Re: Good News From Doc? Celiac Block?

July 7, 2002

> > My GI called tonight for a long telephone appointment. He had

> > gotten the radiology report from Friday's CT-scan and wanted to

> > review that and talk to me about any health changes since

> > March. The good news was reassuring, my largest pseudocyst

> > has reduced to 3 cm. around from 3.6 cm. and the other two

> > smaller ones at the tail also showed " very significant "

> reduction!

> > He was optimistic, that with more time, total resolution may be

> > possible.

> >

> > I told him that my pain had been increasing in duration and

> > happening more frequently, and that the Percocet was not that

> > effective anymore, and that I wished the pain would resolve,

too!

> > He sort of laughed and said that unfortunately, that wouldn't

> > happen, but that if this had become more of a problem it was

> > time for other options. He said he felt it was time to see an

> > anesthesia specialist with a pain mangement clinic to discuss

> > the options of a celiac block and/or longer acting pain meds. I

> > told him I knew of one in a neighboring town that was highly

> > recommended by my sister-in-law with lupus, and he said he

> > had no objections, I could go to that doctor, or there were two

> > others he could recommend. Whatever I wanted.

> >

> > Needless to say, I was floored! The long persuasive speech I'd

> > been memorizing for the last few weeks to discuss this very

> > subject was totally unnecessary. He said he'd be happy to work

> > with whomever I chose and would fax all my records to them as

> > soon as I requested it.

> >

> > I'd like to hear anyone's feedback on celiac blocks, again. If

> you

> > have had this done, was it effective, and for how long? I'm

> trying

> > to weigh the advantages/disadvantages of this option as

> > opposed to moving up to a longer acting medication. At this

> > point I'm leaning toward a stronger pain medication as a first

> > choice, but am wondering how much that will limit my activity,

> > since I am on my own raising a child much of the time and those

> > times I have to be able to function with little impairment.

> >

> > So any advice, experience or comments would be very welcome!

> > This group is the best sounding board ever. I know I can

> > research everything possible on the blocks, and the drugs, and I

> > will, but your personal experience with both would be helpful.

> >

> > With hope and prayers,

> > Heidi

> >

> > Heidi H. Griffeth - SC

> > hhessgriffeth@h...

> > Southeastern Representative

> > Pancreatitis Association, Intl.

July 7, 2002