Yesterday's Procedure...... June 12th, 2013

So I had a procedure done yesterday at Kennewick General Hospital.  The procedure was to help stop the nausea and vomiting that I have been fighting with for about the last 2 months or longer.   We honestly had NO idea what the procedure was, or anything....The only thing we did know was there was a 50/50 shot I was staying in the Hospital.  What I REALLY wasn't to happy with...... is that I was honestly mostly awake through the entire thing!!!!  I am really beginning to HATE have procedures that I have to be awake for.  JUST KNOCK ME OUT ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  lol  

Well, because of this procedure, I had to reschedule my Doctors Appointment to the day before.  My Doctor and I had a fantastic Discussion with my Doctor, and we are really looking at the possibility that no only that not only could the RSD be spreading to my Tummy, but my Right Foot and up to the Knee as well.   They asked me to start taking pictures of it, so I will.  I just wish I had the pics from when my ankle was the size of my calf!!!   lol.....I had Kankles!!!    :)

I also found out the my St. Judes Person is no longer working for the company.  However, he was able to give me a good number to a previous co-worker of his that has extremely good experience and 15+ years doing these exact things.  I've asked them if they believe the Stimulator that I have implanted in my neck could possibly work for my feet....unfortunately the answer to that question....Was a very depressing "No".  Not only from my Doctor herself, but the St. Judes Person as well.  They said the leads are too far apart. 

Another thing they are doing is referring me back down to Lewiston Idaho to see the surgeon that did the implant.  They want to make sure that the car wreck we were in did not move either of the leads (which could be the reason that it doesn't cover my hand like it did at first) and that could also be the reason for the MAJORLY increased pain (which I believe is the cause of the nausea). 

(Please remember, this is NOT A MEDICAL SITE, NOT AM I GIVING MEDICAL ADVICE.)

Ok, So here is what I had Done Yesterday:  Celiac-Plexus-Nerve-Block.  Here is some information about it from the link above: 

• How is the celiac plexus block performed?   It is done with the patient lying on stomach. The patients are monitored with EKG, blood pressure cuff and an oxygen-monitoring device. The celiac plexus block is performed under sterile conditions. The skin on back is cleaned with antiseptic solution and the skin is then numbed with a local anesthetic. Then X-ray is used to guide the needle or needles into the proper position along the outside of the spine. Once in place, a test dose of dye is used to confirm that the injected medication will spread in an appropriate area. If this is okay, the injection takes place gradually over several minutes. The physician will use the X-ray to evaluate the spread of the injected medication. When a sufficient area is covered, the injection will be over. When done, the needle is removed and a Band Aid is applied.
• How long does the effect of the medication last? 
  The local anesthetic wears off in a few hours. However, the blockade of celiac plexus nerves may last for many more hours or days. Usually, the duration of relief gets longer after each injection.
• How many celiac plexus blocks do I need to have?
  If you respond to the first injection, you will be recommended for repeat injections. Usually, a series of such injections is needed to treat the problem. Some may need only 2 to 4 and some may need more than 10. The response to such injections varies from patient to patient.

When I woke up today, I was still nauseated, however it didn't seem as bad.  I sat down, took my meds with a SMALL sip of liquid, then continued not moving for about an hour or so.  It seemed that when the Nausea pill and the pain meds kicked in, that's about when the true nausea relief came.  However, at that point, the pain in my Right foot and Knee became much more apparent because I wasn't focusing on trying not to throw up.    I know there are some topics in this Blog that are not easy to read or even think about, however, I need to be able to give my Doctor a Day by Day and sometimes hour by hour account of how I'm doing and whats effecting what. 

Thank you all for all your continued support while we battle through yet another part of the War....