Re: Tricia - Brachial Plexus Block

[Guest guest]

The Brachial Plexus Block sounds just about like the Stelligate Ganglion Blocks...the part where they go in near the collar bone.

Are they the same things?

Tonia

-------Original Message-------

Barbara - Thanks for the info cause what you just described, is what he described to me. Though, I don't think it'll be a continuous one. Then again, maybe it will be.....I was kind of in shock the last time I talked to him, so I may not have heard everything he said. That's why I bring mom sometimes.....especially when I'm not expecting the best of news. Who knows, if it is the continuous one I can catch up with the girls from infusion. Gotta look for a bright side, right

TriciaBARBARA TORREY wrote:

Tricia - While I haven't had a brachial plexus block, I've had four continuous axillary blocks. Although different, I believe that the approach is the same. They numb the surface skin in the armpit (or another approach for the brachial plexus is to go in near the collarbone), locate and stimulate the nerve and inject the block meds. With a continuous block, a catheter is inserted and sutured in several places to keep it secure. It's attached to a pump that is left in place for 2 - 3 weeks at a time. They did back-to-back continuous ones with me until they could get me squared away for my first SCS. Barbara

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[Guest guest]

Tricia - During the 2 - 3 months that I had the continuous block I enjoyed a period of nearly no pain (just a 1 to a 4 with the 4 being when I had severe muscle spasms at various points during my day). I would have sold everything I owned to be able to have something like that for my lifetime. Unfortunately, they are unable to set you up with a continuous block to a single limb for a lifetime. In an interesting difference of opinions among the docs, Dr. Catastrophic said it was right on the horizon (getting my foolish hopes up for nothing as "our" doc said it couldn't happen and never would due to the inevitable abscess that would result). Dr. D ending with an R pushed for a continuous epidural which would have meant my having to go out on permanent disability (uh, NO WAY) and never being able to drive again. FYI, the continuous axillary block had lidocaine, fentanyl, and clonidine in it. IT was wonderful and I felt

absolutely no side effects from the fentanyl since the majority of the medication went directly to my arm with very little of it going into my overall bloodstream. The best I have felt in 12 years....I can deal with the level of pain elsewhere in my body but my arm is over the top.

The folks from infusion were terrific. They had to see me every other day for dressing changes becuase I can't use the regular stuff (allergies). They totally worked around my work schedule, checking with me so that they could either see me at home or in between sessions at work. Great people.

Have you thought about calling PVTA to fill out papers to become eligible for the handicapped van transportation? I realize how difficult it can be to make arrangements for a friend or familiy member to give a ride. Although PVTA initially gave me the run-around over the phone saying I made too much money etc., I had no trouble getting approved and it was nice to have it available as a back-up. Have a good one - Barbara

Tricia Skiba wrote:

Barbara - Thanks for the info cause what you just described, is what he described to me. Though, I don't think it'll be a continuous one. Then again, maybe it will be.....I was kind of in shock the last time I talked to him, so I may not have heard everything he said.

[Guest guest]

Very different, Tonia. BarbaraTonia wrote:

The Brachial Plexus Block sounds just about like the Stelligate Ganglion Blocks...the part where they go in near the collar bone.

Are they the same things?

Tonia

-------Original Message-------

Barbara - Thanks for the info cause what you just described, is what he described to me. Though, I don't think it'll be a continuous one. Then again, maybe it will be.....I was kind of in shock the last time I talked to him, so I may not have heard everything he said. That's why I bring mom sometimes.....especially when I'm not expecting the best of news. Who knows, if it is the continuous one I can catch up with the girls from infusion. Gotta look for a bright side, right

TriciaBARBARA TORREY wrote:

Tricia - While I haven't had a brachial plexus block, I've had four continuous axillary blocks. Although different, I believe that the approach is the same. They numb the surface skin in the armpit (or another approach for the brachial plexus is to go in near the collarbone), locate and stimulate the nerve and inject the block meds. With a continuous block, a catheter is inserted and sutured in several places to keep it secure. It's attached to a pump that is left in place for 2 - 3 weeks at a time. They did back-to-back continuous ones with me until they could get me squared away for my first SCS. Barbara

____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here

[Guest guest]

Git yerself up here, girl. There's always room at the table (but I'm not cooking). Thinking about you and sending good thoughts - BarbaraJoAnn & Russ Ford wrote:

Barbara you can meet someone without me that is so rude. After all I really want to be with the two of you and enjoy your company. So maybe you two could come on down here? Would really appreciate it as love you so much, how about it Barbara?!!!!!

s Momma

JoAnn

Re: Tricia - Brachial Plexus Block

Tricia - Best of luck to you today. I hope that all goes well. If you email me privately, I'd be glad to do the exchange phone number thing. I have a week and a half off starting next Thursday the 27th. If you need a ride or want to hook up for coffee just give a call. Barbara. Tricia Skiba wrote:

Barbara - Bupivicaine is actually an old friend of mine; that was part of the mix in my epidural catheter goody bag. Yes, my moment of silence has passed.....though I have many throughout the day.