Anyone had intercostal nerve block?

[prodromos]

Hi everyone, I'm due to have an intercostal nerve block procedure next week. Anyone had one of those? Just want to hear about their experience.

[Hidden]

Hi prodomos. Had them for 2 years for severe neuropathic pain, mine were very successful, if not somewhat unpleasant. I use to have them every three months and the relief alongside other drugs was good It took about three lots before I got more than a few weeks relief. When they stopped working I had two nerves severed , which actually solved the problem for good ! (touch wood) I hope you get good results from yours.

[Suzyhayes in reply to Hidden]

Where was your neuropathic pain and what was the original cause?

What was the name of the exact procedure? Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Suzyhayes]

My original problem was a small# to my cervical spine and soft tissue injury from RTA.

[prodromos in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Thiskittybites, your feedback is really encouraging! Myself I don't take any pain meds and to be honest it's really hard. So, any relief will be of great significance. Just one more question, I've heard that you can only repeat the procedure 3 times (including the first session). Is that right? Or dies this have to do with the meds the use for the block? In my case they will use Lidocaine with steroids. Hope you remain well! Thanks for the wishes.

[Hidden in reply to prodromos]

One lot into the intercostal spaces in my back about three inches to the left of my spine (unsuccessful) the next into the intercostal space in the front about 3 inches to the left of my sternum (unsuccessful) then six down my side under my armpit and down towards my waist Yay successful ! I had six of these. This was 10 years ago and I know things have changed, research has shown that the steroid injection hardens the tissues and can cause more problems. I had severe neuropathic pain from 3 dessicated discs at C3-4-5-6 with nerve impingement, which manifested itself as pain down my arm, shoulder and across chest wall. Desperate to avoid having my neck operated on. So far so good ! It may come but I'm glad to have been able to put it off for some considerable time. I hope this answers some of your questions.

[prodromos in reply to Hidden]

Hi again, I had the procedure this morning.It took about 20-25 mins and then they kept me for an hour or so. The procedure it was painful; I had 3 injections on the back: one on the main nerve causing the pain, 1 above and 1 below. While I was in-patient I had no significant pain, but obviously after the anaesthetic's effect stopped I started having pain. The doctor said that for a week it's possible that I feel even more pain than before due to the steroids which can irritate the area in and out, but then I should start feeling better -if it shall work.

Did you have this kind of pain?

[Hidden]

Oh yes, for the first week I wondered what on earth I had done, then it settled back to where it was, it was really the next one that I felt some improvement with. It is very common that the pain gets worse before it gets better. Be kind to yourself and be reassured that it won't stay this way for more than 5-7 days on average, whatever average is ! I really hope you et relief from your pain.

[prodromos in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much. It's already a relief to see that this is normal; thanks, really. One more thing, though. My pulses have gone up to 100 couple of hrs after the procedure and stayed up there. I'm also weak, have trembling hands and I'm a little pale. You think that's due to the procedure and the pain?

[Hidden]

Undoubtedly. The spine doesn't like being messed around with, it quite often produces a state not unlike a mild shock. Take pain killers if you usually do and rest. I think no matter how prepared you think you are, your body is in flight mode ! It's a feeling of anxiety and being scared. If you still feel like this in 24 hours talk to the department you had it done in, or your G.P. I hope you feel better soon.