Brachial plexus block - any experiences?

[piemashandliquer]

im booked to have a ganglion at my wrist removed next week and down for a bp block. I'm really worried about nerve damage although I think the risk is small. The surgeon said if it were him he'd have a general anaesthetic, but would not say more annoyingly other than than 'the risks'.

I don't think I really get a choice being a day patient I guess they want me in and out but I am really worried about the nerve block.

Anyone got any experiences good or bad?

Thank you Fab, that is reassuring. I am very scared about it all and just got myself in a bit of a tizzy. im still anxious about it tho ??

I had one in conjunction with a GA when I had my wrist fused to give pain control afterwards. No problems at all, and the pain control was great.

On another op they were going to use the BP block (in the end they needed to be able to monitor nerve activity), and the anaesthetist said they used ultrasound to guide the injection to reduce the risk

Oh I'd have a block (am orthopaedic surgical registrar, not consultant). I have seen them used really well and avoids all the systemic effects of a GA. the risks are incredibly small with experienced anaesthetists.

I wonder if it's just that your consultant is used to doing things the same way. Some units do blocks as standard and lots of places have anaesthetists who are there just to do blocks as they do so many.

Thank you both for your replies, it has made me feel a bit better, but I'm still utterly terrified that I will lose function and feeling in my right arm. CMO - did the injection itself hurt?

Sorry, I don't know as they did it while I was under - I have a nerve pain condition in that arm, hence the need for heavy duty pain control in the hope that it would stop it kicking off after the operation