I have a question

[Kirs10]

Hey there
I was wondering anyone was getting ganglion blocks as a therapy for IC. I have gone to new pain doctor who is really nice and is trying to help me. I have a pain contract signed with PCP so he just tells my PCP what he needs to do. He did tell me that 3 months ago that he would look into any injections or any type of block that he might be able to do to help me. So I went back to him today and he told me that there wasn't any blocks that he do that would make me feel any better. He did ask how things were at home what did I do all day. When I told him that stayed home alot and and wasn't able to do much house work or cook because of the pain, and the constant going to the bathroom. I told him that my daughter is a senior in high school and she played soccer and that I could make it her games because of the pain as well as the constant need to pee, so he told me to get depends and maybe that would help me leave the house and not need a bathroom and I could go watch a soccer game.
So anywasy after that long speach, I was wondering if anyone had herd of gangilion block.

Thank you for the help

[yvette]

I did a quick search and found this little FAQ, hopefully it'll give you a starting point :)
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What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?

Stellate Ganglion Injection is an injection of local anesthetic in the "sympathetic nerve tissue" – the nerves which are a part of Sympathetic Nervous System. The nerves are located on the either side of the voice box, in the neck.



What is the purpose of it?

The injection blocks the Sympathetic Nerves. This may in turn reduce pain, swelling, color, and sweating changes in the upper extremity and may improve mobility. It is done as a part of the treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), Sympathetic Maintained Pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and Herpes Zoster (shingles) involving upper extremity or head and face.

How long does the injection take?

The actual injection takes only a few minutes.


What is actually injected?

The injection consists of a local anesthetic (like lidocaine or bupivacaine). Epinephrine (adrenaline) may be added to prolong the effects of the injection.


Will the injection hurt?

The procedure involves inserting a needle through skin and deeper tissues (like a "tetanus shot"). So, there is some discomfort involved. However, we may numb the skin and deeper tissues with a local anesthetic using a very thin needle before inserting the actual block needle. Most of the patients also receive intravenous sedation and analgesia, which makes the procedure easy to tolerate.



Will I be "put out" for this procedure?

No. This procedure is done under local anesthesia. Most of the patients also receive intravenous sedation and analgesia, which makes the procedure easy to tolerate. The amount of sedation given generally depends upon the patient tolerance.



How is the injection performed?

It is done either with the patient laying flat or slightly sitting up. The chin is slightly raised. The patients are monitored with EKG, blood pressure cuff and blood oxygen-monitoring device. Temperature sensing probes are also placed on your thumbs or hands. The skin in the front of the neck, next to the "voice box" is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then the injection is carried out.


What should I expect after the injection?

Immediately after the injection, you may feel your upper extremity getting warm. In addition, you may notice that your pain may be gone or quite less. You may also notice "a lump in the throat" as well as hoarse voice, droopy and red eye, and some nasal congestion on the side of the injection. You may also develop a headache.


What should I do after the procedure?

You should have a ride home. We advise the patients to take it easy for a day or so after the procedure. Perform the activities as tolerated by you. Some of the patients may go for immediate physical therapy.

Can I go to work to work the next day?

Unless there are complications, you should be able to return to your work the next day. The most common thing you may feel is soreness in the neck at the injection site.



How long the effect of the medication last?

The local anesthetic wears off in a few hours. However, the blockade of sympathetic nerves may last for many more hours. Usually, the duration of relief gets longer after each injection.



How many injections do I need to have?

If you respond to the first injection, you will be recommended for repeat injections. Usually, a series of such injections is needed to treat the problem. Some may need only 2 to 4 and some may need more that 10. The response to such injections varies from patient to patient.


Will the Stellate Ganglion Injection help me?

It is very difficult to predict if the injection(s) will indeed help you or not. The patients who present early during their illness tend to respond better than those who have this treatment after about six months of symptoms do. Patients in the advanced stages of disease may not respond adequately.



What are the risks and side effects?

This procedure is safe. However, with any procedure there are risks, side effects, and possibility of complications. The most common side effect is pain – which is temporary. The other risk involves bleeding, infection, spinal block, epidural block, and injection into blood vessels and surrounding organs. Fortunately, the serious side effects and complications are uncommon.


Who should not have this injection?

If you are allergic to any of the medications to be injected, if you are on a blood thinning medication (e.g. Coumadin), or if you have an active infection going on near the injection site, you should not have the injection

[mlzippy7]

I have had the block before! It looks like yvette gave you a ton of great information!! Good luck!

[Kirs10]

Yvette,
So that sound like it is for the upper extemtities why would they want do that kind of block for the pain I have in my lower back and abdomin?
I just don't know what else to do for thepain, they are going to up the morphine and perocet and i am concerned .

How long can I take Morphine before it doesn't work and what else is out there is there as strong as Morphine.

[yvette]

Hi Kirs,
I did couple other seaches and found this website where they explain Ganglion Impar Blocks:

http://www.coccyx.org/treatmen/block.htm

This sounds more like what you might get(?) I agree why go into the upper body, when that's not where the pain is. Maybe *ganglion* is just a general term, but the key word was Impar vs Stellate....I'm just guessing. :confused:

Check it out, I think that the impar blocks sounds closer to what you need.
Good Luck :hi:

[Miss Who]

I had 3 ganglion IMPAR injections. The first one was wonderful and I felt great for about 1 week. The 2nd and 3rd did nothing. I have severe pain, even with major pain meds. Yesterday, I had a Hypogastic nerve block. I am not sure how that one is doing thus far. I didn't notice much yesterday, but I am taking it easy today to see what happens. It hasn't been 24 hours yet. I can keep you posted.
Just REMEMBER what works for one person, maynot work for another. So, I would say go for it. It's something else to try and may work for you. Good luck!