I was diagnosed with CRPS but after having a SGB the doctor said I should have had relief, since I didn't, he no longer thinks I have CRPS. I have so many of the otherwise unexplainable symptoms of CRPS I have to wonder if he knows what he is talking about.
My question to you all is, have any of the rest of you had SGB's that where not successful?
Your input is vital to my sanity, LOL!!!
The following 2 users give hugs of support to: miserableinco FaithMom (11-26-2012), jewlz67 (11-30-2012)
Re: Are Stellate Ganglion blocks always successful?
Hi, Miserable. No, your doctor doesn't know what he's talking about. Nothing, nothing, nothing, works with RSD all the time. The fact that your block didn't work means zilch.
Re: Are Stellate Ganglion blocks always successful?
Thank you for your reassuring response. Unfortunately for me I am playing the workman's comp game. They are trying everything within their powers to make me think this is all in my head. The are correct, it is in my head but that certainly doesn't make it any less real. I've learned a lot by being out here and reading what you all have had to say, thanks again.
Re: Are Stellate Ganglion blocks always successful?
Im on comp too. I have had 20 SGB's with little to no success. I have had my RSD confirmed by 3 different docs. Comp likes to fight everything, so stay strong. Took me over a year to get my spinal cord stimulator trial approved.
By the way, RSD is NOT in your head, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise!
__________________ I am not a Doctor - Please DO NOT construe anything above as medical advice. Everything I post is from my own personal research and/or experiences.
Re: Are Stellate Ganglion blocks always successful?
Wow, that is a lot of SGB's to go through, how brave of you. I am trying laser right now on my dime, I don't care who pays for it if I can get some relief. I dont't have a lot of the outward signs of RSD like the shinny skin and discoloration. I don't know how to convince a dr of the inward issue I am having. My pain moves around and is complicated by activity. It seems to get better when I sleep and then when I become active again the pain sets back in. Believe me, these doctors even have me questioning the diagnosis. The thing is, I just don't know what else give such irratic symptoms. I have been to about 11 doctors trying to figures this out. CRPS is the only thing that makes any sense at all. Thank you for your comments. It is appreciated.
Re: Are Stellate Ganglion blocks always successful?
You too, have had many more than I was prepared to take on but I guess you do what you have to for relief. I hope you did eventually get relief. Thanks for your input.
Re: Are Stellate Ganglion blocks always successful?
I am so sorry that you are having to deal with stupid doctors! I haven't had the Stellate Ganglion block but I have had the nerve block in my lower back for the same thing. The block helped but it didn't take away all the pain...it also didn't last very long! I had one done in August, now I am getting ready to have two more done. Like you, I dont have the shiny skin but I have had the skin discoloration. I had questioned my diagnosis because I haven't had the severe pain and hypersensitivity as others have had. I have seen that each person is different though. Also, there are different degrees of this disease. Never let a doctor, family member, or friend minimize what it is you are going through! I am dealing with workman's comp as well and they make it very difficult to deal with but it's up to you to be your biggest advocate! If you feel that they are not doing things in your best interest, you can mention that 6 letter word that starts with L and you would be amazed at how quickly they start helping!!! I pray that you will be able to find a good pain management doctor that knows all about CRPS/RSD and that they will help you find the relief that you need. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Remember, we are all here for you!!! That's what I love about this, we can lean on each other! We all have had good days, bad days, frustrating days, depressing days...you get the idea. It helps just to know that there are people out there who understand what you are going through.
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Posts: 701
Re: Are Stellate Ganglion blocks always successful?
I had two sympathetic nerve blocks. I think of the blocks as being similar to rebooting a computer.
Initially, my affected limb was red and hot (7 degrees warmer than the other limb). No change after the first block; after the second block, my affected limb became gray and lifeless. A month later and the toes started turning pink and looking more normal.
Along with the medications I have been taking and numerous accupuncture treatments, the injections have put me as close to remission as I can hope. I am currently taking neurontin, tramadol, nortriptyline, plus Vitamin C, omegas, and Acetyl L-carnitine; hoping to wean off the medications soon.
You are correct that the pain exists in your mind, but only because an external force (this disease) is causing faulty feedback to your brain. I read a book called "Explain Pain", which really helped me understand my CRPS and helped me to get it under control. It's really expensive, so you might try your local library's extended lending network or buy it second-hand.
Re: Are Stellate Ganglion blocks always successful?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jewlz67
I am so sorry that you are having to deal with stupid doctors! I haven't had the Stellate Ganglion block but I have had the nerve block in my lower back for the same thing. The block helped but it didn't take away all the pain...it also didn't last very long! I had one done in August, now I am getting ready to have two more done. Like you, I dont have the shiny skin but I have had the skin discoloration. I had questioned my diagnosis because I haven't had the severe pain and hypersensitivity as others have had. I have seen that each person is different though. Also, there are different degrees of this disease. Never let a doctor, family member, or friend minimize what it is you are going through! I am dealing with workman's comp as well and they make it very difficult to deal with but it's up to you to be your biggest advocate! If you feel that they are not doing things in your best interest, you can mention that 6 letter word that starts with L and you would be amazed at how quickly they start helping!!! I pray that you will be able to find a good pain management doctor that knows all about CRPS/RSD and that they will help you find the relief that you need. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Remember, we are all here for you!!! That's what I love about this, we can lean on each other! We all have had good days, bad days, frustrating days, depressing days...you get the idea. It helps just to know that there are people out there who understand what you are going through.
