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Hi All - I was wondering if anyone has tried a nerve block for their neuropathy. I know steroids are a huge no-no, but my LLMD has indicated that lidocane blocks can be done with no steroids.
Background: My Lyme was diagnosed by Quest in Dec. '06 2 weeks after presenting with burning in my hands and arms. 2 months of doxy, 6 months of ceftin and plaquenil and tindimax and 3 months of levaquin and absolutely no change in my burning pain (although I think I've destroyed by GI tract in the process). I've tried Cymbalta and Pamelar for the pain and no change. Other than wanting to chop off my own arm to stop the burning, I'm thinking a nerve block may be the only thing yet to try.
I'd appreciate any thoughts! Thanks, as always.
-------------------- Carol Posts: 38 | From Essex County, NJ | Registered: Feb 2007
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Look into the possibility of IVIG (intravenous gamma globulin). You'd have to hop through the hoops of getting a neurologist to recommend it and insurance to go for it but it might really help.
Posts: 984 | From San Diego | Registered: Nov 2006
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I've had some decent success with nerve blocks. However, I do have disc degeneration issues on top (or as a result?) of the Lyme. My pain doc also injects torodol (non-steriodal anti-inflammatory) with the anesthetic sometimes. I've also had some good results with radiofrequency treatments that disturb the pain signal. But, none of these lasts terribly long for me. I spend a lot of time at the pain dr.
Had myself a good smattering of cortisone shots before the Lyme diagnosis. Glad you know not to do that. Good luck!
Posts: 8 | From Northern California | Registered: Jul 2006
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I was looking into IVIG, and how to get insurane to cover it, but thought we might have to go thru an immunologist. Did you do this thru an neurologist?
Also my daughter had occipital nerve blocks (non-sterodial). I think it was lidocaine that the Dr used and I did question him about the steroids! They were the best help with the nerve pain, since most of her pain was from one nerve. However they only lasted a few weeks and can only be done a few times. That't too bad! It was great though! Those few weeks with less pain (did not all go away) enabled her to finish high school and graduate on time!
Thanks, MommaK
Posts: 242 | From Mississippi | Registered: Oct 2006
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Which doctor you go to depends on the condition you have. So if you have some type of immune deficient condition that would qualify under insurance guidelines for IVIG then use an immunoloist. If you have a rheumatic condition, then see a rheumatologist. For nerve related issues, see a neurologist.
My husband qualified because the rheumatologist considers his condition to be dermatomyositis, an attempt a year or so ago to use cytoxan to help with the lungs and muscles failed to work and he had an EMG done through a neurologist that showed that he has "classic" myositis.
I know there was a poster a while back who qualified under Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP).
One approach you might take is calling an IVIG infusion company (Crescent Healthcare is one) and asking them who are the doctors (neurologist probably in your daughter's case) that are actually referring to them. It makes no sense to waste your time with a doctor that knows nothing about IVIG.
I know it's alot of hoops but if you can get it it can make a big difference.
Posts: 984 | From San Diego | Registered: Nov 2006
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