born2swim
02-27-2009, 07:48 PM
So, I had my first nerve block almost 2 weeks ago and I go next week for my second one. The anesthiologist (pain specialist) does 2-3 typically. He said he has seen huge success with IC patients (little to no pain/flares for 2-3 years) or he's seen nothing change. We're giving it a shot because studies have shown that I have a lot of nerve involvement in my IC symptoms (urodynamics made that clear). The first one went smoothly. I think it helped a bit. My bladder capacity for the most part has gone up (at least doubled... which is huge for me since I was going maybe 50-75cc's each void). Pain wise, I still get pain, but I don't think it lasts as long or is as sharp. I am hopeful for these nerve blocks.
They have my lie on my stomach. They gave me an IV in pre-procedureal holding. They give me Versed to "relax" me. I don't sedate easily, so they had to give me more. Me and the doctor were just talking it up and he felt I was too alert to make the procedure go smoothly. So, more versed and I woke up in recovery. They put that long scary needle in the tailbone after numbing the skin with lidocaine. Steroids are injected into the spinal cord. My second one, he is going to inject more. The first one is to see if it helps at all and to make sure I tolerate it ok. My butt was a bit numb for the first 30-60 minutes after I woke up, but that was fine. He said the second one will have more meds and that my legs will be numb for a good hour or so. I have to be at the hosptial a bit longer... until the numbness wears off.
So... I am pretty hopeful for this procedure. I have had a lot of pain ever since July 2008 and I'd love to reduce or cut out completely the pain meds!
BTW, if you need a pain specialist in S. Florida, just let me know. I am thrilled with this doctor and I will see the pain specialist that handles the medications next week (the one doing the nerve blocks only does procedures... been doing these for 18 years and is top notch).
They have my lie on my stomach. They gave me an IV in pre-procedureal holding. They give me Versed to "relax" me. I don't sedate easily, so they had to give me more. Me and the doctor were just talking it up and he felt I was too alert to make the procedure go smoothly. So, more versed and I woke up in recovery. They put that long scary needle in the tailbone after numbing the skin with lidocaine. Steroids are injected into the spinal cord. My second one, he is going to inject more. The first one is to see if it helps at all and to make sure I tolerate it ok. My butt was a bit numb for the first 30-60 minutes after I woke up, but that was fine. He said the second one will have more meds and that my legs will be numb for a good hour or so. I have to be at the hosptial a bit longer... until the numbness wears off.
So... I am pretty hopeful for this procedure. I have had a lot of pain ever since July 2008 and I'd love to reduce or cut out completely the pain meds!
BTW, if you need a pain specialist in S. Florida, just let me know. I am thrilled with this doctor and I will see the pain specialist that handles the medications next week (the one doing the nerve blocks only does procedures... been doing these for 18 years and is top notch).