Getting on his nerves

Yesterday was Troy's most recent procedure. The doctors did injections in C3-5 to block the nerves as a test run for next week's procedure. They described yesterday's procedure as diagnostic in nature, rather than therapeutic.

The injections yesterday were designed to determine if those nerves are the ones causing all the pain, numbness, headaches, and clumsiness that he is suffering through. There is good news and bad news. The good news is the block did help his pain level and reduced numbness for about 4 hours. The bad news is that the pain is back with a vengeance. He had to be off all pain meds for 24 hours prior to the procedure yesterday and can't seem to get back ahead of the pain since the procedure. I'm sure it doesn't help that they had to navigate through all the muscles and nerves in the neck region to get to the spinal column!

On Tuesday, we go back to the specialist who will review the "pain diary" Troy was assigned to complete after the procedure. At that time, they will presumably schedule the nerve lesion. We say presumably because they could still recommend the fusion instead. However, since he had some success with the block, we are assuming they will go forward with the lesion. That procedure involves permanently deadening the nerves in those vertebrae so Troy won't experience pain, numbness, etc anymore! That will be welcome relief!