My Last Nerve Block

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Thu, December 06, 2007

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So I just had my last nerve block yesterday. It was my 8th. Can't say that they have helped, but at least I tried. Good news is that both the MRI and MRA were fine. The doctor told me to stop the Zanaflex, although I have only been on it for 6 weeks. I always slept right through the night and since I strated the Zanaflex I would wake up a few time every night. I would expect to sleep even better on a muscle relaxant, but oh well.

He started me on Sibelium, calcium channel blocker (edited, I called it a beta blocker by mistake), not available in the US as far as I know. He prescribed 2.5 mg, but when I came home and checked it online I found that they only come in 5 mg capsules. So I went to the pharmacy and sure enough, no such thing as a 2.5 mg of Sibelium. I guess he changed it to 5 mg (the pharmacy just called me that the prescription was ready, but did not say anything about the dose). I would expect him to know that there is no such thing as a 2.5 mg of Sibelium. Hmm Roll Eyes . He didn't want to prescribe 5 mg because of my very low blood pressure. The usual dose is 5-10 mg a day.

He also told me that he would like to get a second opinion from other specialist. Interesting, a doctor that wants a second opinion. He said that it would be a good idea if somebody new would look at me, maybe he would have a new fresh idea, something he is overlooking. I am really happy with his decision, I think it is a really good idea. I have to go through my history with my mom and write everything down, so I don't forget something.

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Eileen Gray

12/ 6/07 1:15pm

Good luck with the med changes!

Is this the first time with a muscle relaxer? I find them very helpful. I take Skelaxin like regular!

Also - it's nice that the doctor wants you to have a second opinion. It means he's not letting his pride get in his way, and he's trying to find the best treatment for YOU - which is the most important thing!

I hope you adjust well to the new meds with no problems! And also that this one works for you!

Sounds like a good visit! Big Grin

Eileen

Eva

12/ 6/07 4:13pm

Yes, it was a very good visit. I was begining to fell like he was not doing much, so I am glad he suggested the second opinion.

It was my first time taking a muscle relaxant as a preventive. I took a few different ones from time to time, but I never had any sleeping issues.

Fingers crossed for the Sibelium :)

Nancy Harris Bonk

12/ 6/07 3:15pm

Good news about your test results.

Sibelium is a calcium channel blocker, not a beta blocker and is not available in the US. There are many other brands of calcium channel blockers available though.

It is not uncommon for a doctor to suggest getting another opinion. Seeing an expert in Migraine disease and headache disorders may be the best thing you can do for yourself. Click HERE for a list of patient recommended specialists.

Eva

12/ 6/07 4:17pm

I know it is a calcium channel blocker, I have no idea why I called it beta blocker. Maybe because I was reading something about beta blocker right before. Who knows :)

Actually I am seeing a specialist from that list. I also saw another doctor in my area from that list, and he was just horrible. I found both of them thanks to the list :)

Thanks Nancy, it is good that somebody is checking these shareposts and correcting things so that other people who are reading them are getting the right info.

Eva

12/ 6/07 4:19pm

oh, and I also took Verapamil in the past from the same group.

jennyc

12/ 6/07 11:13pm

Hi Eva!

It sounds like you and your doctor were both coming to the same conclusion...he wasn't doing a whole lot for you!! Like Eileen said, it's nice to know he was willing to send you for a second opinion, rather than just stringing you along...

I think it sounds like a new doctor is a GREAT idea for you!!! Hey, do you remember what I went through with my nerve blocks? One doctor's blocks were completely ineffective, but my new specialist's blocks are FABULOUS!! Who knows? Maybe a new specialist will have something in mind that you've never thought of before!!

Heart jenny

Eva

12/ 6/07 11:49pm

Hey Jenny,

yes, I have read about your Nerve Block success. My nerve blocks were done by 3 different specialists, none of them really helped. With one of them I felt a little better for 2 days, but that was it.

But I was really happy for you! I wish mine were as effective.

And as far as my doctor goes, poor guy is trying, I can't blame him. I don't have anything against him, but a second opinion is an excelent idea, since he did not help me at all for quite some time.

tweety

2/ 8/08 7:27pm

Hi there, I have really bad migraines also. I've tried tons of meds. Right now I'm on ergonovine as preventitive..but that means I can't use my other meds like immitrex or relpax. My doctor recommended nerve block. I read that it didn't work for you :( I haven't tried it yet. It kind of scares me to get a shot on my neck! but anything to make the migraine go away.

Can you tell me how many times you tried the nerve block? Does your migraines start from your shoulder/neck/back of head area?

Thanks.

Eva

2/11/08 1:05pm

Hi Tweety,

I have done 8 nerve blocks, week or two weeks apart. It is not as bad as it sounds, it is quick and I would say painless. If you have any more questions, just ask. And good luck

tweety

2/11/08 1:50pm

Hi again,

Does it stop your migraines? Do you go on days/ weeks without any migraine..and not taking any meds? that's what I really want to know. I don't want to do this, if I'm still going to get my daily headaches and weekly migraines.

Please let me know how you feel after that.

Thanks again.

Eva

2/15/08 12:26pm

Nerve blocks did not help me but I know many people who love them and it provides a few days of relief. And any relief helps, it helps the preventives to work, it helps you to relax a bit, anything to break the headache cycle.

It is worth the try.

My Last Nerve Block

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