So we left off on my arm story when I found out I surgery wasn't an option for me.
I had cruddy Lyrica, Valium, and various topical creams.
The neurologist did not advise I go down the path of a nerve root injection.
It is when they inject a steroid/anesthetic combo into the fat surrounding the nerve root.
One of the possible side effects is nerve damage and pain.
I laugh at your possible side effects! I already have them!
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| "All I have now is pain in a cup." |
So I went ahead and organised the procedure.
I had to stop taking any NSAIDs (to limit bleeding).
During the procedure, the site of the needle injection was determined using a CT scan and special grid, which was then replaced with a sharpie mark on my neck.
There wasn't anything to hold my head in place, I just had to keep still o.O
It's a good thing I don't mind needles, can keep still, and have a high pain threshold (for the anesthetic they inject first).
They inserted the needle a bit, scanned to see where it was, then pushed it in a bit further.
When it was in place, the steroid/anesthetic bolus was injected.
Afterwards, I could feel a little pressure where the bolus was injected but nothing too bad.
It has been ~3 weeks since the injection and I have experienced a notable improvement.
I have explicitly documented it, so I'm not just guessing.
I can sit at my computer and work, I can go for long walks, I can fist pump at a Rammstein concert, heck I can even hike up a damn mountain and still be okay.
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| I'll still complain the entire time, but not about my arm. |
I couldn't do these things before without mind-numbing pain.
I made an educated choice to have this procedure and I am SO glad I did!
I hope I'm not talking too soon, but I feel hope again :)
