Well had the nerve block, what now?

[spears0227]

I had the temporary nerve block done on Tuesday for my occipital neuralgia but I still feel horrible and I am in so much pain still. The injection sites are super sore as well, like a deep sore and not only surface sore. I feel so lost because I am so tired of being on all these medications and feeling like this. I am just at the point where I cant take it anymore. What do i do next? I have a previous post that explains my condition fully and symptoms.

[Barbara540]

I had TN for 7 yrs and went through the full pain thing.  Also caused immed after root canal by dentist.
I had two procedures .. no good!   I had the good fortune to meet Dr. B. in Fredericksburg, Va.  I believe he performed the balloon procedure.  The pain stopped immediately!!!  It has been 5 years NO PAIN, NO MEDS. I almost forgot that anybody still suffers from TN.  Sorry to hear not so.

[spears0227]

I know you are so right I just am so frustrated!!!! I go back in 3 weeks and the doctor said we can do more injections. I am currently doing research and will be going back to the neurologist too to see what else she can do medication wise. I feel best when laying in bed or on the couch with heat on the back of my head and face as well as pressure from a massager or anything that can apply pressure. I had a 16.9oz water bottle next to me the other day and stuck it behind my head at the base of my skull and pressed back on it and that helped! You are the only one that has responded to me and offered support and I am so grateful for that!

[nancy99n]

Sorry to hear the nerve block isn't helping yet.  Did the doctors tell you how long before you would feel relief?  (I never had one of these, so I have no knowledge about them).

I'm going to repeat myself -- you need to find an expert doctor and get the pain stopped via medication.  Then you'll be able to think things through and discuss what surgery or procedure would help in your case with the doctor.

Until the pain was under control -- I felt completely out of control, so I know what you're experiencing.

Some temporary relief type things I used before getting the right medication that you might want to try ---- I used Oragel on my teeth and jaws to be able to talk and eat.  I laid in bed with a hot compress to relief some of the facial pain.  I even tried a facial steam machine.  Probably all "placebo" type effects -- but I needed something to get through the day.

Take care and please keep looking for a doctor who can help you!  Don't give up!
Nancy