[daniella]

So I had my lidocaine iv infusion yesterday. Basically they just hook you up to an iv for around 30 min and of course the heart montior etc and a nurse stays with you. The nurse then asks you every 5 or 10 min how your pain is and if you have any side effects. I hd no relief or side effects. After I went with my mom to lunch so we are doing better too. Last night though my pain was very high and this morning was crying from pain and was up most the night. I hope that was a fluke and not from anything yesterday but I can't imagine what would cause more pain. Unfortunatly meds don't help me as I have just started a round of new ones again after many failed and most as needed ones give very little relief. So now I have a lumbar sympethetic block set. Very frustrated and let down but I really thank everyone for your support.

[SandyRI]

I'm sorry. The Pain Clinic that does my blocks also offers Lidicaine, but only up to an hour at a time (I think that is all they are licenced for). and the nurses tell me that most patients report the same results as you - no change in their pain. That's why I have stayed with the blocks for now. tey are more painful and invasive and risky, bubt more effective and hopefully will eventually minimize my spread. From what I have been able to research, the longer term Lidocaine infusions and subcutaneous infusions are the ones that are usually successful. Schwartzman published a research report in Mar 2009 (it's available at RSDSA.org - I'll add the link below) about the longer term infusions.

Keep trying to get to a place where there are more treatment options available. I recently found out about ketamine trials in Boston. Don't know if I can get in, I need a doc first (just starting with a new one this afternoon) but there is always hope).

Can you talk to your doc about better meds for your pain. Others on the board are reporting success with Opana ER. Maybe it's the answer for you, too.

Take care, Sandy

http://www.rsdsa.org/2/library/artic...rothusenJR.pdf

[daniella]

Thanks for your thoughts. I am just in crud mood because I didn't expect to be in a flare up in addition. Anyhow they are squeezing me in on Wed for the lumbar sympethteic block so will see. I actually was going to see who does ketamine op. I still may if I have not made any progress. I have started new meds but in general when I am in a flare up they don't do much but also I wait too long I think to take them. Good luck with what you try and about doctors. You are right we have to hold to hope.

[Mslday]

The protocol used by my hospital is 800 mg of lidocaine.

100 mg is given by a bolus and 700 mg in a saline solution run over 2 hours. Perhaps you did not receive enough. I do have terrific pain relief from this lidocaine protocol as do most of the dozen or so other rsd patients being treated by my doctor. This protocol was originally from Dr Schwartzman's clinic in Philadelphia.

I do hope yiou find some releif soon.

MsL

[mrsD]

I am sorry it didn't work for you.

I'd follow up with MsL's comment, about dosing.
I'd find out exactly what you received, and how much.

[daniella]

Hi. I was told it was the standard dose. In any regards I don't want to try it again. I had such a bad 2 days and was back taking narcotic meds and have not in awhile. This is in addition to my other meds I have just started. They are squeezing me on Wed for the lumbar sympthetic block and then I think will have more direction. I am not feeling ver positive at the moment about any of this.
Mrs D I am thinking it is a fluke that I had such bad pain the past 2 days because I get random flare ups but is there any way this licodaine iv could of increased pain or any new meds like I am now on Klonopin,serequel,cymbalta but have been for more then a month but have bene increasing. Thanks and I will let you all know how the block goes on Wed. Not thinking it will be a miracle but will try to have hope

[mrsD]

I am thinking that when the lidocaine wore off, that may have triggered you.

Lidocaine when used topically causes a rebound pain, when it wears off. So I would expect some rebound IV as well.

Anyway, good luck with the next procedure! I hope you get some relief soon.

[daniella]

Thanks Mrs D. The pain though was worse then it had been in awhile like month plus. Who knows I guess it may have been a fluke in general. I too hope the next procedure helps.