I would like to know if anyone has went though what I am going through...???...???.?

Hello Chuck,

 

I had the injections in my spine for several problems caused by osteoarthritis and found that they only worked for 6 - 9 months.  It wasn't worth the cost and trouble and didn't  lower the pain level by much.  I guess it was better than nothing but something like vicodin also really lowers the pain level but my pain doctor wouldn't allow me to take it.  I asked for an alternative to the injections and was sent to P.T. which has helped more than the injections.  I even had that radio frequency ablation which only left a numb spot on the surface of my back.

Chuck,

3 yrs ago, I was in a MVA with a repeat drunk driver.  I ended up (after 2 yrs of surgeries, MRI, CT's, etc) with an ankle fusion and other issues, but more important have been diagnosed with RSD/CRPS.  I have been on every pain killer and nerve treatment available.  Recently, my PM suggested a Spinal Cord Stimulator.  You have a trial period with a temporary unit, and if it works, a permanent implant is put in.  After being drugged to no avail, I have found a small miracle.  It is not a cure, but is a treatment.  The best is, YOU have control over more or less stimulation whenever you need it, all drug free.  Try this website www.ans-medical.com  it will give you some great info.   Being bi-polar, I don't think pumping more drugs into your body sounds like a great idea. Good luck & know their are others out there who know your pain.

Sounds like you have a classic case of CRPS from the injuries sustained in the accident probably from a damaged nerve for sure. As far as the nerve block that last for a year goes they are can be done in several way bt all include destrying the nerve and I don't recommend them for sure as you mentioned it will only stop the pain for a year and the reason why is our bodies want to heal once damaged and the nerve will grow back. Nnow this is the problem with this procedure in the fact in the process of the nerve growing back it will form instead of the one main connection it had and from multiple what are called neuromas leading to several misfiring nerve endig when it heals making the pain possibly even worse and harder to control for sure a year from now. It is a procedure a lot of Pain Dr still do and I don't know why when they have seen the end result. I mean if the pain is from terminal cancer and you only have a year or so to live it is one thing but i chronic pain at your age that isn't terminal bad decision in my book. They can do a series of epidural blocks and other specific blocks that want damge the nerves and last about three months in decreasing the pain and or try medications to ease the pain at first and then if these don't work go to implanting a pain infusion pump which is generally the last resort and what I am facing now after living with CRPS for right at 9 yrs. I hope this might help but I wanted you to at least know what you are getting yourself into if you get the so called year long block mainly.

God Bless, Jeff

Hello - I have a friend who swears by these pain blocks - she also has degenerative disk something something...anyway the injections usually last her about one + year.  She can't walk much prior to getting one and within a week she's bouncing around.

 

Go for it - you'll be much happier and your pain will be gone...hopefully!

 

good luck

I have had nerve block injections, but for another reason.  I had it for Occipital Neuralgia (severe headache).  It worked only on one side of my head and lasted about 6 months.  I think it varies from patient to patient as to how it works and how long it lasts.  In my opinion, most people will do almost anything to get pain relief, no matter how long it lasts.  For me, I also have Fibromyalgia and other conditions associated with it, so if I can get any relief at all it is worth it. 

I would be jumping  for joy if I could get a year of no pain.  When it wears off they can always give you another nerve block if you need it.

Hi my name is mary and i'm 25 year old and had a nerve block done by my pain  management doctor. I had about two weeks of discomfort from getting the nerve block it's self done but since then it has worked wonders for me.I got one side of my lower back done at a time (first my right then my left) about a month apart it took my pain score from being an 8 or 9 on avarage to about a 3!! Good luck with your nerve block

hello my name is colleen and I am the one to tell you about pain i am in remission from cancer and have arthritus of the back the worst a doctor has ever treated at Mayo clinic on a 32 year old patient and nothing ever worked for me because of the side affects of treatments beside pain medications oxycodone 15mg 4x a day does the job good luck and pain is not fun!!!! colleen