I had this procedure done in the mid 1990's. I suffered from RSD, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, in my right arm. I was tested for carpal tunnel, to no avail. I took physical therapy which just made it worse. I was in pain and unable to use my right arm for over a month. I found an orthopedic surgeon who suggested the nerve block treatments. I took the treatments for about 2 months.

The treatment was quite intense. I was not allowed to move or swallow while on the table getting injections. I had an IV, oxygen, and the "paddles of life" hooked up, just in case. The injection was on the left side of my neck...the ganglion nerve. The pressure from the injection was incredible. I was sure the Dr. was trying to push me to the floor below us. It was NOT painful but just severe pressure on my neck and back. I had 4 nurses making sure I did not move...holding me down on the table. I began hyperventilating from the stress so had to postpone the first appt. until I was calm enough to continue.

After the procedure, I was not able to talk, smoke, drink, eat, or do anything for about 2 hours, until the numbness from the injection subsided. I had to be escorted to and from the appointments. I had the IV in my arm the entire time I was undergoing treatment. The first treatment was the worst. I was in severe pain that evening...in my shoulder.

Now that I have scared you half to death........ I WOULD recommend you get the procedure, if you trust your doctor.

I went from almost having to have my right arm amputated from atrofeed(?); where the limb does not get blood and eventually withers to a stump.... to now it almost feels normal again.

My right arm lost muscle and is about 1/2 the strength of my left arm. If I injure the right side of my body, it seems to effect me more than if I injure the left side. My right arm aches sometimes, like an arthritis or tennis elbow ache but it does not prohibit me from writing or doing most things. I had to re-learn how to write, hold things, and function with this "new" arm. My right arm looks completely normal...no scars, no shrinking, no nothing.

If there is anything else you want to know about my personal experience, feel free to ask. I am here looking for relief and am more than happy to help provide some relief to someone else.

You are so strong. You are an inspiration

Like I said, PLEASE know your doctor and trust them with your life before having this procedure. It is intensive and quite stressful.

My doctor, Dr. John Patrick Galey, OD...of Iowa City, Iowa. was absolutely incredible! If you live in SE Iowa, I would highly recommend him. Great orthopedic surgeon! I had the procedure done in Clarksburg, WV....Dr. Galey moved to Iowa shortly thereafter...God, I miss him!

I have my operations with nerve block instead
Of anaesthetic as it makes me very poorly.
I also had cancer in throat a long time ago
So my throat is narrow
and the tube will not go
down it.
I asked for the nerve block as it is so easy to
get over an operation.

I was paying the high high co pay, $350. But I found another pain clinic that does an epidural block (I don't know if it's the same thing your talking about) for my copay of $40. Maybe you could look for a new dr. This one sounds a little sadistic. I went to the high priced one for years and had had to stop taking the shots due to cost. Thank goodness I found the other clinic. Like I said I don't know if it's the same. It's a steroid spinal epidural block. The injection can hurt but I am in so much pain already it doesn't register. Good luck.