United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Knowing that some people have come here with TBPIs from nerve blocks from surgeries....

Maia's piano teacher is having surgery in the spring and she is going to a VERY good surgeon who is well known for his arthroscopic work locally. He actually does all the arthroscopic work on kids with bpi with our local specialist...and he works at a teaching hospital and is well published, etc. But it gives me the shivers to know that I've talked to at least 12 people over the last 4 years that have gotten bpi from nerve block done incorrectly... and the anesthesiologist does it NOT the surgeon...

I told her about the risks and she asked me what I would do and I said that I wouldn't do it - too scary. So she called and asked the nurse and the nurse admitted that it was a risk but that the alternative was general anesthesia (like ohmygod - do you understand how risky GA is?)... so what would you do if this were you?

thanks for your opinions,
francine

General Anesthesia! I don't care what the risks are with GA, I've "been under" 3 times with no problems and just knowing what the risks are for nerve block.. no thanks!

(bu that's me who already has a BPI..)

I would say that either way - it is going to be up to the anesthesiologist to perform the nerve block or the GA. It will depend on how much you trust this person overall with which is chosen. I think the risks for bad outcomes from either GA or nerve block are slim, but I would say the best bet is that when she speaks with the anesthesiologist before surgery to ask him about these issues. Ask about his background performing nerve blocks - if any have resulted in BPI and ask about GA. No matter what, anything can go wrong in either case - and it is just what the person feels more comfortable risking in a way. I would be concerned more with how comfortable the anesthesiologist says he is with each procedure and which one he would recommend for the surgery. They go through years and years of training, and yes while some screw up, most do not.

I had a rotator cuff decompression (not arthroscopic actually) on the injured arm in 2001. The plan was to do local anesthetic but the anesthetic had to be injected into the (obstetrically injured) brachial plexus. I can't really remember because they give you drugs so you'll forget, but it was the worst pain I've ever been in. I just remember crying, severe pain and that they got my mom and the surgeon into the room. And then I remember the anesthesiologist asking if I wanted to try it again or do the GA. I chose GA.

Now, coming out of that was horrible as well, and yes the risks are greater, but it was a LOT easier to deal with going under and the coming out of it was the worst part. I do remember saying to myself no more surgery ever again, a promise I'll likely not be able to keep, but the nerve block part was traumatizing enough, though maybe more so for my mom who actually remembers.

So the lesson from me is the general anesthetic is hard, but honestly probably long run easier and statistically, there is only a small chance that she will have long term complications from either. I think she should talk over all the risks with her anesthesiologist ahead of time and explain her concerns.

I have had three surgires on my good arm all with a nerve block. the last two procedures the block wore of way to early. LEaving me with severe uncontelable pain. They were to last 24 hours they lasted 5.
Nate