United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I had a stellate ganglion nerve block and the doc said he had a complication and damaged my bracial plexus nerve and I am in so much pain, unbelievable pain. I had the nerve block for atypical facial pain and I thought that was bad, it was from shingles but this is terrible. He gave me percocet and I had a ct scan yesterday to make sure I don't have a hematoma I go for a nerve test next week. I really don't know what to expect except he said this can be permanent. I have two young daughters and a lot of responsibilities and am worried about how I'm going to manage with one working arm. I have a lot to learn. I am glad I found this forum. I posted one before but it didn't show up. I also have cardiomyopathy from a pregnancy 5 years ago and have gotten back a lot of heart function and just wanted the face pain to go away.

Dee,
Just wanted to welcome you to the boards. Unfortunately pain seems to be the norm with this type of injury. I can't help you there as my son seems to be in the minority with no pain. Yes sometimes TBPI can be permanent, but don't give up. Dustin is almost 3 yrs post accident and still seeing improvements. The best thing you could do is see a BPI specialist. They can give you the best answers and up-to-date treatments. Other drs just don't seem to have the knowledge that is needed. Nerve growth is about 1" per month so it can takes months to see changes. I'm not sure what type of damage he caused but PT or OT would be a good place to start. Many people with this injury can move much more in water without gravity so that may be something you want to look into.
Best of Luck,
Sue

dee just to let you know, all NEW topics must be approved first, that's why your previous post took some time to get posted. This is because people had been spamming the message boards daily.

Welcome, I hope we can help you Post any and all questions!

Marieke 32, LOBPI
(LOBPI means, Left Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury) I was injured at birth, so have lived with it all my life.