Thursday, November 18, 2010

Medial Branch Blocks Round 2

I had an appointment with Dr. B. (pain management specialist) yesterday.  It was just a routine follow up, however we scheduled 2 more medial branch blocks at the c-1 and c-2 levels for December 2nd and December 9th. If those are successful, I may proceed with more Radiofrequency Lesioning.

I have no idea if I am making the right desicion, due to the fact that the previous RFL at c-3 to c-7 failed, but I feel compelled to try again.

It is particulary difficult when my family, friends and physicians all have such differing opinions.

There is just something about Dr. B. that I trust. 

...and I know that pumping myself full of anti-depressants and beta-blockers isn't doing squat for my pain.

Click on the link below to learn more about this procedure.

http://www.valleyambulatory.com/images/chen/Cervical%20Medical%20Branch%20Block1007.pdf

5 comments:

WinnyNinny PooPoo said...

Crossing my fingers and hoping it helps!!! You have to do what is right for you. My entire family and all of my friends were against me going to Cleveland to see about an occipital stimulator. Mainly because I was soooo disabled by pain. Guess I showed them!!! Hoping you have similar success!

Jessica said...

They don't like the idea of my severing more nerves in my neck & head! Doesn't sound too pleasant when it's put that way!

My neuro thinks it's a placebo effect that pain drs do for $...but Dr. B. isn't like that.

Unless I am being completely naive.

Diana Lee said...

I don't know, Jessica, I got that fake/greedy sense from most of my pain management docs, but actually not the one who did this set of procedures.

I got the medial branch blocks and the lesioning done. It didn't give me any real relief, but I'm not sorry I tried. Maybe I should have tried a second time, too. Bottom line, you have to do what feels right for you. No one else can make these decisions for us. Sending my best wishes.

Jessica said...

Thanks Diana!

I would like to go ahead and try the higher levels. He originally set out to do the lower levels first...because they are easier to do, then if that didn't work was going to go up. The prob with the last RFL...it gave me no feeling in my upper back and shoulders...where I do not even have a problem, and did nothing for my sub-occipital area...which is my most painful spot. So I owe it to myself to do it one more time.

I think....

Migrainista said...

I am praying for relief for you.