Okay, here I go. The pm dr has me scheduled for up to 6 nerve blocks over 3 wks. and going right to OT after them. I am so scared but realize that this may be my best shot of remission.(?) What can I expect?? Will they take all the pain away or just make it more manageable? The pain has been getting worse and going up my arm. I am supposed to go on vacation the first wk in June...I'm really going to need it. Also, still waiting for wc to approve psychologist. What have been your experiences?

Well, whether they give you pain relief or not depends on whether your pain is still sympathetically maintained or independent. There's no way to tell that until you have the first block done. If you get some relief, it's still maintained(SMP). If you get no relief, there would be no use getting any more because it means the pain is independent(SIP).

Here's an article which talks about the 2 main blocks, Lumbar and SGB. Yours would be sgb, stellate ganglion. It tells what to expect. :-) Sympathetic Nerve Blocks: A Guide for the Patient.

Hope that helps and I wish you lots of luck and hope this gets you into remission!

Big Hugs,

Karen

hi i have 40 plus done if you want to call me i tell you how it is done it is a cake walk hope it works for you it shure helps me good luck

I have had 6 nerve blocks...some go into remission some don't. But I can tell you this I got the best relief from them then anything else until they stopped working. Make sure they put the temperature stickers on your hands before hand and measure pre/post temp. This is a big indicator (plus the pain relief) if it is working and if it is sympathetically driven rsd. Good luck, they aren't as scary as they sound, if you have a good doc they will make sure you are nice and comfy before doing the block. Also bring an ipod if you have one and listen to music through it, it made my experience smoother. Be honest on how you feel and make sure to keep your pain log (1hr,2hrs, and such) after so they can see your progress best!
Jennelle