Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Hi Kris, I've had several lumbar blocks, and didn't find them "horrific" at all. I do, however, have a very high threshold for pain...... I didn't have any anesthesia at all, nor did I have tranquilizers. I found I really didn't need them, but if they are available to you, you should use them. I was a little uncomfortable during the procedure, more due to the way that I had to lie down than from the block itself. I was a little bit sore afterwards, but the pain in my leg did go away briefly. Did your Dr. explain the procedure to you and what they would be doing? If not, make him explain it to you step by step so you don't have to fear the unknown! Hugs, Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Hi Kris, I've had several lumbar blocks, and didn't find them "horrific" at all. I do, however, have a very high threshold for pain...... I didn't have any anesthesia at all, nor did I have tranquilizers. I found I really didn't need them, but if they are available to you, you should use them. I was a little uncomfortable during the procedure, more due to the way that I had to lie down than from the block itself. I was a little bit sore afterwards, but the pain in my leg did go away briefly. Did your Dr. explain the procedure to you and what they would be doing? If not, make him explain it to you step by step so you don't have to fear the unknown! Hugs, Jo Jo, No he did not go through it step by step. I left a message for the nurse and when she calls me back, I will mention that to her. I am glad that it didn't hurt too bad. I wonder if the difference in our thresholds could make a difference. Hugs, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 , Yes, the doctor did say that he would give me versid and something else (I forget). Now you have had RSD for over a year, where did it start? I am so afraid that this will spread. The doctors don't know if I have had it since the day of my accident (1yr) or just since surgery in January.. I am afraid that if it is too late, it may not help... My doc is puzzled that it hasn't reversed itself by now... I am thinking that isn't a good thing. I hope you are doing ok! Gentle hugs, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Kris Did you say that your Dr is puzzled that your RSD hasnt reversed itself by now? Wow I have had it over 9 years now and never heard of it reversing itself. Only case I ever heard if was on Unsolved Mysteries / that was such a big deal they put it on an episode of unsolved mysteries and that girls did it within a week. Hate to be the one to burst your bubble but there are alot of us "ole timers" around. Mine has only spread and gotten worse over the 9 years period. I would be happy with a short remission but as I said never heard of a reversal. Good Luck and God Bless Margie in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Hi Kris, No, I don't think that our different thresholds will make much difference. I'm pretty sure that it will not be that uncomfortable for you. Keep hoping for remission, without hope there is nothing...... If the blocks are successful, and relieve the pain, that could be the start of remission for you. I'll certainly say a prayer that it is! Hugs, Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Hello Kris, I have a series of a about 9 done....there not that painful...for me there weren't...the gave me a sedative to help relax me I believe that was theticket....hopefully you will have better luck with yours then I did....I have rsd for over a year now in my lower extremities First block Hi all, I am scheduled for my first lumbar sympathetic block on 8/9. I am scared! Is there anyone out there that can tell me what to expect when this is done and after this block? My doctor said he will give me tranquilizers, but no anesthesia. Hopefully ya all can relieve me and some of my fears. I think it is the fear of the unknown that scares me most! Is it really going to be horrific? I have a very low pain threshold, however, it has increased since my accident because of the daily pain I experience. Do they give you some kind of pain medication after the procedure or will I be on my own? My current pain med is Ultram. Any input will be greatly appreciated! Hugs to all, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Jo, Thank you so much for your encouraging words! Very much appreciated. I will never give up hope of remission. Can't wait until I see what the results will be from the block. I will let you know. Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Theresa, I am sorry to hear that you had such a terrible time with the blocks. With mine being done in my back, I hope for the best. I would rather know and be scared, so as to prepare for the worst then go in expecting nothing and be very disappointed. So I would rather go into this expecting bad stuff and be relieved that it wasn't that bad. Only time will tell, but I will make sure that they keep my medicated very well! Gentle Hugs, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Kris I have never found the blocks to be bad at all. I think the unknown fear is always the worst, but once you have the first one you will be a PRO!!!!! I hope u didnt midunderstand what I was saying about reversal vs remission. Yes I do know some that go into remission for a short while at a time, but never reversal. Remission and reversal are 2 different things to me. Reversal to me mean it is gone. Remission to me means it is just being quiet for a while. Maybe a day or 2, or a month or 2 but we will take what we can get. I was just surprised at your Drs statement about being surprised it handout reversed itself by now. Good luck You will do fine!!! Margie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 My blocks hurt. I had them in the neck with no anistesia, no nothing. Had side efffects like the left side of my face looked like I had a stroke and could not talk well for awhile after that. I hate them. Just prepare yourself and close your eyes. This is not to scare you but to help you. You'll be ok. Been there done that:) Hugs, Theresa S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 I had a lumbar block prior to putting in my pump. I don't recall it hurting at all. I have upper body stellate ganglion blocks, SGB's still monthly, and they don;t hurt me either. But, it sure does work! Kathy Goldenkranz Aptos, CA 95003 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Hi Kris, Here is a video of a lumbar block being done: http://www.rsds.org/real_media.htm Here is a site that explains in detail what is done and how you will feel during and after: http://www.reddinganesthesia.com/ The block that Theresa is referring to is a SGB and they do hurt no matter what you are given -- they are nothing like a lumbar block so do not worry. I am so sorry Theresa that you went through a SGB. They are very dangerous and most often not successful and always very painful. The key as most people have said is sedation but you must be alert enough to not move at all during the procedure so that the block can be done correctly. As far as the RSD reversing itself that will not happen - I think what your doctor is looking for is Remission that can happen but it will take treatment and physical therapy after your block. Physical therapy is the key to putting RSD in remission or under control. I Hope this helps and my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Take care, Trish (Bondi1959) PS Please confirm that he is using long acting anesthesia and doing a therapeutic block and not a diagnostic block. Please ask this question now -- do not wait until the appointment. If you do not understand this question please email me at LightUpLtd@.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2001 Report Share Posted July 25, 2001 Hi Kris, I don't know ho they do it in America, but here in the Netherlands i had nothing before a block. The doc give me a block and i feel a little bit but not that much that i think: o it hurd so much. Here its normal that you get no tranquilizers ore something als before a block. The doc warned me the it can be painfull but i feld almost nothing. So if you get some drugs before it, i think you feel nothing. Don't worry about it. greet an a hug Peggy > Hi all, > I am scheduled for my first lumbar sympathetic block on 8/9. I am scared! Is > there anyone out there that can tell me what to expect when this is done and > after this block? My doctor said he will give me tranquilizers, but no > anesthesia. > Hopefully ya all can relieve me and some of my fears. I think it is the fear > of the unknown that scares me most! Is it really going to be horrific? I have > a very low pain threshold, however, it has increased since my accident > because of the daily pain I experience. Do they give you some kind of pain > medication after the procedure or will I be on my own? My current pain med is > Ultram. > Any input will be greatly appreciated! > Hugs to all, > Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2001 Report Share Posted July 26, 2001 Margie, Yes, I did misunderstand your words. I guess I wasn't reading clearly. I agree, I will take whatever I can get, like everyone else. Hugs, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2001 Report Share Posted July 26, 2001 Kathy, Thanks for the encouraging words. Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2001 Report Share Posted July 26, 2001 Peggy, I couldn't imagine having this done without any medication! I am so anxious about needles, that I would totally have a panic attack! You must be one tough cookie! Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2001 Report Share Posted July 26, 2001 Peggy, I will definitely tell you how it went. Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2001 Report Share Posted July 26, 2001 Hi Kris, The pain doc said to me that it could be hurd, but i'm lucy to be on of those people who has a high painlevel. He said by the seccond block that it was the worst block, but i didn't feld almost anything. Hihi he thouth a was past out but i was still wating for the injection. I had it already. I'm heapy to be one of those ho don't hate injections ore anything that is similar about it. So don't worry about the blocks, it's over before you know it. (forgeve for my bad English i'm just a woman from the Netherlands) Succes with the blocks and you whrite about it? Greet an a hug Peggy --- dolfnlver@... wrote: > Peggy, > I couldn't imagine having this done without any > medication! I am so anxious > about needles, that I would totally have a panic > attack! You must be one > tough cookie! > > Kris > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2001 Report Share Posted July 26, 2001 When I had my SGB my hubby was right there beside me. I had no medication during the procedure and yes it was terrible!!! My poor hubby turned white as a ghoast and almost passed out on the bed! The nurse had to have him put him head down.....poor guy. After it was over I was crying and my hubby had tears in his eyes too for me. It only helped a little(the block). I had 6 more after that with little help. I was hoping for a miracle though....really I was. Hugs, Theresa S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2001 Report Share Posted July 26, 2001 I get a great deal of Verced just before the SGB. I don't feel a thing and I look forward to them. I have one, next Friday. I can't imagine not getting medication before the block, I have had the SGB's for 3 years, for a while 2 times a week, then once a week, 2 times a month and now once a month. They make all the difference for me. Kathy Goldenkranz Aptos, CA 95003 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2001 Report Share Posted July 27, 2001 Kathy, I am glad to hear that they make a difference for you. Hopefully it will do the same for me! Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2001 Report Share Posted July 27, 2001 , Thank you so much for the support. I am hoping that I will get some relief for a while. I would like to live normal for a little while. I am still not willing to admit that this will never go away. I guess you can say I am in the denial stage. Hugs, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2001 Report Share Posted July 27, 2001 Hi Kris, I hurt my self at work last year and they thought it was a broken ankle....with in 2 months the pain and swelling was to my knee....i have the bee like burning pain and major deep bone ache...temperature difference between the two feet and legs....I know have some of the ssymtoms in my other leg now.....I must say...although know one wants to hear it...it does spread....*sighs*.....you will do on your blocks love.....I hope you get some much needed relief Your friend Re: First block , Yes, the doctor did say that he would give me versid and something else (I forget). Now you have had RSD for over a year, where did it start? I am so afraid that this will spread. The doctors don't know if I have had it since the day of my accident (1yr) or just since surgery in January.. I am afraid that if it is too late, it may not help... My doc is puzzled that it hasn't reversed itself by now... I am thinking that isn't a good thing. I hope you are doing ok! Gentle hugs, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2001 Report Share Posted July 28, 2001 hi Kris yes I know all about the denial....I have had 2 dr's tell me that it wont go away and I am now am on a waiting list for another rsd Dr....I am from Canada and where I live I have to travel a few hours to see another Dr...probably a waste of time but I just cant seem to settle for....we cant help you anymore....I just feel with all the new medical research that they just wash there hands of me...well I will wait the six months to be told again that I need to accept and deal....easier said then done.....when do you go for your blocks? Re: First block , Thank you so much for the support. I am hoping that I will get some relief for a while. I would like to live normal for a little while. I am still not willing to admit that this will never go away. I guess you can say I am in the denial stage. Hugs, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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