JNW

OK-- there are different types of pain clinics, and they seem to push their favorite procedure. A real certified pain clinic can still be less than effective because of what they push. Barbara-even VA pain clinics are that way. The Albuquerque. VA fully used the different types of nerve blocks, then years later the Los Angeles and some Florida VAs began using nerve blocks. This was in the Military Times-not the regional VA news.

Nerve blocks-- there are a dozen different medical mixtures for nerve blocks. I was a patient person and spent months trying out different mixtures.

I turned down surgeries for the RSD--and left that clinic. I also started out in an AF pain clinic, where I was given surgery room strength meds. I hit one colonel in the head with an almost full pill bottle. He got the point that the meds weren't working not even a little bit.

I was told by the effective pain clinic, later by the VA and AF that one reason my nerve blocks worked so well (after we found one that did work) was because I did not take any NSAID, acetaphenmine, alcohol, etc. I couldn't sleep over 3 hours at a time. My right hand was almost black from dead nerves. I would have committed suicide if I hadn't found that pain clinic.

Hi, If your liver is okay, you might try an herbal tea called valerian root. It is what they make vallium from. Tastes awful so mix with honey and maybe chamomile but a cuppa ought to put you right into sleep mode. If that is too strong, try lavender & chamomile or lemon balm.

There is also a product called 5-HTP. The capsules are made from flowers. It works for me if it is the last thing I do before laying down.

Then there are also meditative sound DVDs. I have one called Balance and another called Deeper.

Best wishes

I had invasive ductal carcinoma also. I was extremely lucky that is was caught in stage 1A. All the tissue was showing signs of changing but only a small amount was actually cancer. I decided to have a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery at one time. (I am the third generation with BC). I did not have any radiation nor chemo and went straight to hormone therapy. I had been on hormones before so now was a new phase in my life. Life without any hormones.

I am glad I found your post. I hope all goes well with the rest of your journey. I was diagnosed and treated in Nov of 2013. So far so good. Ah yes, I am hormone positive. Hot flashes suck by the way.

Thank you for your feedback...

I wish I had wisdom for you. I lost my last 2 jobs before this because of health problems. I finally took a job with a group that is more aligned with compassion and social justice. I love the mission of our clinic. I get to help people who are often going through what I went through just a few years ago.

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