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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> I've been Occipitalized
        
(Message started by: notseinfeld on Oct 10^th, 2002, 10:57pm)

Title: I've been Occipitalized
Post by notseinfeld on Oct 10^th, 2002, 10:57pm

Yes indeed, the ONB or Occipital Nerve Block was performed efficiently and early (in office at 7:00AM) this morning and here's how it went.

Three nurses who knew little about our condition but who were the most pleasant medical folks I've ever encountered. Asked questioned, had empathy, were intrigued, etc etc. Ditto on the doctor. Clean cut, awake (somehow) and explained fully whatever my questions were.

For the first time in a long time I didn't feel like I was freeform in a doctor's office turnstyle. It also could not have come at a better time given my anxiety and lack of caffeine.

The Procedure:

Two Injections in the back of my head at the bottom of the cranium. Almost exactly where the skull meets the flesh at the top of the neck. Shots were ipsilateral meaning they were injected in the same hemisphere as the pain. In my case, the right side.

Lasted for less than 3 minutes. Since I was a bit nervous I have forgotten exactly what the substitue for the methylpredisolone was but the good Doc explained that he favored it for it's more rapid dissolution in the nerve. This was actually a cocktail of the methyl-X and lidocaine.

When queried on the rough amount of pain, he indicated it would be akin to bee sting. Indeed, but remember that bee stings do hurt. First shot wasn't too bad, about a kip 2 lasting for oh, 5 seconds. The second shot similar but since it was closer to my right ear (eek, getting chills just reliving it) I actually *heard* the needle penetrating the leather-like skin of my scalp. Thought I even heard hair follicles stepping aside and it was, well, Icky. Nevertheless, if it has any efficacy I'll do it again in a heartbeat.

Hope this helps those considering the procedure and I'll gladly read of your experiences no matter the length!

Nots

Title: Re: I've been Occipitalized
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Oct 10^th, 2002, 11:34pm

Nots,
wishing you luck!
How long do those shots last then?
Mast

Title: Re: I've been Occipitalized
Post by J. Marshall on Oct 11^th, 2002, 10:06am

Let us know how it goes from here. I know your head was probably numb for a day or so. But tell us if it has helped your Clusters....

Title: Re: I've been Occipitalized
Post by sueellen83 on Oct 11^th, 2002, 2:03pm

Not, Good luck, man. Let us know how well it worked.
:D

Sue Ellen

Title: Re: I've been Occipitalized
Post by LTBullitt on Oct 11^th, 2002, 6:51pm

Interesting, but a bit too Cronenberg.

Title: Re: I've been Occipitalized
Post by cox3406 on Oct 11^th, 2002, 8:40pm

Cool.....kinda like Pinhead from HellRaiser. :o
How does your head feel, better?
I'm willing to try it, me next!

Title: Re: I've been Occipitalized
Post by Linda T on Oct 12^th, 2002, 6:34pm

Hey nots - good luck. Please let us know how it works. Hope your PF!

Linda T

Title: Re: I've been Occipitalized
Post by notseinfeld on Oct 15^th, 2002, 4:56pm

Like Edison said, "I've successfully identified yet one more way that won't work". I might like to add my own words of 'f u c k' to the end of that. Seems I'm running out of options here rather quickly. Depakote had been of no discernable help and the ONB was like a radar blip that just moved the time of attack around. Big whoop.

There are some people working on my (our) behalf trying to push the implant issue. While this may seem a tad outlandish to the ECH folks, the chronics welcome it with open arms, and necks.

As an aside, I still cannot sit for more than 1 hour in front of the television without triggering an attack. Is there anyone else reading this small thread with similar ridiculousness?

nots

Title: Re: I've been Occipitalized
Post by J. Marshall on Oct 16^th, 2002, 5:56am

Sorry it didn't work for ya. I know the experience. Although I had what is called a Occipital Cryo Block, which basically administers the meds but for an added kick temporarily destroys a certain nerve (Ablate).

I know it's not fun, especially when you find out it didn't help. I'm pulling for ya...

Jim Marshall