Splanchnic Block

[scifi-enthusiast]

So, after seeing a pain specialist he recommended that I have a "Splanchnic Block" done on Tuesday for my adhesion pain and to see a rheumatologist for my arthritis pain. He also wants to do MRI's of my knees as well.

He said that the "Splanchnic Block" may work anywhere from several months to just 1 week depending on my body. Hopefully it will be for several months. Has anyone had this done before?

Here's a video of the procedure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNCRJzbObkE

 

[ameslouise]

No experience just wanted to say Good Luck!

- Amy

 

[Guest]

i recently had accupuncture treatment for back pain, it was amazing.. far more effective than i thought it would be... so i can imagine this procedure really helping you.

is that steroid that they inject through the needle? i've heard of having steroid injections into painful joints before, with a lot of success.

hope it goes ok - you'll have to keep us posted!

 

[David in Seattle]

Very interesting, good luck & please pass on your results.

 

[HeatherMN]

Never heard of it, so I had to go read about it! It sounds interesting and scary at the same time. I know they do nerve blocks and epidural injections for chronic pain/pinched nerves/etc.

I did read this though: "Because blockade of the splanchnic nerve results in increased bowel motility, this technique should be avoided in patients with bowel obstruction. Postblock diarrhea occurs in approximately 50% of patients." I wonder if that would make it contraindication with Crohn's.

Let us know what you decide to do!

(I found this on expertconsultbook.com (through Google))

 

[scifi-enthusiast]

The office wanted $300 up front and I said, "SCREW THAT!". I don't have the money right now. After I get on medicaid, sure, but not now. I have other expenses to worry about; like feeding myself.

 

[Guest]

aw sorry to hear that...

have you ever try a TENS machine - i bought one for myself a few months, only cost around £20 (not sure what that is in dollars).... and for pain blocking, it really is good.

 

[David in Seattle]

aw sorry to hear that...

have you ever try a TENS machine - i bought one for myself a few months, only cost around £20 (not sure what that is in dollars).... and for pain blocking, it really is good.

Sue - I've had "fibromyalgia" for years. At least that's what they call it Early on, I had a rheumo suggest a TENS unit. Since I basically ache all over, I asked him if I was supposed to fill the bath with water, get in, & toss in the leads. I've always been skeptical of them. You've had good luck with yours? On abdominal pain?

Quick online search I see one for $25.

 

[Guest]

hi David... i get what you're saying, it's hard to tackle all over pain, in one go.... and there's restrictions on how many times per 24hrs you can use the TENS.. but it's worth investing in one, and trying it on your worst achey areas & see if you feel an improvement.

i've never used it for stomach pain, but i know you can - in fact our pharmacy stocks mini TENS appliances specifically for period pain.

it's safe to use on most areas of the body (there are guidelines in the box), but you can't put it directly on bone... so if, say, you have pain in your lower spine, you put the pads either side on fleshy bits..

i've gone from being skeptical through not knowing what they can do, to totally believing in the relief they can give. my partner now uses it too, when he gets backache.

it won't cure the condition, but the pain block effect it brings does give some healing assistance, in that we hold ourselves very tense when we have pain.. and having that pain taken away for a few hours lets that part of our body relax.. so it does have a knock on effect.