ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Headaches => Topic started by: Lizard on March 29, 2010, 04:26:12 pm

Title: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on March 29, 2010, 04:26:12 pm

Hey y'all, today was a very positive day for me, which ironically came after a pretty rough weekend. I went to see another new Dr., who after a pretty thorough exam has decided to try a nerve block.  I'm so excited and hoping this will work for me, amazing what hope and positive energy can come from one visit to the right Dr.  Of course they have to go through all the insurance approvals and whatnot before I can be treated, so I probably won't have the injections until next week but what's another week in the grand scheme.

The Doc did mention that I might need 3-4 of these before I am on my way to feeling better, but he seems positive about it given my symptoms.  The best part is that if this doesn't work he tells me there are even other routes to go...he described this as "the easiest" and then we will move on to more involved therapies.  I really feel this guy is the Dr. I've been looking for and I'm hoping and praying that he can finally help me.

Thanks again for all the support!
Has anyone had these blocks?  Can you share your experiences?

Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 29, 2010, 08:24:25 pm

Liz -

I want to say that Capt. Deb had some type of nerve block for headaches, but I'm not positive.

I hope this works for you.  Please keep us posted.

Jan

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on March 29, 2010, 08:40:36 pm

I think I remember reading about Capt Deb's block...

I'm excited to try anything and probably wouldn't even have known about it if not for her....hopefully it works for me!

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: moe on March 30, 2010, 08:56:28 am

Liz,
Reading about your one kidney and bad headaches.  I'm so sorry for you but SO glad you found some help and a doctor who really cares.
Yea! :)
I think Janet in Seattle had the occipital nerve block but I have not seen her posting in like forever.
Good luck!
Maureen

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: ppearl214 on March 30, 2010, 09:46:18 am

Quote from: leapyrtwins on March 29, 2010, 08:24:25 pm

Liz -

I want to say that Capt. Deb had some type of nerve block for headaches, but I'm not positive.

Botox for the headaches :)

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=11011.0


Liz, I've had numerous nerve blocks on other parts of my body (none head related... had one as recent as 2 wks ago).  For me, depends on what they use for the nerve block (ie: steroids, etc).  Sorry for the pun, but a "hit or miss" in my case only..... some gave temp relief but in my case, not long lasting.  Nerve blocks evidently don't like me..... as we know, "individual results may vary" as it works great for others..... keep researching.

Hoping you are coming to the brunch 4/18. I still have you noted as a "tentative". Please keep me updated.

Hang in there.
Phyl

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on March 30, 2010, 11:36:39 am

So glad you had a productive visit with your doctor!  Here's hoping the shots work!!

Several of us who regularly post have had nerve blocks with varying success.  But even a so-called "unsuccessful" nerve block is valuable from a diagnostic perspective.  If you don't get relief from the pain, the doctor can move to another possible source of it and treat that.     

The important thing is that you've gotten a doctor to has listened to you and is going to try to help you.  Good luck!

staypoz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: moe on March 30, 2010, 02:01:50 pm

Janet in Seattle did not have the nerve block. She had some sort of surgery.
Never mind ::)
Maureen

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Captain Deb on March 30, 2010, 04:52:30 pm

I have had about 7-8 nerve blocks in the past few years.  The first one worked so well I was able to go on vacation and go body surfing!  I feel they really helped. After the 7th or 8th one the anesthesiologist that was administering them said I needed to take a break. When I see the neurologist again in April I am going to ask him about restarting the nerve blocks.  The Botox takes care of the front of my head and hopefully the nerve blocks will relieve some of the occipital nerve pain that I have.  The drug they used on me is called Depomedrol.  It is pretty painful during the injection, but only for a few seconds.  I also had some post injection pain the next day and an ice pack helped that.

Good Luck!

Capt Deb

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on March 30, 2010, 04:55:57 pm

Thanks Capt Deb I knew I could count on you for some good info.
I'm going 3/31...tomorrow for it so we'll see how it goes : )
I've also heard they can do some sort of block on the facial nerve as well....which may also be an option for me as I have facial pain behind my eye too.

So excited!!!

Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: moe on March 31, 2010, 08:59:43 am

Quote from: Lizard on March 30, 2010, 04:55:57 pm

I'm going 3/31...tomorrow for it so we'll see how it goes : )
I've also heard they can do some sort of block on the facial nerve as well....which may also be an option for me as I have facial pain behind my eye too.
So excited!!!

Only on this forum are we excited about having pain inflicted to relieve pain! Good luck today  :o:) :) :)
Maureen

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on May 09, 2010, 07:28:01 am

Dear Everybody,
I went to my Primary Care a few weeks ago to ask if I should get a Occipital Nerve block for my Post Operative headaches and brought along the March newsletter.  He read it there in front of me and pressed hard on the occipital area to see if it would send pain up to the area where my head aches are at the top right corner of my head.   His massaging of the occipital area didn't send signals up there so he decided that the Occipital Nerve Block wouldn't help me.

That night night I had a killer head ache that even the Motrin and Tylenol couldn't touch.   Ever since then I've had a stiff neck, too.   I think it's from his massaging this area.   I've been using hydroculator pad on my neck.   

He ordered X Rays to see where the Titanium plate is and to see if it is where the head ache is.   
I'll take it to a neurologist as soon as I can get an appointment.

My Primary Care says to go back to the Neurosurgeon that did the retrosigmoid surgery but I know he has nothing to offer.

What kinds of doctors do you go to for help with your headaches and nerve blocks?

Thanks for any information.

Sincerely,
Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on May 09, 2010, 08:30:15 am

Mei Mei,
I know its hard to find a Doctor who will listen and one who understands your surgery and the affects.  I have seen multiple neurologists and finally found one who specializes in headaches.  They will need to try mulitple methods and treatments, but hopefully will find something that works for  you.  I also see a neurosurgery group (not the ones who did the surgery, because the don't generally have aftercare) and they have an anesthesiologist on staff who did my nerve blocks. 

Do some research on those type of doctors in your area, I really hope that there is someone competent to deal with your type of head pain.

Hang in there and I wouldn't even bother with the Neurologist unless the have an after care program.

Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on May 09, 2010, 08:55:19 am

Thanks, Liz for the advice.   I will start on Monday morning with my father's neuroologist at the Washington Hospital Center, a Dr. Marc Schlosberg.  He referred my father out for further diagnosis and I am hopeful that he will too with.   I am disappointed to find out that the Retrosigmoid approach is high risk for Post Op head aches.   I thought I would feel better after surgery not worse.   The goal for medicine is to heal not to make people sicker.   I feel worse now several months later.   Can't wait to be headache free.   Hope you feel better, too.

Take care,
Mei Mei

Title: I had Trigeminal Nerve Blocks
Post by: pattycake on May 11, 2010, 09:24:31 am

As a fellow traveler in the Pain club I extend you both my deepest empathy.  I am 2 years post op, still working this battle.  Some of us are just the unlucky ones.  I have traveled the game from cure to 'living with it'. My pain doc is an Anesthesiologist - recommended by the Neuro-Otologist surgeon.  He works with lots of AN patients, every one is different.  I have been on many drug protocols - generally they try Fibromyalgia, Anti Convulsant & Anti Siezure meds.  Not terribly successful for me, the meds finally ended up making me sick so I'm basically off them.  I tried Botox, no help.  Have been through 3 different Physical Therapy sessions - they did help me. He only does Nerve Blocks once a year - 3 treatmnts 6 weeks apart.  I am in my 2nd series on the Trigeminal Nerve (I'm pretty sure) ... it does seem to be calming down the pain.  Not eliminating it, but softening it.  And he has ointments made up for me that do seem to help some.   I have lots of personal info - may not apply to you - but would be happy to share if you email me.  Most of it reflects other info already posted; details may be repetitive - but happy to be of service if you like. ;)

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on May 11, 2010, 10:03:47 am

Mei, Mei, I had two occipital nerve blocks, one administered by a neurologist and one administered by a pain doctor.  Neither of them offered me any relief.  The first time I didn't get any relief, I chalked it up to the doc's not hitting the right spot.  When I didn't get any relief the second time and the shot was given by a different doc, I accepted that they weren't going to help me.  The blocks can be diagnostic tools, and my pain doctor has been giving me a different kind of block which helps manage the pain, especially in my neck and shoulders. It doesn't eliminate the pain or anything, but any relief is good relief. I can give you the doctor's name if you're interested, just pm me.

staypoz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: pattycake on May 11, 2010, 12:52:30 pm

Mei Mei -   I wish you didn't have to be on this website with the rest of us - but since we all are ....
I have had a different nerve block - on the Trigeminal Nerve which goes up the side of your neck & skull as well as the side of your face.  (OK I just looked it up & I'm wrong about that.  So I guess I'm not certain why mine works).  It might be more helpful for you, since perhaps the Occipital nerve is not the source of your pain.  Physical Therapy also helped me with the Neck pain - which was generally caused from bad posture because I unconsciously favored the tumor side.   Tens Unit therapy on my neck & upper back also helps; it short circuits the pain coming from your neck into your head area.  Just some ideas to think about; things to ask your doc about.

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on May 16, 2010, 02:42:38 pm

Dear Patty Cake,
Thanks for the response.   We are all in this together.  I had a rare daytime headache today.   

You know, I don't know anymore if the source of my headache is from the occipital nerve.   The headache may not come from there but there certainly is pain coming from there during the daytime going down towards the neck.   I started gentle massage on the area with the PT last week and I use the hydroculator neck pad that I boil up but the relief is only temporary. 

I have a neurology appt. on June 8th.   Wish I didn't have to wait that long but in the meantime, I will be getting PT and wait it out.

Thanks for your support.
Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on May 17, 2010, 07:34:30 am

Mei Mei,
My opinion is that you should try the block, I knew the next day whether or not it worked...see what the Dr. says, but push for treatment.  What do you have to lose?

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on May 17, 2010, 10:14:46 am

OK, Liz,   I will try to find a doctor that does this.   I just don't know where to go.   It's really controlling my life.   My appointment is on June 8th and all I'm expecting is for him to refer me to someone else.   I'll try to get a sooner appointment.   Check out the 3 articles I posted on Retrosigmoid post. this morning.  I was wondering about brain dust.  They were talking about that at the meeting I went to on Sat. for the DC members.   We could have brain dust as a problem.

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on May 17, 2010, 10:35:48 am

I've read about the bone dust thing, but its hard for me to picture getting headaches from bone dust?  I'm trying to imagine, but I'm sure it has happened before. 
Hang in there and keep me posted.

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on May 17, 2010, 01:27:34 pm

I can't imagine it either, Liz.  but then anything foreign in your brain is apt to throw things off kilter;  it's your biochemistry. 

We'll keep in touch.   I'm still calling around for help.

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on May 17, 2010, 08:25:20 pm

All you can do is see Dr's and the more you see the better the chance you will be able to get help.  There are things that will help you its just a matter of what that cocktail may be....

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Captain Deb on May 18, 2010, 02:39:58 pm

I got my occipital nerve blocks at my local hospital's Pain Clinic and they were done by an anesthesiologist.  I believe most of us have multiple factors that contribute to our headaches--soft tissue damage from head position, disturbed nerves, scar tissue, not to mention all kinds of stuff going on with the lining of the brain called the dura, which gets sliced and diced during surgery, no matter the approach.  Dr Leonetti's article in the last ANA Notes lists about a dozen different sources of post-op headaches.

Capt Deb

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on May 18, 2010, 05:11:51 pm

Thank you, Capt. Deb.   I'll keep this in mind;  now only if I can find a doctor that understands this.   I brought the Leonetti article to my primary care and let him read it and he ordered x rays of my skull to see the placement of my plate to see if it is where my headaches are.  I will bring the x ray to my neurology visit on June 8.  I hope this doctor understands  as much as Leonetti.

As for Dura, every time I sneeeze I get a terrific headache that comes on immediately and then I take motrin and it goes away quickly.  I relayed this to the doctor and he said this had to do with the Dura.

Sincerely,
Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on June 22, 2010, 05:17:02 pm

I found this nice explanation on Occipital Nerve Blocks:

http://www.medcentral.org/body.cfm?id=351


Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on June 23, 2010, 09:33:44 am

I was scheduling an Occipital Nerve Block and asked a friend that is a retired doctor to come along.   He just called me and like Deb, he said not to do it at the neurologist's office and moreover, he said you could have irreversible damage because it could be permanent whereas at the pain clinic done be the anesthesiologist it is temporary.   He is calling two places for me to try to get me in before I go to Taiwan and China next week.   Meanwhile I am trying to get the Neurologist on the phone to cancel the appointment for Friday.   

So much is going on.   I really want this to work.   I didn't know why the Neurologist offered if he knew the pain clinic was a better option.

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on June 24, 2010, 05:18:42 pm

Thanks for posting, sounds pretty much like mine, but they wouldn't let me drive and I had four blocks a week apart...have fun in China and Taiwan!
Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 08, 2010, 12:03:04 am

I got an Occipital Nerve Block the Day before I left for Taiwan on July 1st and I don't think it worked.  It was at the accupuncturists office who has an MD PhD from Einstein in NY   I lifted some suitcases and may shouldn't

have  Now I'm back to ground zero with Ice packs on my neck.    Pins and Needles and a lump in my neck and skull.   How long is this thing going to last.    Taking a flight to China tomorrow.   Home in DC on Tuesday.   Will see the anesthiosiologist on the 14th.   Did  I do wrong by lifting the suitcase right after the block? Mei Mei]

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 08, 2010, 07:55:05 am

Mei Mei,
I don't think the block that you received in the acupuncturist office is the same as the one I received in the anesthesiologist office.  Scroll up to Capt Deb's comment..I think there is a difference.  I was also talking to someone else on the forum who I met out at lunch and she's doing the blocks at her pain management Dr's office, and the way she described the blocks she's getting is totally different.  Its almost like they're just putting some type of steroid in her in multiple spots, like quick little pokes, sort of like a botox injection would be like.  Mine was one big shot that blocked the entire nerve in one shot....see what the anesthesiologist says, hopefully they can help.

Hang in there honey, there will be relief I promise...but it does take a while to figure out what works for you  :)
Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on July 08, 2010, 09:46:44 am

Hi, Mei Mei.  I want to second Lizard's comments.  I think the term nerve block is used loosely sometimes, so maybe you didn't get what you thought you did.  On the other hand, if you did receive an occipital nerve block and it didn't take, that's important diagnostic information, and your doctor can then move on to treating your pain another way. 

You should get a copy of your medical records describing the shot you got to take to your appointment with Dr. D. so he'll know what you got.  It's important diagnostic information, and doctors usually space out and limit the number of steroid injections you get.  Good luck!!!   

staypoz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 08, 2010, 10:43:33 pm

Well friends,  Thanks for writing back.  I've got my head and neck packed on ice.   It's really numb and stiff.   I signed a release before the shots and at the top was titled  Occipital Nerve Block.  I got several shots of steroids with lidoicaine...about 6 to 7 along the neck and occipital area.   I am at the airport in Tiapei waiting for a flight to Beiging.  Don't know whatto tell my aunt whether I should get more accummcptuere whle I am there.   My neck is so stiff and numb.  I put ice on it every night.  It's hard living like this.   Want to move on with things.

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on July 09, 2010, 07:41:25 am

Hi, Mei Mei.  Hang in there.  Sometimes it takes a while to find what works.  And give yourself some credit.  Not too many people would have undertaken such a long trip so soon after surgery.

Safe travels.

staypoz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 10, 2010, 11:52:08 pm

Thanks!   I got a bad headache last night, so my aunt arranged for an accupuncture doctor to come to the room this morning and for the next three days until I leave.  She said the skull and neck are all hard and it should take a year for this to resolve.   Talk to you later!

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Captain Deb on July 12, 2010, 03:27:25 pm

Quote from: Lizard on July 08, 2010, 07:55:05 am

Mei Mei,
I don't think the block that you received in the acupuncturist office is the same as the one I received in the anesthesiologist office.  Scroll up to Capt Deb's comment..I think there is a difference.  I was also talking to someone else on the forum who I met out at lunch and she's doing the blocks at her pain management Dr's office, and the way she described the blocks she's getting is totally different.  Its almost like they're just putting some type of steroid in her in multiple spots, like quick little pokes, sort of like a botox injection would be like.  Mine was one big shot that blocked the entire nerve in one shot....see what the anesthesiologist says, hopefully they can help.

Hang in there honey, there will be relief I promise...but it does take a while to figure out what works for you  :)
Liz

Occipital nerve blocks are done with DEPO-MEDROL in one injection in the greater occipital nerve and one in the lesser occipital nerve.  If you are getting multiple injections you are probably getting trigger point injections of mostly lidocaine and some corticosteroid.  There is a big difference in these two procedures in the efficiency and duration of relief.  I had TPI's to give me some temporary relief until the new meds kicked in.  I had ONB's when none of the meds seemed to work.  Do some research on these procedures before you have them.


Capt Deb

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 14, 2010, 04:38:15 am

Hi Deb,
I just got home last night.   You're right.   What I got on July 1 was steroid and lidocaine.   It had no effect on me AT ALL.   I still have a lump on my head.   Have an appt on Monday with the Anetthesiologist at 0 alm.   Still am having headaches.   Had Accupuncture for the last four days in Beijing.   Headaches on the airplane.   Another this morning.   The doctor there said not to use ice but heat.   I got some Chinese stuff to rub on and will use that.  My Aunt told me to take B-1 and B-12  and to take injections of that.  She is a doctor.  They told me to use heat compresses instead.   Big believers in heat.   Tolld me to use a Bone comb and comb 50 times a day on the AN side.

Take care.   Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 16, 2010, 01:32:03 pm

I just got back from the Physical Therapist and she said that PT is not going to help the big lump along my neck and it is not going to go away for a year if ever.   I'm really down from this news.   She and the accupuncturist said it is scar tissue, but I didn't have surgery there.   I don't understand.   I am going to see the anesthesiologist on Monday.   I don't know if injections will break up the lump in my neck and occipital area, but have hopes.   She said to ask the neurologist and that more would resolve in a year.  Jim had said this about the nerves in the scalp and the feeling of pins and needles.  I guess its the same for the neck and occipital area, but from what I read from you people, it can take longer.  The lump in my neck doesn't hurt or effect the range of motion but it's just there and is a concern.   I put heat on it and massage my shoulders.   Am being really patient about this...am spending so much time going to therapy and don't know how much more time insurance will allow for this.

Hanging in there...
Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 17, 2010, 03:21:18 pm

Mei Mei,
Welcome home, and I'm sorry to hear things are not getting better for you, but hopefully the anesthesiologist will be able to help.  I don't have a lump on my neck, but there was a lot of pain there and I think that it has to do with the surgeons moving the muscles in that area out of the way to get to the tumor.  This is how the occipital nerve gets compromised as well.  It runs right along these same muscles. 
Sending healing vibes your way!
Hugs,
Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 18, 2010, 06:50:32 am

Thanks, Liz!   This is a great explanation as nothing was making sense about how my neck was lumpy this long before.    I'm busy this morning getting all my surgical papers ready to bring to StayPoz's anesthesiologist.   I hope he can help me do something for the lump in my neck and skull.   I read this last night and just couldn't bend my neck enough to answer.   So many pins and needles too.   Thanks all for so much caring!!!

Hugs,
Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 19, 2010, 01:57:16 pm

Hello,

I got the Nerve Block today with one shot in the Sub Occipital Area done with Kenelog and Lidocaine.   I should have stressed that I am feeling it in my neck as well as in my skull.   He was in and out of the office so fast I could not believe it.  He promised me the pins and needles would go away with this shot, but the lump in the is still there.   He said to come back in two weeks for follow up.   I guess then I'll stress the neck.   I came home and iced the neck.   He was right about the pins and needles going away from the skull with this shot.   The 7 shots I had on July 1st with the cortisone and lidocaine didn't touch the pins and needles.   

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 19, 2010, 02:00:47 pm

I forgot to mention that he also gave me a prescription for Elavil to go along with me.

That's the update for today.   I hope this combo of Kenelog and Elavil work for me.

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 19, 2010, 02:16:12 pm

I was hoping you would post after the appointment.  I'm so happy for you, hopefully this will work.  You will probably have a sore neck for a few days, but hopefully after that you can really feel the difference. 
Take care,
Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 19, 2010, 03:39:11 pm

Hi Liz,
Thanks for your support!   Why a sore neck for a few days when the shot was in the skull?

Wondering,
Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: cin605 on July 19, 2010, 04:17:01 pm

Wow!I hope this works MeiMei.
I am going for cervical spine MRI and then my prediction in spine clinic from there.At which time they will probly want to try the nerve block route also...had one done before with no results...must have been the lidocain..keep us posted.
Cindy

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 19, 2010, 04:41:10 pm

Good Luck Cindy!   I've had a cervical laminectomy on C 5/6 6/7 in 1988   neck issues too.   They cut my vocal cord back then and had to have a vocal cord anastomosis a year later with my ansa hypoglossi (tongue nerve) in 1989 out in Irvine CA.   

Wouldn't Lidocaine help things not hurt.   At this point, my neck still has a lump in it.   I should have gotten two shots, one in my skull and one in my neck.  The doctor said just like some one on this site said that the shots are a diagnostic also.   I have another appointment in two Mondays and am hoping for a shot in my neck to wipe out this lump in my neck and get this over with.   I think it is related also to my cervical spine issues back to 1988.  I'll have to remind him, but it was in my record that I wrote down and on my operative report.

Hangin' in,
Thanks for writing...
Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: cin605 on July 19, 2010, 05:00:46 pm

I am confused lidocain good or bad?I thought i should be asking for depomedrol???

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 19, 2010, 05:36:49 pm

Lidocaine has two purposes:
1) It is used as an antiarrythrthmic or heart  drug

or 

2)  in our csse as an anesthestic, a pain reliever, so that it won't hurt as it goes in

I was wondering why you said the lidocaine was a problem?

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: cin605 on July 20, 2010, 08:26:24 am

Quote from: Captain Deb on March 30, 2010, 04:52:30 pm

I have had about 7-8 nerve blocks in the past few years.  The first one worked so well I was able to go on vacation and go body surfing!  I feel they really helped. After the 7th or 8th one the anesthesiologist that was administering them said I needed to take a break. When I see the neurologist again in April I am going to ask him about restarting the nerve blocks.  The Botox takes care of the front of my head and hopefully the nerve blocks will relieve some of the occipital nerve pain that I have.  The drug they used on me is called Depomedrol.  It is pretty painful during the injection, but only for a few seconds.  I also had some post injection pain the next day and an ice pack helped that.

Good Luck!

Capt Deb

I didn't mean lidocain was bad...i really have no clue...:(...i was just reading this post from captain Deb which said the Depomedrol worked better for her....but as you well know ..what works for some of us ...does not work for others.

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 20, 2010, 09:05:38 am

Quote from: Mei Mei on July 19, 2010, 03:39:11 pm

Hi Liz,
Thanks for your support!   Why a sore neck for a few days when the shot was in the skull?

Wondering,
Mei Mei

Right, well its more of the lower back of the head where ever the needle went in, at least it was for me...the muscles in that area were sore.
Although you might have been give the shot differently, so who knows?  :)

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 20, 2010, 09:09:56 am

Quote from: Lizard on July 20, 2010, 09:05:38 am

Quote from: Mei Mei on July 19, 2010, 03:39:11 pm

Hi Liz,
Thanks for your support!   Why a sore neck for a few days when the shot was in the skull?

Wondering,
Mei Mei

Right, well its more of the lower back of the head where ever the needle went in, at least it was for me...the muscles in that area were sore.
Although you might have been give the shot differently, so who knows?  :)

Ok so now I'm confusing myself...where exactly was the shot?  Mine was at the base of my scull, closer to the neck.  Was yours higher up on your head somewhere?  Just curious because I've wondered why they haven't done any in any other places on my head.  I also have pain over and in my eye as well as on the side of my head?
Interesting,
Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on July 20, 2010, 09:24:08 am

Mei Mei, when I first went to see Dr. D., I asked him specifically to inject something into that lump, because I was convinced that would eliminate my pain.  At least for me, it had exactly the opposite effect.  The pain intensified.  Sometimes you can just irritate things. 

I hope you are starting to get some relief.

staypoz   

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 20, 2010, 05:08:13 pm

The appointment happened so quickly.   First he said I was a healthy 61 year old and then I tried to show him my MRI and x ray but he didn't look at them.  He asked me how I knew him and I told him.   He asked the other doctors I was seeing and other meds I was using and I told him.   He explained them to me and told me I should use Elavil to help with sleep so he prescribed that (I know I will put on weight with that and I just put on 30 lbs with Risperdal and my doc took me off of it because he wants me to lose weight).  Anyway I tried Elavil last night. 

Next he said he was going to inject and I asked with what and he said Lidocaine and Kenelog.  I didn't have the chance to discuss my neck...the most important part and before I knew it, he was back in the room with the injection.   I brought a neighbor who was a retired doctor and I later asked him where he injected and he told me it was in the Sub Occipital area.   Dr. D said that the Pins and Needles in my scalp would go away and they have but it's still numb and tender.   The neck is still a problem and I had a killer headache last night.   Now I don't know what to do about the neck...to shoot it or not to shoot it...that is a problem...there is a lump there and how to get rid of it.   There are no pins and needles there, just a lump and I put ice on it to try to calm it down.  The occipital area gets bigger and smaller depending on activity.   I wanted to join a gym and work out but that would just aggravate my head and get it excited.  Activity like walking the dog gets the skull excited and i have to come home and put ice on it.

I have been having frequent urination and thought maybe I am becoming a diabetic and called a urologist and they told me to call my primary care which happens to be next to Dr. D.   They told me to come over to do a urinalysis for a urinary tract infection so that's a lot simpler than diabetes, but I've really got to lose this weight and exercise right now is out of the question.   It's really frustrating.

My next appointment with Dr. D is Aug. 2.  He said to come back in 1 to 2 weeks.   Maybe I should go back in 1 week.   I'm luck that my co-pay is only five dollars.   Thank goodness for insurance.

Take care everybody!

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: cin605 on July 20, 2010, 07:14:13 pm

Soory to hear MeiMei.....i went through the frequent urination thing before i knew i had AN...it went on for about a year...went to Disney had to stop at every restroom i walked by...no fun.
When was your last MRI?

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Denise S on July 20, 2010, 11:45:42 pm

Mei Mei,
I REALLY think you need to go back to your original surgeon if you haven't yet.   Maybe request a new MRI AND a cervical MRI!   The more I read your problems sound a lot similar to mine, but I have that Chiari Malformation that is causing a lot of the pain.

Funny you mention Elavil.   I was thinking of asking about that because it is also an antidepressant and I need that, plus something for pain/musculoskeletal pain.   BUT, someone else I know JUST got off that due to weight gain.....WELL, I for sure can't have that.  I am way to overweight already, ugh!

Will have to email you or call again.   The more I read your posts the more I think our situations seem similar, but mine isn't from the AN removal (and I have Middle Fossa vs. Retro), but the surgery did more than likely flare up the other issues.

take care
Denise

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on July 21, 2010, 07:20:58 am

Mei Mei, it doesn't sound as if you had the best experience with Dr. D. I'm sorry to hear that because he has been so helpful to me, although I must reiterate, I have not been relieved of all of my pain.  But I'm grateful for the relief I have gotten. 

Take care!

staypoz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 21, 2010, 11:21:58 am

I'm still Stayin Poz with Dr. D.  He's a great doctor.   He said the shots are diagnostic and not definitive and I agree with him.   It's after all a practice not a science.

I've developed this urine problem now and knew it would happen some time or another with all these drugs we are taking we are sitting ducks for developing something else wrong.    I dropped a sample off yesterday and it was negative for a urinary tract infection and had blood in it.   The doc wants me to have an ultrasound for kidney stones or possible something else.   Now I'm worried.   While I was in China I forgot to bring enough Motrin or Alleve and asked my aunt to go to the drug store and get me some Ibuprofen.   She came home with a small card of it and told me the pharmacist said that you should only take it for 6 days.   I said I'd been taking it since Jan.    They are so careful in China and here we buy it in bottles of 1000.   I'm worried about developing liver or bladder problems with all these drugs I'm taking for the problems I've developed since the surgery.   It shouldn't have to be this way.   We should be better after surgery not worse.   I know, Should is Should.

I cancelled my appointment with the neurologist so that I can be free to see a urologist tomorrow and they rescheduled me for August 26th.

My appointment for the ultrasound is today at 3:30.   Wish me luck!

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on July 21, 2010, 02:38:34 pm

Mei Mei, I wonder if we have the same urologists, too?  The guys at Foxhall?

Good luck with the test!

staypoz   

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 21, 2010, 03:51:13 pm

Well, I'm just back from the Ultrasound and there is no tumor and no Kidney Stone so I went to my doctor's secy and she said the doc would probably refer me to a urologist tomorrow.   I think he refers people to Dr. Deiter but I'll know in the morning.   They still haven't started treating me and I have pain so I started taking several cranberry pills called Theracran.   I hope they help.

My father is so healthy!   He he takes Levothyroxin for his thyroid and Singulair for his itchy skin.   He's 95 1/2 + and never had a single surgury.   I've already had several and keep popping pills.   I've got a cold sore on my lip and look awful today.   I don't know his answer.   Good genes...

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: cin605 on July 21, 2010, 05:11:39 pm

Good Luck Mei Mei....Thoughts and prayers to you!

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: moe on July 21, 2010, 07:05:28 pm

Mei Mei,
I'm so sorry you have to go through all this  :'( It really isn't fair or fun having to spend half your life at the doctor's office, and your pain  and knots sound dreadful.
Hang in there
Maureen

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on July 22, 2010, 09:22:18 am

Mei Mei, I'm so pleased that you don't have a tumor or kidney stone, although I'm sorry you are having to spend so much time at the docs.  Dr. Dunne is my urologist, and I think the world of him and his colleagues.  When I had to have surgery to remove my kidney soon after my AN surgery, I was the most anxious about having head pain and brainwrecks while I was hospitalized.  The Foxhall urology docs went out of their way to make sure my head pain was attended to, and that my head wasn't positioned awkwardly any more than it needed to be during surgery.  You are in good hands with them.

Hope they get to the bottom of this.  Stay cool!

staypoz 

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 22, 2010, 10:20:22 am

Quote from: staypoz on July 22, 2010, 09:22:18 am

  When I had to have surgery to remove my kidney soon after my AN surgery, I was the most anxious about having head pain and brainwrecks while I was hospitalized. 
staypoz 

I only have one kidney too  :)

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: staypoz on July 22, 2010, 10:30:30 am

I think there is someone else on the forum who also has one kidney.  Our own sub-club!  Is your remaining kidney on the same side as your AN was?  I'm sure it's just a coincidence, but my kidney, AN, and knee surgeries were all on the same side!   

staypoz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 22, 2010, 12:39:11 pm

Too funny, my one kidney is on the opposite side from my AN....coincidence or not still could make for a pretty cool story  ;)

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Soundy on July 22, 2010, 02:30:41 pm

I have one and a half kidneys ...does that count for anything ???

left kidney is only partially functional ... damaged in an accident leaving scar tissue and now get kidney stones on a regular basis because of narrowing that doesn't allow urine to fully empty and stones get stuck and sometimes have to be retrieved ... prone to infections and also have issues related to lupus with both kidneys at times  ...have had surgery to widen opening  ... kidney is enlarged from backing up and just kinda aches alot of the time ... damage they say is not reversable 

when I was diagnosed with diverticulitis several years ago it wasn't until I was burning up with a fever and went in thinking kidney infection ... I had been hurting and just didn't go in because I was tired of looking at doctors ... urinalysis came back good and they did a MRI and found the inflamed infected diverticula ... I am sometimes my own worse enemy medical wise ... just so used to hurting I didn't pay attention when things were getting worse ...

that is something that worries me with head pain ...getting used to it and not heeding warnings if something else is going on

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 23, 2010, 06:03:23 am

Soundy, I think you're part of the club too....1 and a 1/2 kidneys is less than 2 so you're in!  I know the feeling, Dr's say you should watch the patterns of your headaches and if they change to see them right away, but how do you know when you're head is just a mess all the time.  I hear ya...
Take care,
Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 23, 2010, 09:31:43 am

Dear Members of the club,
As I was sitting watching the screening on the ultrasound two days ago, I was thinking of all of you and hoping she wouldn't find anying like a stone or a tumor since the doc's office called and said the urine test was neg. and there was blood.   Whew, she said I looked good and sent me home untreated.   

By 9 p.m. I was in the ER complaining of extreme pain and yes, this time the urine test was positive and I had a uriniary tract infection.   At least we knew what it is and spent yesterday morning in bed sleeping.   Now I have antibiotics and more pain pills to take.   Will see the urologist on Monday to make sure it isn't something more.    Just take as many meds as we do for these post op headaches sets us up for liver and bladder problems.   I feel like the prophet of doom, but I want to get off these drugs and start living a doctor free life like my father...all he takes is the one little thyroid pill in the morning at age 95, not even a pill for arthritis.   No headaches.   The big question is how do we get to be pain free and doctor free so that our organs stand a chance to survive?

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Lizard on July 24, 2010, 09:19:47 am

Mei Mei,
I was never a sick person before the AN, so I didn't really go to the pharmacy a lot, now they all know me by name.  What I wouldn't do to get off these meds...
Happy you're UTI is feeling better!
Liz

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 24, 2010, 09:56:29 am

Thanks, Liz...This AN is really a Pandora's Box, isn't it?

Stay cool...

Mei Mei

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: moe on July 24, 2010, 12:00:16 pm

Quote from: Mei Mei on July 23, 2010, 09:31:43 am

   The big question is how do we get to be pain free and doctor free so that our organs stand a chance to survive?

THAT is a good question, and only time will tell. You have to give yourself up to 5 years post op (I'm serious!) Traumatic Brain Injury guidelines say so and that's what we had with this surgery.
AN brain surgery= TBI

Hang in there Mei Mei. As you know I don't suffer from headaches, but the tinnitus is so unbearable sometimes, my ear hurts.I cringe at the thought of social events, and I used to like the interactions with people.

 I don't like taking antidepressants and anti anxiety meds but until a cure is found, that's the way it's gonna be.

Don't give up, never surrender!  (what was that movie??? Tim Allen, some comedy. TV actors like Star Trek meet with aliens and the aliens think they are real.......)......funny movie.
Maureen

Title: Re: I'm getting an occipital nerve block
Post by: Mei Mei on July 24, 2010, 01:02:55 pm

Hi Maureen,
It's like a prison sentence.  I'll never forget the day the doctor asked me if I had Tinnitus and I realized that I did and until he asked me I'd been walking around used to it because it was happening so gradually and now it's much louder after the surgery.

My bedroom, bureau and nightstand look like a drugstore and I'm sick of it.   Want to put all these bottles away, but keep having these headaches in the middle of the night and well the Tinnitus is the Tinnitus and follows you everywhere...it never goes away as does the lump in the skull and neck.

I just read your post and really relate to you.   I felt so sad.   There's nothing we can do about our situation.   Just keep going to the doctors with hope and not really getting anywhere.

Keep hanging...
Mei Mei