I haven't experiences what you are going through, but I hope you find some relief for your pain soon. Take Care!

So now I had the 5th block and again got the droopy eye and face, my whole arm was numb but pain free. That lasted about a day and a half and then I woke up with sharp pain from my shoulder down to my fingers. I am so afraid it is spreading as my shoulder has gotten aggravated during therapy a few times lately (therapist thinks because of favoring that arm for the past 6 months). That pain was about a 7. It is gone again now. My pain goes from almost nothing to maybe a 3 since starting the blocks. I still get the cramping though and that hurts and the tremors seem to be here to stay as well as the swelling. Sometimes I get burning but not as bad as before. My whole arm feels so weak but we are making progress in therapy...slowly. I guess I just expected it to all go away and give me my life back? I was depressed and miserable before because of the pain and now I am getting depressed because I think I am coming to the realization that my life will not be the same. I worry that I won't have my job or even be able to do my job. What do I do? Right now the pain isn't bad but my hand is swelling more and feels like I am holding it over a flame. In the morning it will probably be better. Is that typical?? The Dr talks about this being a mild case and to be positive because that has alot to do with it but I feel like I get relief and I'm feeling confident and then I get knocked back down on my (you know what).


Shouldn't the swelling and tremors be going away too?? I thought the pain would stay away? The pain is down alot and the burning gone except for the occasional burning feeling but I was really hoping this would put me in remission...so the dr said.

I've had 7 blocks, but they were spaced much further apart then yours. It usually took me a few days after a block to start feeling better. My blocks usually started to wear off after 10-14 days.

Do you take any meds for the burning/pain/depression/sleep? Most of us do have an assortment that helps with our symptoms that is periodically tinkered with as needed. If you are in a lot of pain ask your doc for some meds to help you with that, it can make a world of difference in your ability to cope!!

Take care and good luck, Sandy

Each of you deserve this


for your bravery by going through these treatments. I am told, by PM doc, that the blocks would not help me.

I am not on any meds. The Dr had given me Tramadol before trying the blocks but it really didn't help. The next time I get alot of pain back I am going to try it again. The Dr also wanted me to see a psychologist but wc won't send me until after the blocks. I think I need one now and am waiting for a call back to see if I can go. I am not coping well right now. I have been sleeping better since the blocks have relieved some of my pain. I guess I am also one of those quiet, do as I am told people that is bad at advocating and standing up for myself. I am getting better but I guess I better do a better job. This all began with a little torn ligament, I just can't believe I am still living this nightmare.I wish I could wake up and it would all have been a bad dream.

Do you have a lawyer? I can't remember if we talked about this already?...

Do you have a personal care physician and private insurance? Use that to GET WHAT YOU NEED if you have to. It sounds like you need meds and a psych eval.

When I was diagnosed with RSD last year, and my first PM doc (who was a real idiot) was advocating a chiropractor and no blocks, I made an appt with a really good teaching hospital in Boston using my United Health Care card, and let my attorney straighten out the account later. I think 3 or 4 blocks were charged to my personal insurance. The bills were all later transferred to WC. I KNEW at the time that I needed better care. I didn't have a lot of support at the time from many other people (my PT was awesome) but sometimes your gut tells you when you have to get moving, and that was one of those times.

I just did the same thing this afternoon for an initial eval for ketamine infusion treatment at the Beth Israel in Boston. My adjuster at WC denied it, just as I figured she would, because she is truly an evil *itch and denies everything (I console myself with the thought that God must have very special plans for these people). I am surprised that she got around to denying it so quickly actually, when I tried to get into the Mass General last month she deliberately lost 5 faxes from them in a row over the course of a few days before she got around to denying it.

Don't hesitate to take care of yourself FIRST and let the $$ fall into place later. That is why you need an attorney - To advocate for your health since you readily admit that you have a problem doing it yourself. If you are in pain and depressed you need help. Get an attorney, and call your doctor.

Good luck, Sandy