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Sympathetic Nerve Block after THR........ It worked!!

Posted , 8 users are following.

CanadianGirl
CanadianGirl

Hey all. Sorry, I've kind of been around but not too chatty. Just thought I would let all of you know what's been going on with me. Well, I had the trial sympathetic Nerve Block and it did work. Yeah. Although my 8-10 nerve pain all over my left leg didn't go completely away. It went down to about a 4 or 5, and would get worse if I did stuff. But let me tell you, I can live with that!!

I saw my surgeon last week at my follow up to my block and he asked if I was happy with the block. Yes, yes, yes!!! And then he said he would order the next one with something that is going to last longer this time. That's where all the good news stopped. I have been asked this question by many Dr's, but always said that I have never been diagnosed, and I've always kind of thought that I had this, but the surgeon diagnosed me with Complex Regional Pain Syndrom/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. He said sadly, and that nobody wants this diagnosis, but these injections have confirmed it.

That wasn't the end of the bad news. He wants me to stop all physio until I have the next injection, which is today, and see him a month after that, then he will assess if I'm well enough for physio then. The reason for my bad hip isn't the same as many here OA, I actually have Avascular Necrosis as a few others do as well. Well, I had an MRI because my knee had been hurting. And, well, I now have AVN in my right knee and suspect it to be in my left too. The surgeon said that he wouldn't be surprised if I actually have or will get AVN in many bones and joints as well. So, let's just say with a diagnosis of CRPS, which is rare and extremely painful and with the AVN which is also rare and extremely painful, I haven't been up to much in ways of posting here or doing much else sadly.

On a brighter note. I had my more permanent Sympathetic Nerve Block done today and I'm just waiting for my 2 hours after so I can go home. It took us 2 hours and 20 minutes to get here this morning which is usually a 50 minute drive due to the lovely Canadian weather. Due to this, they had to push my procedure back 2 hours. So. All I want to do is go home now. 15 minutes more, I hope. I will check back later when I get home. Thanks all...

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • rose0000
    rose0000 CanadianGirl

    Posted

    So happy for you that the nerve block worked for you - what a relief ! And you will soon be home.

    Getting a difficult diagnosis is always so hard, but now you know what is wrong you can research and understand it better. The doctors can take care of you and you know where you are...small comfort but at least you can put a name to the problems you are having.

    Sending you big hugs - glad you are back Hun!!

  • gail2910-US-MI
    gail2910-US-MI CanadianGirl

    Posted

    Sorry for the challenging dx but glad some pain relief is in sight.

    I have AVN in both hips as well. I am wondering if it is from long term use of prednisone (2 years~ 10 mg daily and less) for another condition, Polymyalgia rheumatica. It is the only treatment for that condiiton. I am down to 3.5 mg daily but want to be OFF it. Like you, I worry about other joints getting involved. Any knowledge of how to prevent it??

  • AnnieK
    AnnieK CanadianGirl

    Posted

    Wonderful for you that you are getting some pain relief. Too bad about those more serious diagnoses. Will be following your story and hoping to hear whatever you want to share. Sending you my good wishes, Canadian Girl.
  • ScubaRob
    ScubaRob CanadianGirl

    Posted

    Happy to hear from you, and congratulations on getting some breathing room from the pain, even if it isn't completely gone.  You must be very happy about that.

    Very sorry to hear the AVN has sprouted up elsewhere.  You know I had my hip replaced due to that as well, and darn those surgeons for being right about it popping up in the other joints too.

    At least you can enjoy the respite while it lasts, before you have to start thinking about the knee.

    Stay warm up there.

  • gail2910-US-MI
    gail2910-US-MI CanadianGirl

    Posted

    Were you taking Prednisone at any point? I'm wondering what they attributed the AVN to.
    • ScubaRob
      ScubaRob gail2910-US-MI

      Posted

      I believe she is like me, and got it "for no good reason."  I had it in my hip that got replaced. They did some tests, asked a bunch of question, but in the end the surgeon just said, some people get it and we don't know why.
  • annie0412
    annie0412 CanadianGirl

    Posted

    Big big hug Canadiangirl,   I have been thinking about you and wondering how you were getting on.  A mix of good and not so good news . Great that you have been given some relief from the awful pain you were experiencing that is  a step forward.. A diagnosis also has to be a step forward too, just the getting head round it bit I imagine is tricky.  Glad yr posting again. Good to hear from you Best wishes Annie xx
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