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Original poster

Nerve / medial branch blocks, anyone?

17 replies

vipersnest1 · 10/08/2023 21:23

I'm having these next week, and really hope it works, but I have some worries ( I've called the hospital and left a message, but haven't had a reply).
I get muscle jerks, and can't lay on my front without a hole for my face (like a physio's couch) due to a bone spur in my neck which presses on a nerve.
Will they be able to cater for this, and should I insist on sedation?
(I'm nil by mouth prior to the procedure which I assume is in case I need an anaesthetic, but the information I've got doesn't mention that?)
If anyone can help me with any information, I'd be very grateful.

OP posts:

Original poster

vipersnest1 · 10/08/2023 22:27

Bump?

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Original poster

vipersnest1 · 11/08/2023 13:38

Anyone, or shall I get my coat?

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Greybeardy · 11/08/2023 13:57

sounds like you need to talk to whoever's doing the block about what position they'll need you in/ what usually happens on the list. You need to go through the consent process on the day before the procedure happens so there will be chance to ask them then if you don't get through before.

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Original poster

vipersnest1 · 11/08/2023 16:02

Thanks @Greybeardy - I called again today and a nurse did phone back. She seemed a bit dismissive about it (fine for her, she's probably seen loads of them done, but I haven't!)
She did say I would be able to speak to the consultant on the day, but also eventually said she'd pass it on.

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Original poster

vipersnest1 · 17/08/2023 19:52

Just bumping this up again, as I'm really anxious tonight.

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Mydoghealsmyheart · 17/08/2023 21:06

I’ve had nerve blocks, you usually have some sedation and they make sure you are completely comfortable. It’s an anxious time but you will be fine. I’ll be thinking of you.

ThePortlyPinUp · 17/08/2023 21:23

Just to be aware if you have sedation you have to treat it like a general anaesthetic usually so will need someone to pick you up and be with you for 24 hours post procedure. Where I work you see the consultant prior to the procedure so you can explain your positioning requirements and this is discussed with the whole team in the WHO meeting before cases begin. I hope all goes well for you and you get a good result from it.

Original poster

vipersnest1 · 17/08/2023 21:24

@Mydoghealsmyheart, I've actually got another thread going now as I was so desperate! (Thank you for replying on this one. )
Can someone hold my hand? I'm SO nervous..... http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4874472-can-someone-hold-my-hand-im-so-nervous
Whilst it's possible to have sedation, it's not given as a matter of course, but I'm going to ask for it as I've said on my other thread.

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tt9 · 17/08/2023 23:05

hiya@vipersnest1 I am an anesthetist n do nerve as part of my job. you have absolutely NO reason to worry. Trust me

(1) usually done by very experienced people
(2) we test the block multiple times before we let the surgeon anywhere near you. and then they also test the block. if at any stage you feel any pain, they will stop and give you something until you are comfortable again. NO ONE will expect you to grit your teeth through it
(3) we have all sorts of kit in theatre to make patients comfortable and theatre nurses/docs have a lot of tricks to make you comfy. bone spurs are common and no one will be phased, they will just deal with when you mention it and make you comfortable
(4) you will have about 5 members of staff (minimum) in theatre looking after ONLY you. Trust me you will be looked after

I definitely reccommend going for the block as it will give you good pain relief for a good while after. but you can have a bit of sedation as well if you are nil by mouth. depending on what exactly they are doing, if its a short procedure - sedation might not be worth it but if you are very nervous, it will help.

they will explain the potential side effects/complications of both sedation and block - but these are very rare and I wouldn't worry.

Good luck!

tt9 · 17/08/2023 23:06

*do nerve blocks. sorry half asleep already lol

Original poster

vipersnest1 · 17/08/2023 23:10

@tt9, thanks so much for your post, which is reassuring.
I'm nil by mouth which is a bit confusing as the most I'm expecting to get is sedation?

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Original poster

vipersnest1 · 17/08/2023 23:30

@ThePortlyPinUp, sorry for missing you in my replies. I'm grateful for your insight.

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tt9 · 18/08/2023 00:23

@vipersnest1 you need to be NBM for sedation as it also has the risk of any food in your stomach going into lungs. so this means from 6 hrs before (i guess midnight) - no food, chewing gum etc. depending on the advice you receive we allow sip of clear fluid in the morning - I.e. water. nothing else. but just to be safe follow advice on the letter sent to you as each hospital has a different protocol. they will give you a cup of tea/snacks after op

bryceQ · 18/08/2023 00:28

Did it go okay?

Original poster

vipersnest1 · 18/08/2023 06:02

Hi, @tt9 it's today - I'm up early as I needed to take some tablets (with black coffee as I need the caffeine!)

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clipclop5 · 18/08/2023 06:24

19 year old DD has had a few, where we are sedation isn’t offered for them and she’s never had any issues. A bit painful for a few seconds but that’s it. All over within 5 mins. You’ll be absolutely fine!

Original poster

vipersnest1 · 20/08/2023 20:54

Just resurrecting this in case anyone's still interested. @clipclop5 was right, they wouldn't give me sedation (why make me NBM then?), but actually I didn't really need it despite my fears.
The numbing for the skin was fine - I felt the first injection a bit.
But, I can't lie and say it was pain-free. It really hurt when the consultant was wriggling the needle around to get it in the right place. One of the nurses struck up a very false conversation with me to try to take my mind off it, bless her, but as I had my head stuffed into the pillow (the best I could do as I've got a dodgy neck) was go 'mumble wumble' into the pillow! 🤣
My leg felt very weird and heavy straight away and I didn't trust it to walk on for a while, but it was fine. By the evening it was just my foot and calf that felt numb but I did have sensation. I realised that that leg was slower to react so recorded a video of me straightening both at the same time and the affected leg was definitely slower and weaker.
Yesterday the foot still felt a bit weird but it had gone by the afternoon.
As instructed, I've taken it easy the last couple of days, but can report already that it has made a difference (it's a bit 'pinchy' today where the anaesthetic has worn off and the steroids haven't really had time to kick in yet, I suppose), so I'm hoping I can get the go ahead for the ablation, where they burn the nerves out. I've also had NO muscle spasms which is lovely. ☺️

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