First ESI impression - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Nanner · 04-02-2003, 09:33 AM

I sure got things changed around. First the pain clinic thought I was going to be a cervical injection, but I kept telling them my headaches were the bigger issue, so I got an occipital nerve block instead.

It was more relaxed than I anticipated. I just sat in a chair with my head on my arms, leaning over a pillow. Then they did a shot on each side of the rear of my head, into the occipital nerve. I was in and out of the procedure room in about a half hour, and that's with about 20 minutes of sitting there after the shots to check vital signs. They even let me walk to the discharge area-no wheelchair for me!

Right now my head feels kind of heavy and the back of the head feels like your gums at the dentist. They warned me that once the numbing agent wears off I might feel some pain/pressure for a couple of days, but after that I should get relief.

Not being one to take orders to rest too seriously, and since it was only 9:15, hubby and I stopped for breakfast, then the computer store, the bakery outlet and the bike shop (the tandem's chain broke on DH and his cycling buddy last night). I'm hoping the weather is nice Sunday and I'm up for a spin. Right now, though, I'm off to rest for a couple of hours. Doctor's orders, ya know

Feeling hopeful today this will at least make the headaches go away.

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Nancy D-ACDF C6-7 on 6/7/02. Donor bone with no hardware

BWL · 04-02-2003, 03:24 PM

Hi Nancy,

It's nice that you go someplace where you get to control your treatment or at least listen to you. The description of your block sounded like my epis. Sit, bend head down, stick, wait for vitals and I was out in 20 minutes.

I'll think good thoughts and hope that you soon see some relief from the effort.

Rest up, you've had a busy week.

Bruce

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ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)

[This message has been edited by BWL (edited 04-02-2003).]

mel333 · 04-05-2003, 07:38 AM

Hi Nancy,
I hope the nerve block has given you some releif. I am still considering trying this after my discogram(scared!)depending on what it finds. I still feel headaches are my biggest problem also. How is it going?

Mel

Nanner · 04-05-2003, 12:44 PM

Mel, thanks for asking. It may be kind of early yet to tell if this will work. Last night I had the pain behind my right eye again (sigh), and I have had some occipital pain, but nothing like the killer headaches of November.

I have pain in my right elbow, and am thinking that if it doesn't dissipate I'll ask for a trigger point injection in my arm.

One thing I've noticed is I sure get tired. Maybe it's a combination of the shot and the increase in painkillers I am taking as a precaution, but I'm wiped out. I'm going to cut the Lortab back again in a couple of days and see how I do.

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Nancy D-ACDF C6-7 on 6/7/02. Donor bone with no hardware

mel333 · 04-12-2003, 08:48 AM

Hi Nancy,
How are you feeling now. Headache update? Have you considered a nerve block for the arm pain? I guess a trigger point shot may be similar. My Dr said the occipital block is a painfull one and it may take a while to settle. So I guess some initial headache is a good sign in a way as it may be working.Take care,

Mel