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annieohio  Posts: 131
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Can anyone explain the difference in nerve blocks. I have seen a "C2" mentioned. The one I had was 3 sets of 5 injections each (combination was saline, lidocaine, steroid)in areas of the back of my skull, supposedly along the problematic nerve. For me, took a week to work, I then had 7 pain-free days, but then headaches came back with a vengeance. I now have varying pain in my temples, behind each eye, still in ear, etc. I made an appt with the neuro for this Friday, and I want to in as educated as I can. So, are there different blocks used for ON? Thanks, Annie |
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snelko Posts: 247
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The kind I had that didn't work at all, were all done at once, inserted in the c2-c4 area of the neck. It was done under a fluroscope, I believe they used some type of "caine" medication. It only enraged my ON. I had a pin point nerve injection in the area of my lesser occipital nerve, with some type of steroid medication first, but that also enraged my ON. I never had any success from any injections, but I did however have complete relief from the nerve decompression surgery done by Dr. Blake/Dr. Perry. My surgery was performed last July, and I'm still doing great. Wish you luck. Sandy |
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Trixi Posts: 653
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There are several types (I'm sure) for me - I've had 2 types of nerve blocks. The first type - just like yours, in the skull following the aggrivated nerve. Relief of about a week is what I had too - you sound pretty normal for that response. The second type I had was by an interventional radioloigist - under fluorscopy. A needle is put into the C2 vertebrea to the ganglion nerve root - it was done twice for diagnostic purposes and it gave me about 1-2 weeks of relief and then I had the nerve root ablated. Hope that answers your questions. I think other people have had facet injections and different stuff too but I've not had that. Best! Trixi |
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bmac Posts: 305
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I only had one and it did not work. After that the Neuro suggested an implant which I refused. I don't know of anyone who has had the blocks that have worked for a long period of time. However, someone in our group might have had better experience. |
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brugette Posts: 941
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I had one set on the back of my head (greater nerve) but not much relief, like most others. I've had nerve blocks in other areas of my spine and they're all temporary fixes, diagnostic tool, a way for docs to keep making money - having you come back again and again for something that's not going to help you. Patty As the group leader I am happy to give you my opinion on issues, but please remember I not a medical profession, just another suferer of ON.
Some days it's not even worth chewing through the restrains.
Same Nightmare, Different Day |
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JustBreathe81 Posts: 61
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Annie-Did you wind up having a nerve block of any kind? I had a C2 nerve block on the 9th, it didn't help but I'm giving it another go on the 30th. The kind like Sandy was talking about. I hope you are getting relief and if you are, please share! :O) |
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Teah Posts: 151
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Hi everyone. I am new to this forum and I wanted to comment because I had 2 nerve blocks for my O.N. and they actually did last for 2.5 months. I would get minor head pain every now and then, but nothing like what I experienced before the blocks, until last weekend. I was in such bad pain that I have scheduled to have my 3rd block next week. My neurologist recommended also beginning neurotin to help with the pain to see how it works on the pain as I obviously can't keep getting blocks forever. Teah
Sometimes the pain from O.N. can make you want to crawl in a corner and scream to the top of your lungs! So I've learned to cherish the good days when I don't feel like I have an ice pick stuck in my head! |
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cmiller Posts: 860
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Hi Teah, I am glad you made it here. I found a cocktail of neurontin xanaflex and norco lessened my pain considerably... each one alone did not work. One thing I do know is that it takes quite a while to be able to function on neurontin. I remember for me it was about six weeks before I didn't feel "drunk". Now I take 1800 mgs of it that is 600 x 3 and I don't notice that awful feeling, but I could sure tell when these meds were due. I know you have a little one and husband to take care of and you also work so I am not sure if you could deal with these meds while they settle in. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you. I am so happy that the blocks helped you and hope the next one gives you much needed relief. Hugs Chloe I am not a medical professional. I sufferered Occipital Neuralgia and had right and left occipital nerve release surgery in 2010.
Before surgery I would throw up almost daily from the severe dizziness and had severe light and sound sensitivity. I stayed in bed, curled up in the fetal position wishing I had the courage to kill myself. If I didn't take a cocktail of antiseizure, opiates and muscle relaxers I suffered hundreds of electric shock type pains per day in my head and had a constant migraine type pain 24/7 from july 2008. I lay grieving for my life that once was the friends who once were and the void in my future.
Right surgery 100% relief; left surgery, scarring grabbed a crown nerve and I had surgery again to relieve that june 2011. Surgery really helped but was left with daily migraines triggered by certain sound pitches making living in this noisy world very difficult |
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Trixi Posts: 653
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Welcome Teah! You might want to start your own thread too - top right of the page, button that says "start new discussion". I'm sorry you are in really bad pain right now. I'm on neurontin too - eveery little bit helps. Look forward to getting to know you! WELCOME Trixi |
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brugette Posts: 941
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Teah, I'm glad you found our group. From reading your profile and your post it sounds like you've been through the standard treatments for a ON treatments. Most of us have been through the nerve blocks and unfortunately they are only a temporary fix, but a good one while it lasts. If you read through some old posts you'll find different modalities to ease the pain. Ice is a big favorite here. I'm on Lyrica, which is pretty much the same as neurontin and yes it helps but it's made me into a space cadet. I'll take spacey over the pain. You'll have to try different meds, treatments, holistic tx., massage, chiro. etc. to see what works for you. Be patient. I wish I could say that yes there is a way to get your life back, it is so hard to explain and make people understand what you're going through. Until you experience it, you can't understand. What are your symptoms, where's your pain. Research occipital neuralgia, get informed. It will help you become a better advocate. Is your neuro a headache specialist also? I'm glad you found us and hope we can help you. There are many wonderful people on this board who suffer like you and understand what your struggles are. Welcome again. Patty As the group leader I am happy to give you my opinion on issues, but please remember I not a medical profession, just another suferer of ON.
Some days it's not even worth chewing through the restrains.
Same Nightmare, Different Day |
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