your questions.
the sypathetic block goes into the tier of your back that is involved...i have lumbar sympathetics...in my lower back.
i have had a lot of sympathetic blocks (once a week) and only once did i walk out in worse shape than i went in. the problem with that one was when my meds werent given until seconds before and didnt start working before she started poking me, so all of my muscles tightened and i was in spasm for days after.
the blocks really are the best way to figure out whether or not the problems are related to rsd...and the docs are usually very good at making sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.

[dham53]

Thank you all so much for your responses and support.
I saw the PM doc today and he feels that although I have some of the symptoms of RSD he doesn't feel that he can make that diagnosis at this time. He said it does not mean that I don't have it though. He is still recommending the sympathetic nerve block. He thinks there is a good chance that it will give me relief over a period of time. I have it scheduled for Dec. 5 and I'll continue with the Neurontin until then and if I feel better I may put the block on hold. He feels the scar tissue from my laminectomy is causing most of my nerve pain.
Thank you all again, best of luck to everyone and God bless each of you!

[InHisHands]

Hello there. First, Welcome! Secondly, I sure hope the doctors find a dx for you and can help you. I went around with doctors saying I had RSD and some saying I didn't but finally saw an experienced doctor who recognized it was RSD with a rare presentation. What area do you live in? I have several doctor recommendations so if you'd like, please PM me.

I found this video of sympathetic blocks and thought it might help you.
http://www.rsdfoundation.org/en/en_c...l#NEWNerveBLKS
Pain free hugs xxx