Who has RSD, and had a nerve block? Does it work?

Question

I have RSD, and the nerve block, the swelling, and color change went away, but I still have pain problems. Is this normal?

Answer 1

I have RSD/CRPS. I've had several nerve blocks. The blocks work for some people and others they don't help them. It sounds like it did some good for you because the swelling, and color change was gone, but since your pain isn't gone it isn't exactly what the desired results are, but they should be doing them in a series and the series can help them build up on each other so they become more effective, and then eventually you don't need any more because your pain and symptoms are gone. It doesn't work for all people, but for some it does. I had pain relief and symptom relief for about a week after my blocks, but then everything came back so after my three they decided that I needed other treatment, and I ended up having two after that for other testing that needed to be done. I would recommend looking into a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS). I have an SCS, and I have about 70%-80% pain relief and I have been able to actually function in life now. Basically an SCS uses electrical stimulation to block the pain signal from reaching the brain so instead of pain you have a pleasant sensation that's kind of tingly (similar to a TENS unit, if you've ever used one before). You can get more information on an SCS at www.ans-medical.com I hope the best for you!

Answer 2

I've had RSD for 12 years, and I've had a bunch of blocks. As was said earlier, they work for some people and not for others. I had pretty good experiences with blocks in general, but for me the effects of just regular blocks were kind of short-lived.

Your response to the block was not unheard-of. I never had full pain relief from regular blocks (but I did get pretty decent pain reduction), and I always had vast improvement in temperature, color and swelling after a block.

Usually, blocks are done in a series. Done close enough together, the effects of the blocks should build on each other. Some doctors do one block a week for a few weeks, and some do them closer together.

After I had a few series of blocks, I had a TEC (tunneled epidural catheter) done, which gave me a continuous block for however long the cath was kept in. I had a bunch of those, and they worked really well. They allowed me to do more physical therapy, which is extremely important. I had RSD in my arm, and after a 2-month-long TEC, it was much better and eventually went into remission completely with further treatment. It was harder with my leg, but that's much better now too, although I still have problems with it (they're MUCH more minor).

Did your block take some of the pain away, for even a little while? If so, it might be worth doing another few. If not, there are lots of other options for treatment!

Answer 3

Make an appointment to see dr. Robert schwartzman at Drexel university college of medicine. He wrote the book on rsd. Nerve blocks may not be effective as rsd is a systemic autonomic disease. Ketamine infusions may help with the symptoms.

Answer 4

The nerve block did improve your situation, it's just extremely hard to stop nerve pain. This does happen from time to time. You may have to have another nerve block. Sometimes it takes more than one because of the problem being so extensive.

Don't let anybody tell you that the pain is psychological. Pain is real. I understand this because I have had RSD for over 25 years.

If you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Answer 5

Do you have use of your affected limb- if so, that;s awesome!

They now call RSD "complex regional pain syndrome", and there's a psych component to it ....so meditation or something might actualyl help.