Nerve Blocks?

[ICLori]

I've been hearing about nerve blocks for IC. I haven't heard of any of them working actually.

Has there ever been a case of anyone with IC that has been helped by a nerve block?

Or are they just done because the docs are too stubborn to admit they never work for IC patients?

Blessings, Lori

[Stacydfld]

I have only had one done and now that I am seeing a new PM doctor I need to have them done again. If I don't he will say that I am not following orders and then will not RX my meds. Its a big game I have decided. And yes you are right at least for me that do not work. THey cost $5,000 a pop and they love to do them for that reason cause it will rape your insurance company.

It really ****** me off to me honest with you. I should not have to go thru having them just so i CAN HAVE MY MEDS.

ALSO REMEMBER TO EACH IS OWN. IT MAY WORK FOR YOU OR SOME OTHER PEOPLE , just not for me..... plus I had a bad allergic reation to it, so that another reason I am not looking forward to it.

[ICLori]

HI, Stacy, I"m sorry they are doing that to you and that you have a bad reaction to it and aren't helped.

You know, so far I've heard of lots of cases of IC'ers not being helped at all by these, and not one single case of one patient ever being helped. Makes you wonder, hmmm?

I get my medical care free via the Army, and military health care is like the cheapest HMO in the world, LOL. Basically they won't spend money unless they have to, or spend resources I should say.

So if an Army doc does a nerve block or anything else for me, it's because he or she believes it will work, since there is no money changing hands in any way and those docs are already way overworked.

For instance, some people get relief by doing a hydrodistention every year or six months.

I got one hydrodistention - when I was diagnosed. The Army does not do them for therapy - too expensive. Same with interstim, they don't do it because it's expensive.

One Army uro even denied me Elmiron because it was too expensive, but luckily my current Army uro is good and lets me have it.

Blessings, Lori

[BLOORE74]

I had a nerve block, & it made my pain worse! I was in so much pain even during the the procedure! I remember crying & saying "it hurts" with the doc replying I can't give you any more medicine! What is that!! Let me stick a big needle in your back & see how good it feels! I'm so tired of docs telling me about my pain! I have prob had 1 surgery every few months since 2002, of course I need a little more medicine in the operating room! If I can tell you it hurts don't u think it does! Sorry for venting! Then after the procedure w/out any success my pain doc said there is nothing we can do for you! Thanks for nothing. I just don't understand why nobody can take my pain away.:(

[creatingkarma]

I had a nerve block last year for back pain. I went to this 'pain center' & the doctor looked at my back, rushed me through signing a bunch of papers, gave me a shot in my spine that hurt like hell, put me on a stretcher & the nurse wheeled me into a recovery room full of other people who also just had the same thing. It was terrifying to me. It was a drive-through! Then they had another doctor come in & poke needles in my legs (can't remember what that was called E-something), then an MRI, then they sent me home. I was not expecting any of this. I was expecting a consultation & was very dumb for letting them attack me like this. I was alone & had driven myself to this 'appointment' which was about 45 minutes from my home. Half way home I became very lightheaded & started loosing my vision & was lucky enough to pull the car over & call my husband on my cell & tell him partly where I was before I went all the way out. Then I was in extreme pain where I had the shot for a couple days plus, I had new pains. So, a week later, I go for my next appt. & tell them that I fainted on the way home & the dr. said 'huh, I have no idea why that would've happened'. Then I told him that my pain was worse & he, of course, told me that I needed about 5 or more shots before I would feel better. So, I did not take another shot that day & never went back. Makes me so angry.

[Dixiefireball]

i have had two nerve blocks one lasted seven days but it was heaven and the last one lasted 14 days which was also nice i think the first one i felt the best i'm not sure now what the name of those was but a nerve block.
but for those few days i ate and done what ever i wanted.
but like the others has said they ain't cheap.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda