number of blocks - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

dayton · 06-17-2003, 09:39 AM

How many blocks does it take to go into remission? The doc seems to think I'm doing ok, I mean I'm still working full-time and all. I've had 3 lumbar blocks and he's scheduled another for Jun 23rd at 11:30. My last one was on the 10th. How can you tell when you're in remission? Well poop, what is remission anyway??? How long does it last? Do you still have to take neurotin while you're in remission?

stickgirl · 06-17-2003, 10:38 AM

How many blocks does it take for remission, no one has that answer. Some people have had 15 and no remission yet. Dr's can only hope, my Dr at the beginning was hoping after 3 mine would go into remission but I still have RSD as bad as the beginning. Remission is a hope that it goes to sleep for a while and you don't realize you have it/or feel it. You would feel that you were cured, at least for the moment. Some have gone into remission for days/weeks/yrs, each person of course is diff. As far as taking neurontin any longer once your in remission, that would be a docs call. Are you back taking it again, I know you had stopped and asked me why I take it and if you should start again. You should stay on it until the doc says not to.

And yes you are a lucky one, you can work/function in everyday life. I can't, I can hardly drive, can't do large shopping alone, I only have the one arm that works. So yes you are a very lucky RSD patient. I hope it stays that way for you, you just might be one that the blocks help.
Hope your day is better today

Stickgirl

dayton · 06-17-2003, 11:52 AM

thanks stickgirl, yep I guess I'm lucky. right now my knee hurts a little and the top of my foot is still sore. It's been five months. I went back to my gp and he wants me to go to a neurologist for a second, well if you count the pain doc, third opinion. i got bills for the blocks yesterday. yikes!! my insurance had better help me out or they won't have to worry about paying cause I'll be dead!! my copay is $300 each and right now i still owe 278 on the cat scan and 100 to the doc. that's why I've got to keep working, I can't afford to quit!! i really don't know how you guys do this, cause my insurance sucks!! I think I screwed up tho. I ate 4 brownies (yep 4!! i got this insane urge for chocolate and pigged out) but i think I'm paying for it cause I don't feel too good, both tummie and feet today. Oh, yep, went back on neurotin. that plus the elavil do help me to sleep. when it rains it pours tho. our credit card company called and somebody got our number and has run up over $1000. course the company is not charging us, but what a mess!!!!

Soxy · 06-17-2003, 12:45 PM

Dayton, I had 3 blocks for my left foot and felt much better. When the RSD went to the right foot the left foot didn't hurt anymore unless I move it around too much. So, I guess one could say the left foot is in remission?. I had 2 blocks for the right foot and it is better. I cancelled the 3rd block because my back was in agony and I just didn't want to have a shot there. So, who knows. You must know by now that there is no rhyme or reason with this monster. It has a mind of its own. One thing about the Neurontin. Don't stop taking it unless the doc advises you. My doc said this med has to be reduced gradually. Maybe you feel better because like Stickgirl said you are one of the lucky ones. I sure hope so.
Soxy

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Believe in Miracles!!

cattys · 06-17-2003, 07:34 PM

Some will go into remission some people never will. I guess it depends on the individual not the number of blocks. I had my fare share of them and unfortunately never went into remission. But luckily some people do go into remission.

I hope you have better luck with your blocks.

Take care
Cattys